Red Maple

[xlogger]

Awhile back I had some maple after kiln drying come out with more of a red tint than white. Now I see another load doing the same. Is that from not drying fast enough?

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

This defect is called pinking.  It is the oxidation of starches and sugars in the wood.  This oxidation takes time, so it is indeed slow drying (high humidity and possibly low air flow).  It is encouraged by temperatures over 100 F.  Log storage in warm weather also is a factor.  The issue is most likely occurring the first 48 hours of drying, but could last longer.

[Southside]

Gene -

Does the same thing happen in pine? Now and then I will see that pink in SYP and it survives the kiln.  

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

Yes, in pine it also occurs, but to my eyes it is more brown than pink.

[xlogger]

Thanks Gene,I'm going to saw up a nice Ambrosia Maple next week. Its going to be around 90° I'll put it in front of fans.

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

Ambrosia fungi require that some drying has occurred, so it is very likely that the color reaction, if any, has already occurred as well.