Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Jun 12, 2003 01:36am | #1

   MM,

   Hop hornbeam grew on some land I owned in Vermont, but I never saw one that was more than 5 inches in diameter so it probably has little commercial value, although it apparently does grow larger in some areas.  The only use it had historically, that I know of, was to make the teeth in wooden gears, because it resisted wear and stress well. 

   Unless you simply must have hornbeam, ash or hickory would probably serve you just as well.  Looking at the numbers for bending resistance, yellow birch would also appear to be a good wood for tool handles.  Hornbeam is a member of the birch family and is a relatively featureless wood for color and grain.  I looked it up in Hoadley's book "Identifying Wood" and he states that it is occasionally sold as birch since they look very similar. 

   John W.

1. 
   handplane | Jun 12, 2003 03:21am | #2

   Thanks, John.  I really do hope to get some.  But if I completely strike out I'll go for hickory.

   Take care,

   Mark

2. 
   DavidxDoud | Jun 12, 2003 05:36am | #3

   I have trees in my woods,  e-mail me,  and we'll discuss - regards, DOUD

1. 
   handplane | Jun 12, 2003 04:07pm | #4

   Thanks, David.  I've emailed you.

   Mark

1. 
   Ron | Jun 12, 2003 05:48pm | #5

   I saw a set of english yew handled tools. The mans neighbor was in the landscaping business and when ever he removed any yews he brought them home. The chissles were used often used at work. I saw them after he retired and worked at home. The oldest were thirty plus years old.