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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: YosemiteSam on February 02, 2017, 02:31:00 PM

Title: Hickory Boards - Reading the Grain
Post by: YosemiteSam on February 02, 2017, 02:31:00 PM
I finally found a local source of hickory boards (what a wild goose chase that was!) but, looking through their stock, the grain patterns weren't very good -- lots of waves, knots & runouts.  Do I need to be just as picky with hickory boards as I do with red oak & maple?  Or is hickory more forgiving about runouts, waves, etc.?
Title: Re: Hickory Boards - Reading the Grain
Post by: George Tsoukalas on February 02, 2017, 05:54:00 PM
Yes, don't settle. Straight grained. Tip to tip. No Knots.
I once had a hickory board  bow break at a tiny knot.
Jawge
Title: Re: Hickory Boards - Reading the Grain
Post by: George Tsoukalas on February 02, 2017, 05:55:00 PM
I look at the edge grain.  I mean you can allow  a few run outs per limb depending on the weight  you want but generally look for straight grained stock. Jawge