Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
What's hickory like?
Bud Gabaree
>I've been offered a straight-as-an-arrow hickory log, 35 feet long, about 25" in diameter. I haven't fiddled with hickory on the lathe, is it worth my time and effort to mill this thing into blanks?
Thanks in advance for your opinions
Bud
Re: What's hickory like?
Jim Pugh in Elyria, OH
>I quite enjoy turning hickory. It is a bit harder than some wood but turns well. I take it any time I can find it.
Re: What's hickory like?
John Crissman
>I also like it alot. But then I had a fair amount to turn.
I love the distinct difference between the rich heartwood and creamy sapwood. But the part I love most is the cambium. Please make it a point to turn just under the bark but not exposing the sapwood. It reminds me of tortoise shell.
BTW, if you don't like your piece, just use it to flavor a good steak on the grill.
Enjoy!
Glad you asked that!
Ron in Drums PA
>I have a hickory bowl I rough turned back in March. I started to finish the turning this week. That sucker is the hardest wood I ever sanded. I had a little tear out, that with maple, 100 grit paper would have been overkill. On hickory, fresh 60 grit paper just burnishes the wood to a gloss and the tear out is still there.
Re: Glad you asked that!
Bud Gabaree
>Is this your only experience with hickory? Do you suppose the wet turning/drying characteristics are the same as other wood? If not, maybe it can be finished wet without the normal drying contortions and cracks. What do you think?
Bud
Re: Glad you asked that!
Ron in Drums PA
>Maybe, I've been considering soaking the bowl in dish detergent ;)
