Hickory

Sources

Eastern North America

Other Names

Red Heart & White Hickory

Characteristics

A creamy to pinkish brown wood with straight or wavy grain that is very hard & very heavy

Milling

Tends to tear out and chip when taking too much off in single passes

Shaping

Will leave a very good, hard edge or profile, but an irregular grain may cause inaccuracy

Finishing

Will need a significant amount of sanding; Use stains to emphasize the open grain pattern

Key Uses

Handles for tools, flooring, & drumsticks, but in recent years has been used more for cabinetry

Comments

This wood can be difficult to work with, but is available in good widths & lengths & the cost is relatively low

Reference 1: Gibbs, N. (2005). The Real Wood Bible.
Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books.

Reference 2: Flynn, J.H. & Holder, C.D. (2001).
A Guide to Useful Woods of the World.
Madison, WI: Forest Products Society.