Where to buy hickory?

M

mitch8

Joined
Oct 11, 2010
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If I wanted to make my own axe handle where can you buy a good stave of hickory? And what other woods work well for axe handles? My friend is about to cut down a red oak, would that work ok?

Thanks again, Mitch
 
Hi Mitch,
I'm pretty new to the forum. I have used Cook Woods in the past. Great selection and fairly affordable. Good service. I believe they are out of the north west. They sell all different size domestic and exotic woods. The key is to get a piece as close to what you need as to not pay extra shipping.

Here is a link to their site:
http://www.cookwoods.com/lumber-site/

Good luck.

By the way... I believe red oak would be ok, but the wood may check if you work with it too soon. May be better to get a seasoned piece.
 
mitch8 said:
If I wanted to make my own axe handle where can you buy a good stave of hickory? And what other woods work well for axe handles? My friend is about to cut down a red oak, would that work ok?

Thanks again, Mitch
Click to expand...
Try looking up Wood Workers Source. Also, I've read that "hickory makes the best handle for percussion tools like axes." Check out this article, especially under the subheading Characteristics & Use. Hope you find what you're looking for!
 
Actually come to think of it forest products supply is only 10 minutes away! And I've seen ash used in bows. Would that be to springy for an axe handle?
 
What I've read about Ash and Hickory is that they have similar characteristics. I'm guessing that the choice is a matter of personal preference.

Also, here's something that may be of interest regarding an "impact test" and "flexibility test" of said woods here. Whether that has any value or not, one can decide.
 
mitch8 said:
What does it mean if the wood checks?
Click to expand...
Mitch,
It means it dried out too quickly and cracked along the grain. Lumberyards will use a moisture meter to avoid the wood drying out to quickly. Buying from a distributer pre-dried is pretty inexpensive option if you're only looking for one piece.
 
Thanks guys! And that's an interesting test, looks like hickory really takes the crown!
 
Mitch, ask around at lumber yards and smaller saw mills, they might have some sources for billets. There are hickory trees growing from the Twin Cities and south so you should be able to find something local. Do a search with key words 'MN lumber hickory', they are out there, especially southern MN. There is also a lot of white ash and elm which will make good handles.
 
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