Thermally modified figured maple for guitar скачать в хорошем качестве

Thermally modified figured maple for guitar

Thermally modified figured maple (often marketed as roasted curly maple or roasted birdseye maple) is maple that has undergone a controlled heat-treatment process to enhance dimensional stability, durability, and tonal characteristics—while preserving its natural figuring 1. What Is Thermal Modification? Thermal modification (ThermoWood process) involves: • Heating maple to 180–220°C (356–428°F) • In a low-oxygen environment (to prevent combustion) • No chemicals used This process: • Reduces hemicellulose content • Lowers equilibrium moisture content (EMC) • Increases dimensional stability • Darkens the wood to a warm caramel/brown tone 2. Key Benefits for Luthiers & Woodworkers Since you work heavily with tonewoods and figured material, this is particularly relevant for neck blanks and high-end builds. ✅ Dimensional Stability • Less seasonal movement • Lower moisture absorption • Ideal for guitar necks and fingerboards ✅ Improved Stiffness-to-Weight Ratio • Slight increase in stiffness • Feels lighter • Often comparable response to aged maple ✅ Vintage Look • Naturally aged appearance • Eliminates need for tinting • Uniform dark caramel tone ✅ Reduced Internal Stress • Less warping and twisting • Better machinability ⸻ 3. Figured Maple + Thermal Treatment Thermal modification does not remove figure. In fact: • Curly (flame) figure becomes more visually dramatic • Birdseye figure gains deeper contrast • Chatoyance (light reflection) becomes richer The caramelization enhances depth under oil or gloss finish. ⸻ 4. Typical Applications • Guitar neck blanks • Drop-top electric guitar caps • Acoustic backs (select cases) • Furniture accents • Knife scales • Luxury cabinetry ⸻ 5. Considerations • Slightly more brittle than untreated maple • Not ideal for steam bending • Harder to glue if surface oxidation isn’t cleaned (light sanding before glue-up recommended)