I have used spalted maple for quite a few projects, with great results.
Tung oil brings out the color and features beautifully. Depending on how it
will be used, a top finish is useful.

When selecting the wood, look for some that is still hard and dense.
Spalting is an early element of decay, so don't try to use wood that is
light in weight and too far along. You show good sense in approaching the
dust problem.

I built my grandson a toy box with spalted maple panels and cherry frame and
top. The color contrast was very nice. It will pair up with other woods,
too. Try small test pieces finished as you will do to see what you will
get. Have fun. Good luck.

Steve

"Doug" wrote in message
ups.com...
Does anyone have any experience with spalted soft Maple. I can get
some rough cut air dried stuff, and I thought it might make an
interesting contrasting wood for a project that I plan to otherwise
make out of cherry and possibly white oak. I've never built anything
with constrasting woods before. Does this sound like good choices to
get a pleasing contrast? What is Spalted Maple like to work with?
Any comments would be appreciated.