Splated woods

[tedkaufman]

What defines "splated" woods? It's a new term to me. I've seen some examples of various splated woods and they are just beautifully figured. Is it from wood that has been somehow stressed during growth--disease, fire, etc? Is it typically unstable or inherently less strong?

 

[shakes]

I believe you're looking for "Spalted" woods, and there were just a couple of threads here, regarding them. Apparently it's decaying wood, and there is some contention on whether it should be used in cues or not. A lot of good reading if you track down those threads with the search.

 

[Ring]

Spalting is a by-product of the rotting process that is carried out by a vast array of stain, mold and decay fungi, that are found naturally on the forest floor. When the temperature and humidity are right, spalting can cause many different and beautiful patterns in rotting wood. The unusual colouration may be due to chemically induced reactions between the wood, fungi and insect deposits, often resulting in black, pink, grey and multicoloured streaked wood.


I have seen it used when the wood has been stabilized.

Also seen it used when the wood hasn't been stabilized. That would worry me

 

[tedkaufman]

Thanks for the correction, Shakes. Now that I know what causes that beautiful figured, I'm a lot less interested in the wood for cues. No matter how beautiful, I can't see building a cue with rotten wood!

 

[JoeyInCali]

Thanks for the correction, Shakes. Now that I know what causes that beautiful figured, I'm a lot less interested in the wood for cues. No matter how beautiful, I can't see building a cue with rotten wood!

They might be ok for buttsleeve or maybe even inlays.
But, since they have really dull tone and are generally soft, I don't think they'd make up for a good hitting cue if used as forearm or handle even if cored.

 

[BLACKHEARTCUES]

What defines "splated" woods? It's a new term to me. I've seen some examples of various splated woods and they are just beautifully figured. Is it from wood that has been somehow stressed during growth--disease, fire, etc? Is it typically unstable or inherently less strong?

I bought some Spalted Maple 6-7 years ago & have used it for inlays & butt sleeves on a dozen Qs with no problems & am juat finishing one now...JER