Replies

1. 
   SparrowHawk | Jun 01, 2003 12:55pm | #1

   This link is an excellent source of information about various woods ... it's not exactly what you were looking for but it's a useful site to bookmark.  http://inky.library.yale.edu/hough/index.html

   Ken

2. 
   DaveHeinlein | Jun 01, 2003 04:20pm | #2

   Waterfall, which I've only seen coupled with tropical woods, is closer to quilted. Tiger is an intense form of standard curly maple, generaly a consistant 1/4" wave.

3. 
   jonsherryl | Jun 01, 2003 05:25pm | #3

   Sassafras, it's pretty easy to get tied up in your shorts trying to fathom commercial names for various figures...They're mostly marketing ploys to enhance the perceived value of wood that is abnormal for one reason or another. Some of these names stem from fanciful descriptions of the appearance of the figure (tiger-stripe, quilted, bird's-eye, etc.), while others relate to traditional uses, such as "fiddle-back."

   The special figures in maple result from basically only two causes: uneven or wavy grain (fiddle-back, tiger-stripe, curly, etc.), or uneven growth rate along the cambium layer (bird's-eye, quilted, burl.) The visual affect of these figures can be manipulated by how the log is milled...Other special figures result from unusual pigmentation (spalting) or other natural causes, such as bettle infestation (ambrosia) or crotch figure, which is simply the normal anatomical structure of the wood at points where the tree branched off...but these latter examples are not anatomical abnormalities.

   If you study the wood closely, it's easy to determine what has contributed to the appearance of the stock...and once you do, the confusing trade nomenclature will begin to categorize itself and become more rational to deal with.

1. 
   Sassafrass | Jun 02, 2003 05:38am | #4

   Thanks for your replies.  I'm thinking about using the tiger stripe in combination with a little cherry for a mirror.  I also am saving up for a corner cabinet out of the tiger stripe.  My father has a sawyer come in anytime he has significant storm damage or tree loss in his woodlot.  I combed thru what was down and waiting for the sawyer.  I found some spalted wood and some crotches that I hope will yield some interesting pieces.  Too bad that I have to put my time in on our new house.  I sure would like to go out and play with some fun pieces.