My cousin’s girlfriend (they’re both trades workers) recently brought up that she’d like if I (a woodworker) could make her some handles for her work files, as they’re currently bare metal. At the time, I mentioned I’d probably use maple to make them, since maple tends to be more figured and visually appealing.

However, I picked up three pieces of hickory today for a figurative steal (I got them for $1 each). I know hickory is the gold standard for axe and hammer handles, but would they be a good choice for file handles? I imagine they would hold up better than maple since hickory is harder, and could potentially help with vibrations while using the tools, but if it’s basically a moot point with such a small handle, I’ll just got with what she’d find more aesthetically pleasing.

  • NataliePortland@lemmy.caM
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    7 months ago

    I think you have it right. Hickory is a strong wood that will make a great handle. It can also flex well. Maple would be prettier but whatever you have you should use. Once you make a good shape and have a matching set it’s going to be a crowd pleaser whichever way you go.

    I don’t think it’s a question of which would hold up better. Both will do great and be long lasting. I would do maple instead though. Sure the hickory is cheap but a small amount of maple for handles won’t be much either and you’re making something to last forever.

    Post pics when they’re done!

    • sepi@piefed.social
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      7 months ago

      yeah man I don’t know what to say but all the file handles on my computer are gobbledygook like 0xff3778a1

  • Madison420@lemmy.world
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    7 months ago

    It’ll be fine just learn how to bed a file and if you want them to last don’t forgot the banding around the file end so when its rewet it doesn’t split the wood.

  • Paragone@lemmy.ca
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    7 months ago

    In hammers, hickory is the best.

    A Vaughn ( spelling? ) California Framer, with hickory handle, is THE framing hammer, and I never want to hear about Estwing steel-shaft hammers again.

    The shock-absorption in the hickory is wonderful.

    ( I’ve never worked as a framer, but I have worked a few years as the grunt-guy on construction sites, and have tried many different tools, trying to find the ones that work properly for years )


    The only question is whether the springiness of hickory would make it prone to falling-off the file quicker than rock-maple would…

    Mind you, humidity expansion/contraction would probably be a factor in that, so maybe sealing the stuff, soaking it in varnish or something?

    Anyways, it’s an experiment I’d do, and if the hickory doesn’t work-out, then try rock maple, see?