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Sycamore and London Plane
This episode's featured species is London Plane or Plantanus hybridia. Nearly identical to American Sycamore it is a fun blonde wood option with a striking quartersawn lace pattern. Soft and light it is easy to work but can be difficult to dry without a lot of twisting and checking.
Lumber Tariffs?
We also open the can of worms on the lumber tariff conversation and look at how lumber can pose a national security threat. Is it a supply issue or an infrastructure issue. I suggest curtailing imports might actually pose a bigger problem due to lack of infrastructure. But perhaps the bolstering of infrastructure won't happen without the import limitation. It is a complex issue that will make a lot of people unhappy no matter what is done.
Other topics include, decking product options, softer woods for cabinets and counter tops, and finally lesser grade lumber availability.
Lumber Industry News
Featured Species: London Plane
Plantanus hybridia or London Plane Tree is found all over the world in cities. It thrives in more polluted environments. It grows quickly and provides shade and in many ways is a great solution for urban planners. Maybe just maybe it might mitigate pollution in our cities. Personally I have seen it in most major cities in the US, London (of course), Paris, Vienna, and Prague. Probably more but I just wasn't looking for it.
In many ways it is similar to Hard Maple in appearance but it is much softer and lighter in weight. A cross between American Sycamore and Oriental Planetree it is nearly identical to Sycamore though I find it to be a bit denser with slightly fatter medullary rays than American Sycamore. But the striking lacey pattern that shows up on quartered boards is why we should care about this lumber species. It is gorgeous. But also a lovely wood to work with a medium hardness and low density.
However this density does make it a tough wood to dry that will twist and check like crazy if the process is rushed. Lots of moisture should be introduced to prevent cell collapse and too quick drying.
Commercially you may not find this lumber easilly but if you can find a local sawyer or urban sawyer I can almost guarantee they will have some floating around.
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