Pink Maple??

[jennystack]

Last year I purchased some small slabs from an elderly woodturner who was downsizing. All were named, but on two I have since found that the names don't add up.

Through a lot of combing wood ID books I have, the internet, etc I did manage to sort out one confusing name – but with this one I need your help. I am keen to establish the common and botanical name to add this as a sample to the wood species collection I have.

It was labelled 'Pink Maple' – but I can't find a proper match.

So here are the clues with the photos underneath.

1. This fellow had mostly small slabs for turning platters – perhaps the wood would be OK next to food? (or maybe he only made the platters for decoration?)
2. I purchased from him in Adelaide, but the slabs were from all over – Jarrah, Sheoak, Caribbean pine (from Qld), Black Walnut, etc.
3. Due to cost, etc I would say this certainly was not imported.
4. The weight is 'lightish' like maple.
5. Has some spalting.

Any leads would be helpful.

Thanks.

[Plowboy]

It may be red maple. Not the red maple that you buy from the garden centers and plant in your yard. The type that grow in wetland along with silver maple. I have both types growing in my swamp, you can tell them apart from the bark. The red maple wood is like a salmon pink colour. Both are considered soft maple.