Tiger vs Birdseye Maple

[X Breaker]

I am sure most of us see birdseye maple more often than tiger maple being used in a cue. I have seen a few threads here and there asking the question, "why?"

I am very interested to know if it is indeed because birdseye maple is preferred over tiger to the majority. It would be quite interesting if the result indicates the opposite (ie. more people like tiger maple) and may be it is something a cue maker would like to know.

Thank you.

Richard

 

[cgriffin5]

To me nothing looks nicer than a figured piece of BE. I like Curly as well but only very figured pieces.

 

[Baker(6x6)]

Maple... not just for pancakes...

Strictly from an aesthetics viewpoint,
Maple (and other woods) can be used in a myriad of ways to blend with cue-design.

-IF the cue is going to have rounded inlays such as ovals, swirls, arcs, and flor de' lis- then you might use curly or clouded maple for it's softer swirling grain- instead of the linear grain of Tiger maple
-For cues with round inlay work- such as Dots, ovals, arced diamonds, shamrocks, etc...- Birdseye imay be a good choice- as the "eyes" mimic the rounded designs.
-If the cue inlays are linear, - like windows, parallel lines, (straight-edged) diamonds, sharp points- then Tiger maple can be used to accentuate the inlay work by either contrasting the angles (brings out the inlay) - or following the lines (blends with an inlay).

All woods have their own character. And, these can vary from piece to piece within the same block of wood. A good cuemaker will be mindful of the choices and use these characteristics to enhance the "theme" of a particular cue.

Ray

 

[VonRhett]

Strictly from an aesthetics viewpoint,
Maple (and other woods) can be used in a myriad of ways to blend with cue-design.....
All woods have their own character. And, these can vary from piece to piece within the same block of wood. A good cuemaker will be mindful of the choices and use these characteristics to enhance the "theme" of a particular cue.
Ray

This is one of the most knowledgeable, spot-on, accurate, nail-on-the-head responses I've EVER seen here.

Great job, Ray. (I'm in the wood business)

-Von