The Joy of Maple

[Werd]

The maple I picked up from lee Valley is called Torrified. A dried maple with no oils. I am not really sure if oiling it will do what you want. I wouldn't be afraid of it drying and cracking because any cracks might be good for vibration break up along the top.   

Lee Valley had 2 maple wood carving tables in their clearance.  Pro drillled holes for guiding wood. Excellent vibration breakup compared to a solid plank imo. Got them both for $50usd compared to $200 new. I got them under my speaks and they are better than the torrified Maple wood I was using.

[tmazz]

Were these solid blocks of maple. Mine are butcher block and I think the problem is that if it dries out too much the different pieces of wood that are glued together to make the butcher block will start to crack and separate from one another. This would not be an issue of the block was made from a single solid piece of maple.

[JBryan]

Having food (especially meat) fall into voids in the cutting board and spoil is a big 'No-No' in the industry so one of the main design benefits of Butcher Block is that the grain pattern is broken up. If the wood gets excessively dry, the opposing pieces and glue will maintain the structure and prevent the block from cracking or separating. The bonded structure is stronger than the wood itself and the glue is more stable so as long as the proper glue and procedure is used, its rare to see the block separate at the glue joints.

For audio purposes, the broken grain pattern reduces resonance but that tends to be countered by the glue so its a bit of a wash. Not sure if a crack in wood actually has benefits but it kinda makes sense as long as the structure isn't compromised... and of course the aesthetics take a hit.

[jimbones]

Wonder what a piece of really thick heavy glass would sound like

[tmazz]

Wonder what a piece of really thick heavy glass would sound like

Probably not much different than the slate I was using as both of them have hard surfaces that will reflect energy back into the table instead of absorbing and dissipating it like the maple does.

[rollo]

Wonder what a piece of really thick heavy glass would sound like

   Try it but glass rings. also introduces a reflective surface to deal with. Not reccomended in my experience.


charles