In the cabinet business there are two types of maple. One is a rock hard wood used in butcher block, engine and landing gear mounts and props. The other is a lighter colored softer maple comparable to poplar. IMHO neither is acceptable for use as spars.

Spruce is by far the strongest wood per weight and is a very long grained wood that gives it it's superior strenght, while weighing not much more than heavy balsa. The biggest problem with aircraft grade spruce is the cost, that stuff doesn't grow on trees you know.

I am having trouble finding any spruce that doesn't cost nearly $100 for a 5' 2x6. The main national supplier is very expensive and frankly hasn't returned any emails and was almost to the point of rudeness when I called and inquired about their bundle deal. Guess they just don't have time to mess with small orders.

Until I find a source of aircraft spruce I'll be using heavy balsa and carbon fiber tape for spars.

Rick,
Pensacola, FL