Hickory (Carya glabra)

 

Family - Juglandaceae

 

Distribution - Canada and eastern USA.

 

Other Names: Pignut Hickory, 

 

Characteristics: The sapwood is white and usually wide and generally preferred, while the heartwood is brown to reddish-brown in colour. The grain is straight and only occasionally wavy or irregular, and the texture is coarse. Hickory weighs about 830 Kg / M3 when dried. An important feature of Hickory is its exceptional combination of high strength properties. It is stiff and hard and is especially able to withstand suddenly applied loads, being more superior to Ash in this respect.

 

Working Qualities: Because of its weight it is fairly hard on saws and cutting tools but can be finished well.

 

Uses: Striking tool handles, rims, spokes and felloes for wheels, chairs, ladder rungs, sports goods, turnery, shafts for golf clubs and vehicle bodies. It has excellent steam bending qualities.