Currly maple scales

[schmittie]

I've got a huge chunk of currly maple that I would love to use as handle scales for future projects. It's plenty old, been cut and split over a year ago. But would it have to be stabilized? Or is it hard enough on it's own? Any suggestions on how to cut it?

 

[Danbo]

Have it stabilized; you'll be glad you did.

 

[james terrio]

It's good stuff either way. Maple has been used "natural" with oil finishes for centuries with great results, but it requires some maintenance. Stabilized maple can also be dyed all kinds of cool colors. If you have a bunch, have some stab'ed and leave some natural. See which you prefer.

This thread may help with cutting ideas.

 

[NStricker]

". . . been cut and split over a year ago."

If it was green wood when cut, the rule of thumb is to allow the wood to dry a year per inch of thickness. If it was already split (firewood?) then that might speed up the drying, but will also speed up the checking of the ends.

Regardless, natural curly maple is beautiful. For a simple stain treatment check out the products from Laurel Mountain Forge.