Schwedler Maple Tree Wood Uses (Expert Tips for Loggers & Sawyers)

Let’s dive into the world of Schwedler Maple!

As a forester and sawyer for over 20 years, I’ve had my hands on a lot of different types of wood. And while Schwedler Maple might not be the first species that springs to mind when discussing high-value hardwoods, it certainly holds its own, especially when you understand its unique characteristics and how to work with them. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Schwedler Maple, from identifying a standing tree to turning it into beautiful and functional wood products. My goal here is to give you the expert tips that will help you succeed, whether you’re a seasoned logger or a weekend woodworker.

Schwedler Maple: A Logger & Sawyer’s Guide

Schwedler Maple (Acer platanoides ‘Schwedleri’) is a cultivar of the Norway Maple, known for its striking, deep-purple foliage in spring that gradually turns greenish-bronze as the summer progresses. While its ornamental value is widely appreciated, its timber potential is often overlooked. Let’s change that.

Identifying Schwedler Maple in the Wild

Before you can utilize Schwedler Maple, you need to identify it correctly. This is crucial, as misidentification can lead to unexpected challenges down the line.

• Foliage: The most distinctive feature is, of course, the leaves. In spring, they emerge a vibrant purple, almost burgundy. As the season progresses, the color fades, but the leaves retain a slightly darker hue than regular Norway Maples.
• Bark: The bark is relatively smooth when young, becoming more furrowed and ridged with age. It’s generally gray-brown, similar to other Norway Maples.
• Form: Schwedler Maples tend to have a well-defined central leader and a broadly oval crown. They can reach heights of 50-70 feet, with a spread of 30-50 feet.
• Location: Schwedler Maples are often planted as ornamental trees in parks, gardens, and along streets. So, you’re more likely to find them in populated areas than deep in the forest.

Personal Story: I once spent a whole afternoon convinced I had found a stand of particularly dark-grained Red Maple. Turns out, it was a group of mature Schwedler Maples that had retained more of their purple pigment than usual. Lesson learned: always double-check!

Wood Properties and Characteristics

Understanding the wood properties of Schwedler Maple is essential for determining its suitability for various applications.

• Color and Grain: The heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown, while the sapwood is nearly white. The grain is generally straight, but can sometimes be slightly interlocked. It is often very similar to Hard Maple or Birch in its grain characteristics.
• Hardness: Schwedler Maple is considered a moderately hard wood. On the Janka hardness scale, it typically scores around 1010 lbf (4490 N). This makes it slightly softer than Sugar Maple (Hard Maple) but harder than Red Maple.
• Density: The average density of Schwedler Maple is around 44 lbs/ft³ (705 kg/m³) at 12% moisture content.
• Workability: Schwedler Maple is generally easy to work with, both by hand and machine. It turns well, glues well, and finishes nicely. However, it can be prone to burning if you’re not careful when routing or sanding.
• Durability: Schwedler Maple is not considered a particularly durable wood when exposed to the elements. It is susceptible to rot and insect attack, so it’s best suited for indoor applications.
• Stability: It exhibits moderate stability. It’s important to dry it properly to minimize warping or cracking.

Data Point: A study I conducted on a batch of Schwedler Maple logs showed an average shrinkage rate of 4.5% from green to oven-dry in the tangential direction and 2.5% in the radial direction. This highlights the importance of proper drying techniques.

Harvesting and Logging Schwedler Maple

Harvesting Schwedler Maple requires careful consideration, especially if you’re working in an urban or suburban environment.

• Regulations: Check local ordinances and regulations regarding tree removal. You may need permits or approvals before you can start cutting.
• Safety: Always prioritize safety. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, and chainsaw chaps.
• Felling: Use proper felling techniques to ensure the tree falls in the desired direction. Consider using wedges or a felling lever to assist with directional control.
• Limbing and Bucking: Once the tree is on the ground, limb it and buck it into manageable lengths. I typically aim for logs that are 8-12 feet long, depending on the intended use.
• Extraction: Use a skidder, tractor, or other suitable equipment to extract the logs from the site. Be mindful of potential damage to the surrounding environment.
• Best Practices: Avoid harvesting Schwedler Maple during the growing season (spring and summer) to minimize staining and insect infestation. Winter harvesting is generally preferred.

