hickory

[Dav]

has anyone used hickory on projects? the local mill fleet has some the is a lite bron instead of the usual color like oak. its a lot cheaper than cherry...half the price

[SheGold]

oh my hickory is pretty.. Sheila

[scrollgirl]

I use it a lot and love it!  I say go for it!!!! I don't think you will regret it at all.

Sheila

[dunk]

I found it a very hard wood.  Dulls blades and router bits quickly but it sure is pretty.

[scrollgirl]

It is very hard, but as long as you keep it about 1/2" thick, I found it to work fine.  I use the Olson Mach blades in size 3 on it or maybe the 2/0 reverse and I was sure to cover the piece with some clear packaging tape and it worked great.  Good luck with what you decide.

Sheila

[Gabby]

It is what is usually used in axe and hammer handles and the like, because it is tough and resilient. You didn't say what thickness it was available in??
GAbby

[mrsn]

I had some 3/4 hickory that was a little like cutting rock. I would recommend using a thinner piece, but it is really pretty stuff.

[geneVG]

Hi All,
Sheila, you said to use some package tape on it.  What does that do?

genevg

[dgman]

Hey Gene, Using clear packing tape either over or under the pattern will help lubricate the blade, lessening the chance of burning and the blade will cut easier and smoother. Also the blade will last longer.
I prefer to apply a single layer over the pattern. Some folks use blue painters tape on the wood before the pattern. Some use clear packing before the pattern. I like to apply just clear tape over the pattern.

[scrollgirl]

Thanks, dgman! I think you just about covered it!

Here are a couple of pictures of a project I cut in hickory.  Everything went pretty much 'as normal' with using the packaging tape and I was able to get good detail.  It really helps a lot.

Sheila

[marmoh]

Sheila, what a wonderful cutting ... you are so talented.  Marion

[dgman]

Not only is it a wonderful cutting, But it's a wonderful pattern!

[beginner]

I use 1/4" hickory and have no problems.  I tried 3/4 and it was so hard I gave up.

[scrollgirl]

I asked my partner who resawed it for me and he said it is not nearly as hard as say Jatoba or bloodwood.  He compared it to a bit harder than maple.  The thickest I have cut is about 1/2", which is good for most of the scrolling I do.  If that is your plan to use it, I think you will be fine.  It is nice and stable and holds fretwork well.

Sheila

PS - thanks for the nice comments.  I just wanted to show that it worked OK.  

[GrayBeard]

Sheila...That is wonderful!
However...those intricate cuts would have driven me plumb nuttier than I already am!

Any leftover hickory should be used for "Smoking" on the grill!!!

~~~GB~~~