Maple, Bird's-Eye, Premium Pen Blanks (5 Pc.)

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About Maple, Bird's-Eye, Premium Pen Blanks

Bird's-eye maple (Acer saccharum) is so named because the figure resembles small bird's eyes. Bird's-eye figure is a phenomenon that occurs within several kinds of wood, most notably in hard maple. The figure is reportedly caused by unfavorable growing conditions for the tree. The sugar maple attempts to start numerous new buds to get more sunlight, but with poor growing conditions the new shoots are aborted, and afterward a number of tiny knots remain. Bird's-eye maple is frequently sold in veneer form, but solid lumber is available as well. Being tiny knots, the bird's-eye figure is most noticeable and pronounced on flatsawn pieces of lumber. It turns well on a lathe, allowing it to be shaped into decorative canes, bottle stoppers and pens. It is used in refined specialty products, such as in automobile trim, both in solid form and veneer, boxes and bowls for jewelry, thin veneer, humidors, furniture inlays, handles, guitars, and pool cues. When working with bird's-eye wood, it is advisable to use sharp tools so as to prevent grain tear-out. USA. About Us: Founded in Boston in 1928, Woodcraft's operations were moved to Parkersburg, West Virginia in 1989. It's been over 90 years since Woodcraft first began selling high quality woodworking tools and supplies out of a one room shop in Boston's North End, and Woodcraft is still firmly committed to providing woodworkers with superior products and expert advice. We are America's leading supplier of saws, planes, power tools, hand tools, wood stain and paint, routers, sanding, wood, kits, dust collection and more. Our award winning family of brands includes WoodRiver, Highpoint, Woodcraft and Woodcraft Magazine as well as the greatest selection of woodworking books, videos, and plans