- Shag bark hickory is extremely hard and has splitting and tear-out tendencies when being machined. Hickory lumber also has a tendency to split at the ends if not sealed properly. The wood is very dry and so takes stain well and polishes to a good finish. Hickory is durable, although it can be prone to insect damage and resistant to the use of preservatives. The wood has reddish-brown to brown sapwood and creamy-white heartwood.
- Sharp tools and blades are a must. Hickory lumber is difficult to work with hand or power tools, relatively speaking. The blunting effect on cutters is moderate to severe, requiring frequent sharpening or replacement of blades. The wood also has a tendency to burn if cutting speeds are not high enough. Pre-drilling is required for nailing and screwing. Alternatively, screws can be self-boring to eliminate splitting problems. Gluing can be difficult due to the dryness of the wood. Employing the use of a feeder enables you to climb out when cutting hickory to help eliminate tearing, chip-outs and splitting. Carbide steel or high speed steel with a heat-reflective coating are the blade materials of choice.
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