I was at big box and looking at their Maple. In the back was several Curly Maple boards. I bought one about 7 feet long by 5'' for about $20 and was happy to have it. I did a glue up to turn on my lathe and clamped. I have an old woodworker friend and was talking with him about the Maple. He said Curly Maple is awful to turn and chips out badly.  

 

Any one got experience or suggestions that will help me turn this piece? 

Ron,

I've made a few rolling pins from Maple that had some "tiger" stripes. It turned without any problems. My only suggestion would be to make sure the tools are sharp.

He prolly has dull tools.  You know the adage:  Turn, inspect, sharpen.  It's especially true with hard woods as they have  high silica content which is harder than glass, dulls tools like it was free, and tears the living beegeebus outta the lungs.

I haven't had any issues turning maple with curl in it.

Now punky wood is a PITA.  YA need high shear angles and often a gotta soak it in something to harden  it up a bit and it's like an  interrupted cut when the good  grain comes round. .

You guys were 100% correct, I turned it today and used my carbide tools..........no problems with it at all.

Thanks for the input