Thread: Pecan/ Hickory timber

While the trees are two different species they are closely related (I believe same genus) and often the lumber from both is lumped together as "hickory". Here is a link with some information
http://www.wood-database.com

Really good for tool handles, wheel spokes and archery bows. Would be ok to turn also. I guess could be ok for just about any woodworking.
Regards
John

I have used some pecan. It is a bit over medium weight with a bland grain, quite stable when dry and easy to work. I also have some big turning blanks that have been stored for about ten years and look to have developed some very interesting spalting.

My sister recently bought a place with about 80 Pecan trees on it. These have have reached an age where they like to fall over, or drop very large branches, so I've recently brought a half ute-load of the stuff home. So far, I have only worked a few pieces of the drier stuff, and as already noted, it's not difficult to work, about as hard as Qld Maple or Blackwood, & turns nicely. It's nowhere near as hard as the few bits of Hickory I've had, and nowhere near as tough, either. A brush-hook handle I made from it broke after not much use. So probably better kept for less demanding roles than tool handles. Seems to be very susceptible to rot if left wet. Some of the stuff I've got is nicely spalted, which is a good thing as long as it's not too punky, as it's certainly a bland wood otherwise.....

Cheers