Flame maple board

[John Bertotti]

Flat sawn, discolored area with ok flame. I didn’t notice until I got home that one end of the discolored area is separated along the grain. I didn’t buy this for instrument use only. I need some for inlay on a table project but the split along the grain is bothersome. I guess I should have paid closer attention to it before I left with it. The truth is I may have still bought it for inlay material and I like that discolored ring. Is it the difference between heart wood and sap wood? Is that area more prone to split?

[sunburst]

...Is it the difference between heart wood and sap wood?

Yes

...Is that area more prone to split?

Not usually that I know of, but sometimes the heartwood of eastern maples can be problematic in terms of strength, stability and overall soundness. Other times it is good wood.

[John Bertotti]

Thanks!