While hunting for wood at a local supplier, I hit the jackpot. What you are looking at is a plank of quilted big leaf or western maple. This is an American hardwood that is native to the Pacific northwest. A very small percentage has this pattern of figuring, making it quite rare. I have never heard a convincing explanation of its cause, but who cares? This stuff is gorgeous! I was able to have a good look at its color and figure by wetting with a splash of alcohol (bottom). The wavy structure of this wood makes it tricky to work, but oh so rewarding. This piece should work out nicely for my "Ellipse" coffee table aprons and book-matched top. More as it develops. -Rich
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