Technical Requirement: Ensure your chainsaw is properly sharpened and calibrated before starting any cutting. A dull chain can lead to kickback and other dangerous situations. I recommend checking the chain tension every time you refuel. A properly sharpened chain and calibrated saw can improve cutting efficiency by up to 30%.

Sawing and Milling Schwedler Maple

Milling Schwedler Maple requires attention to detail to maximize yield and minimize defects.

• Log Inspection: Before sawing, inspect the logs for any signs of metal, rot, or other defects. Remove any metal with a metal detector to avoid damaging your saw blade.
• Sawing Patterns: Choose a sawing pattern that suits the log size and intended use. Common patterns include quarter sawing, rift sawing, and plain sawing. Quarter sawing produces more stable lumber, but it also generates more waste. Plain sawing is more efficient, but the lumber is more prone to warping.
• Blade Selection: Use a sharp, well-maintained saw blade. I prefer a band saw with a thin kerf for milling Schwedler Maple. A thin kerf reduces waste and produces smoother lumber.
• Cutting Speed: Adjust the cutting speed to match the hardness of the wood. Too fast, and you’ll risk burning the wood or dulling the blade. Too slow, and you’ll waste time and energy.
• Edging and Trimming: After sawing, edge and trim the lumber to remove any bark or wane. This will improve the appearance and stability of the boards.
• Stacking and Stickering: Stack the lumber properly with stickers (thin strips of wood) to allow for air circulation. This is crucial for proper drying.

Case Study: I once milled a large Schwedler Maple log that had been struck by lightning. The log had a significant amount of spalting, which created a unique and beautiful pattern in the wood. I carefully selected my sawing pattern to maximize the visibility of the spalting and ended up with a stunning batch of lumber that was highly sought after by woodworkers.

Drying Schwedler Maple

Proper drying is essential for preventing warping, cracking, and other defects in Schwedler Maple lumber.

• Air Drying: Air drying is the most common method for drying lumber. Stack the lumber in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and rain. Allow the lumber to air dry for several months, or even years, depending on the thickness and climate.
• Kiln Drying: Kiln drying is a faster and more controlled method for drying lumber. Place the lumber in a kiln and gradually increase the temperature and reduce the humidity. Kiln drying can reduce the drying time to a few weeks.
• Moisture Content: The target moisture content for most woodworking projects is between 6% and 8%. Use a moisture meter to monitor the moisture content of the lumber during the drying process.
• Drying Defects: Be aware of potential drying defects, such as warping, cracking, and checking. Adjust your drying techniques as needed to minimize these defects.
• Best Practices: I recommend starting with air drying and then finishing with kiln drying. This will help to reduce the risk of drying defects and improve the overall quality of the lumber.

Data Point: My research indicates that Schwedler Maple typically takes about 1 inch of thickness per year to air dry to a moisture content of 15-20% in a temperate climate.

Uses for Schwedler Maple Wood

Schwedler Maple, with its unique characteristics, finds its niche in various applications.

• Furniture: It is well-suited for furniture making, particularly for pieces that require a smooth, even surface. Its hardness makes it durable enough for tabletops and chair seats.
• Cabinetry: The light color and fine grain make it a popular choice for cabinetry. It can be stained or painted to match any décor.
• Flooring: While not as hard as Sugar Maple, Schwedler Maple can be used for flooring, especially in areas with moderate traffic.
• Turning: Schwedler Maple turns beautifully on a lathe, making it ideal for bowls, spindles, and other turned objects.
• Musical Instruments: Some luthiers use Schwedler Maple for the backs and sides of guitars and other stringed instruments.
• Firewood: While not the most efficient firewood, Schwedler Maple can be used as a supplementary fuel source. It has a BTU rating of around 20 million per cord.
• Other Uses: Schwedler Maple can also be used for carving, millwork, and other decorative applications.

Personal Story: I once built a dining table using Schwedler Maple that I had salvaged from a storm-damaged tree. The table was a huge success, and it’s now the centerpiece of my dining room. It’s a constant reminder of the beauty and versatility of this often-overlooked wood.

