Question about "curly" maple

[cuejunky]

Hi KJ, was just wondering if you could shed some light on where curly maple gets it's "curliness" from. The curly lines seem to run across the grain so, i know it is not from the grain. Is it from the machining process when the wood is cut on a turning lathe? Thanks for any insight. Also, I have a cue that has birdseyes but also seems to have some curly, is this possible?

[skor]

From Wikipedia:
Flame maple, also known as flamed maple, curly maple, fiddleback or tiger stripe, is a feature of maple in which the growth of the wood fibers is distorted in an undulating pattern, producing wavy lines known as "flames". This effect is often mistakenly said to be part of the grain of the wood; it is more accurately called "figure", as the distortion is perpendicular to the grain direction. Prized for its beautiful appearance, it is used frequently in the manufacturing of musical instruments, such as violins, and fine furniture. Another well-known use of the material is its use in electric guitars, especially the venerated Gibson Les Paul. The first models of the Les Paul, introduced in 1958 and 1959, known as the "Standard", sported a top of flame maple, finished in a cherry-red sunburst, on a mahogany body. Today, these instruments are some of the most prized on the vintage guitar market.

link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curly_maple

Birdseye maple is a phenomenon that occurs within several kinds of maple for unknown reasons. It has a distinctive pattern that resembles tiny, swirling eyes disrupting the smooth lines of grain. Birdseye maple is not a variety or species of maple and is not to be confused with maple burl.

Research into the cultivation of birdseye maple has so far discounted the theories that it is caused by pecking birds deforming the wood grain or that an infecting fungus makes it twist. However, no one has demonstrated a complete understanding of the combination of climate, soil, tree variety, insects, viruses or genetic mutation that reliably produces the effect.

link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birds_eye_maple

Since the most common theory that I've heard regarding the cause of the "birdseyes" is due to a "disease" or viruses or genetic mutation then I do believe that both phenomenons can occur at the same time.

[cuejunky]

Thank you for the response Skor, as always, you are a wealth of information. By the way, still waiting for your review of your new Jacoby cue in the "Cue Showcase" section. I hope by now that you have had a chance to use it.