Sycamore // Platanus occidentalis

Sycamore lumber wood, Platanus occidentalis lumber for woodworking
"Somewhat durable and simlar in weight to mahogany. The wood is a consistent pale color and the quarter sawn surfaces exhibit an attractive mottled figure. It's fine and even textured, and quite easy on your cutters and blades. However, the wood needs extra care when planing or routing due to keep the figure from tearing out."
 
color of Sycamore
Color Range
Pale tan with some darker brown areas.
other names for Sycamore
Other Names
American plain, American planetree, American sycamore, Buttonball tree, Buttonwood, Planetree, Sycamore
uses for Sycamore
Some Typical Uses
Boxes, bedroom furniture, Cigar boxes, Cooperages, Decorative veneer, Paneling , Baskets, Casks, Dressed boards, Figured veneer, Interior construction, custom furniture
the Sycamore tree
What's the Tree Like?
The tree often develops a large bole over a swollen base, with a trunk diameter of about 24 to 48 inches (60 to 120 cm). It usually grows to a height of about 60 to 100 feet (18 to 30 m), and boles are often straight and well formed. The bark is two or more inches thick in older trees, and its conspicuous white color, spattered with different shades of green and brown gives the tree the name of Ghost tree.
Sycamore grows in North America
map of where Sycamore grows
Weight

2.83

lbs /Bd. Ft.
-20.95% lighter than red oak (3.58 /bd. ft.)
Hardness

770

Janka Rating
-40.31% softer than red oak (1290 psi)
Density

0.49

Specific Gravity
-23.44% less dense than red oak (.64)

General Workability
Average 5/10
Red Oak

Wood Texture
Fine 3/10
Red Oak

Ease of Finishing
Good 3/10
Red Oak