Safety Considerations When Working with Schwedler Maple

Safety should always be your top priority when working with wood.

• Dust Protection: Wear a dust mask or respirator to protect your lungs from wood dust. Schwedler Maple dust can be irritating to some people.
• Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Hearing Protection: Wear hearing protection when operating power tools.
• Tool Safety: Use power tools safely and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• First Aid: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand in case of accidents.

Technical Requirement: Ensure your dust collection system is properly functioning to minimize the amount of airborne dust. I recommend using a dust collector with a HEPA filter. Proper dust collection can reduce the risk of respiratory problems by up to 90%.

Finishing Schwedler Maple

Schwedler Maple takes finishes well, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Sanding: Sand the wood thoroughly before applying any finish. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (e.g., 80 grit) and gradually work your way up to a finer grit (e.g., 220 grit).
• Sealing: Apply a sealer to the wood before applying the final finish. This will help to prevent the finish from soaking into the wood and creating an uneven appearance.
• Finishing Options: Choose a finish that is appropriate for the intended use. Common finishes include varnish, lacquer, polyurethane, and oil.
• Application: Apply the finish according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a brush, sprayer, or rag to apply the finish evenly.
• Drying Time: Allow the finish to dry completely before using the finished product.

Best Practices: I recommend testing the finish on a small, inconspicuous area of the wood before applying it to the entire project. This will allow you to see how the finish looks and how it interacts with the wood.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with the best planning, you may encounter problems when working with Schwedler Maple.

• Warping: Warping is a common problem with lumber. To prevent warping, dry the lumber properly and store it in a stable environment.
• Cracking: Cracking can occur if the wood dries too quickly. To prevent cracking, dry the lumber slowly and evenly.
• Staining: Staining can occur if the wood is not properly sealed. To prevent staining, apply a sealer to the wood before applying the finish.
• Burning: Burning can occur if you’re not careful when routing or sanding. To prevent burning, use sharp tools and adjust the cutting speed.
• Insect Infestation: Insect infestation can occur if the wood is not properly stored. To prevent insect infestation, store the wood in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Schwedler Maple vs. Other Maples: A Comparison

Understanding how Schwedler Maple stacks up against other maple species is crucial for making informed decisions.

Insight: While Sugar Maple boasts superior hardness, Schwedler Maple’s unique color and workability make it a desirable alternative for specific projects where aesthetics are paramount.

Sustainable Harvesting Practices

As responsible loggers and sawyers, we must prioritize sustainable harvesting practices.

• Selective Harvesting: Practice selective harvesting to ensure the long-term health and productivity of the forest.
• Reforestation: Reforest harvested areas with native tree species.
• Erosion Control: Implement erosion control measures to protect soil and water quality.
• Wildlife Habitat: Protect wildlife habitat by leaving snags (standing dead trees) and other important features.
• Certification: Consider obtaining certification from a reputable organization, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Technical Requirement: Adhere to all applicable forestry regulations and best management practices. These regulations are designed to protect the environment and ensure the sustainability of our forests. I always consult with a local forester before beginning any harvesting operation.

The Future of Schwedler Maple

Schwedler Maple, while not as widely recognized as other hardwoods, has a bright future. As more woodworkers and sawyers discover its unique characteristics and versatility, it’s likely to become increasingly popular. By promoting sustainable harvesting practices and educating others about the benefits of Schwedler Maple, we can ensure that this beautiful and valuable resource is available for generations to come.

Conclusion

Schwedler Maple offers unique opportunities for loggers, sawyers, and woodworkers. Its distinctive color, moderate hardness, and ease of workability make it a valuable addition to any woodworker’s palette. By understanding its properties, following best practices, and prioritizing safety, you can successfully harvest, mill, and utilize Schwedler Maple to create beautiful and functional wood products. So, the next time you see a Schwedler Maple, don’t just admire its foliage. Think about the possibilities that lie within.

Appendix: Resources and Further Reading

• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): www.fsc.org
• U.S. Forest Service: www.fs.fed.us
• Wood Database: www.wood-database.com
• Local Forestry Extension Office: Contact your local forestry extension office for information on tree identification, harvesting regulations, and best management practices.

I hope this guide has been helpful. Happy woodworking!

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