Western vs tiger maple?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Joshua Phelps

What are the differences in these woods as a core wood choice? They both can figure right?

Western is a location description.

Tiger is a figure description.

We have Western Tiger Maple here from USA and Western Canada. We use that mainly for Top woods but if the figure across the piece is weak, it might be used for matched cores in sets or single pieces sliced up for laminate/veneers.

The same goes for Eastern Tiger Maple but currently, most of the Top woods are Western Tiger. The Black Tiger model usually has Eastern Tiger for core woods.

For Cores, the Western can be low figured Tiger or Quilted pieces or even some mix between them. When used as a core, you only see the figure on the edges. Higher figured Western pieces if across the face is split for tops. Lower figured boards that are flatsawn show more tiger around the sides.

The Eastern is Tiger figured but the amount figure around the sides will vary depending on the model.

Usually, the model determines the variety and figure amount.