Ambrosia Maple - like or not

[Curtis Myers]

I know their are many wood workers who like Ambrosia Maple but my eyes don't see the appeal.

all the best
curt

[Roger Chandler]

I generally like Ambrosia maple.....I have made quite a few projects over the years. Once in a while an ugly piece comes up, but most of the time it yeilds pretty projects.

[daryl moses]

I like it.

[Brian Brown]

Once in awhile I see an ambrosia maple project I like, but mostly I can do without. Not a fan of beetle poop. I won't buy any.

[Curtis Myers]

Once in awhile I see an ambrosia maple project I like, but mostly I can do without. Not a fan of beetle poop. I won't buy any.

I like the saying under your signature.

[Jamie Straw]

I've never turned Ambrosia maple, but I like it and the pieces I've seen made from it have been quite attractive. A flat piece of Ambrosia, as in the thumbnail, is not particularly inspiring. Make something round, though....I like.

[Kyle Iwamoto]

I think I'll chime in. I don't mind it, I have bought some. What I do like, is the beetle holes are the perfect size for inserting fretboard side dots. Makes embellishing an otherwise fairly drab platter easy. Don't think I'll be buying any more though. A bowl is okay. The beetle marks are interesting. Different.

[Prashun Patel]

I love ambrosia, spalted, and burl lumber because of - not in spite of - their humble origins.

Discovering the non-intuitive beauty in nature like this is precisely why I love this craft.

The designer/turner has the challenge of presenting it in its best light.

[david privett]

just yesterday I made a meat tenderizing mallet out of some , mineral oil and beeswax looks good works well hopefully I wont get beat with it.

[Stan Calow]

what I don't like is that I haven't seen, in person, a good finish technique that enhances the appearance.

[Dok Yager]

I like ambrosia maple and have done quite a few pieces of it. They are unique and have a little extra appeal JMHO.

[Mat Eliot]

I have been working with it a lot and I am absolutely amazed at the patterns these beetles can make. I love seeing what emerges. I keep some pieces on my desk at work and just keep staring at the patterns all the time. Its great!
Here are 3 examples:

339029
14" end grain platter

339031
5" x5" Hollow Form

339032
9" Diameter end grain bowl from Ambrosia Red Maple that had spalted for a few years. This piece of wood has a lot going on.

The biggest issue is working with these end grain pieces and getting them to dry whole without cracking.

Mat