[TheForge] I need a piece of tree...

[Grant Marcoux]

Pete:   I have found the key to making sound handles is in how you
taper.....the more gradual the taper, the more long lasting the handles tend
to be.  sudden departure in thickness is a killer.

I also favor ash and oak for handles.  Oak works well provided the grain is
full and parallel the length of the handle.  This is very true also for ML
ramrods, where black locust is favored, followed by shagbark hickory.  Osage
is good but does not have the same shock-load characteristics as the others;
it would not be my first choice.

Grain selection is critical

Grant

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of dan tull
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2008 3:05 PM
To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge] I need a piece of tree...



----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Fels & Phoebe Palmer" <artgawk at thegrid.net>
To: <blakkpawss at yahoo.com>; "Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA"
<theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2008 5:54 PM
Subject: Re: [TheForge] I need a piece of tree...


> Question:
> How does osage orange compare to hickory for handles?
> I've been fooling around with shaving the necks of certain hammer
> handles way down. Just as they get really comfy to wield, the darn
> handle breaks.
> Would osage tolerate more thinning than hickory?...pf

Osage orange is the wood of choice for archery bows, therefore would bend
but not break while thin.YMMV

_______________________________________________
Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
theforge mail list group photo site is
http://www.photoaccess.com
Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
password:  anvil
___________

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.21/1678 - Release Date: 9/18/2008
9:01 AM

No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.21/1678 - Release Date: 9/18/2008
9:01 AM