Hobbies And Interests
Sycamore and Maple
Sycamore resembles basswood in color and grain structure. Sycamore is harder than basswood however, having a Janka hardness rating of 770lbf, and specific gravity of 0.49. Sycamore is also known as sycamore maple, being a specie of maple. It is known as plane in Scotland because of its similarity to plane, although it is not a plane tree. Sycamore is also used in the kitchen for such items as butcher's blocks, rolling pins and cooking utensils because it does not stain or contaminate and has a smooth finish.
Aspen
Aspen is sometimes mistaken for basswood. It looks very similar to basswood, being light in color and straight-grained. Similarly it is sometimes incorrectly referred to as poplar. With a specific gravity of 0.38 and Janka rating of 420lbf. there is also little difference in the working qualities of aspen and basswood. The timber also has similar uses, for kitchen utensils, toys, turned items, matchsticks and chopsticks.
Cottonwood and Poplar
Cottonwood is actually true poplar, but 'poplar' is often confused with other misnamed species such as tulip poplar and yellow poplar. Cottonwood is considered an adequate substitute for basswood, being good for carving, making toys and if lower quality, good for making boxes and crates. Cottonwood has a Janka rating of 430lbf. and a specific gravity of 0.45.
Birch
Birch has many uses. It can be turned easily, can be used for making toys, furniture projects, toothpicks, firewood and pulp for paper because it is cheap. Light in color with occasional brown flecks, birch is straight-grained, has a specific gravity of 0.67 and scores 910lbf. on the Janka scale of hardness.
Alder
Alder registers 590lbf. on the Janka scale and has a specific gravity of 0.45. Its color can vary from a pale yellow to a reddish brown. It is used for turning, carving, guitar- and toy-making and furniture construction. If you want to burn it, smokehouses use it to add flavor to fish and game.