hornbeam ironwood

[aulddiy]

I've got a slab of what we call here in Scotland hornbeam wood. While I've done a search under ironwood, which I believe is similar I'd like some feedback from anyone whose worked with this wood.

I'm aware of the dust factor and that its really hard wood. Apart from that I know little.
Oh this piece is its kiln dried. Any help would be appreciated.
rgds
John

[Curtscarving]

No help here John,just get the power tools out. I did a small piece in Leopard wood one time but it was difficult for me. Basswood has spoiled me.

Curt

[aulddiy]

Well thats better than no reply! Tomorrow I'll cut a bit and try it out. Maybe a spoon something small. I do n't know much but what little I do know has came from my experience or that of others. So ask first is my motto.

[Claude]

John:
Does it look like one of these:

Exotic Wood hornbeam

Exotic Wood ironwood, brazilian

Exotic Wood ironwood, desert

http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/specialcolle...e/plate_42.jpg

http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/specialcolle...e/plate_41.jpg

I can't find any reference to Hornbeam or Ironwood in my list of wood toxicity sites (doesn't mean it's non-toxic, just not listed).

Claude

[Robert Cahill]

I believe I read once that ironwood was the hardest wood in that particular area.

[dnstehly]

Hi John, There are two hornbeams that I am familiar with. American hornbeam, often called iron wood or muscle wood because of its hardness and the muscular like appearance in its growth. The other is hop hornbeam, so named because of the similar appearance of its seed pod to hops. Both of these are very hard woods. I carve in them frequently but mostly with rotary power tools. The hop hornbeam exhibits a nice grain pattern while the American hornbeam shows very little figure in the wood. if you are going to use hand tools on either of these woods, expect to do a lot of sharpening.

[Dicky]

I have to agree with David. I have logger friends who hate cutting ironwood. They begrudge the time to keep the chainsaws sharp.

[aulddiy]

Thanks gents. Well I cut a piece of to play around with. The bit had the grain running every where, but straight. This was only 3 inches. What I found out was it can be cut with a knife, but only with the grain. I've almst finished the small spoon I shaped from it.

What I did notice was the small ness of the dust, I was masked up.
I checked its density, it floated on water.

[aulddiy]

I cut a small piece of the slab and experimented. With a thin bladed carving knife or small chisel I can carve with the grain. Cuts in any other direction were less effective. As the man said power carving is the way to go.

I'm glad I tried this before talking something more ambitious.
The silky finish is impressive.
I've put a photo, hornbeam, on the members gallery.
Now another dolphin or a grey bull seal?

[TreeWizard]

All I've ever used it for was making hammer handles. I bet it would make a great mallet.