Wood is

[keithbyrd]

I meant Wood ID - don't know how to change the title!
I have a handle from my Dad's pruning shears. He moved the family (before I was born!) in 1937 during the dust bowl - he was part of the grapes of wrath story by Steinbeck. He was a farm laborer and this is a handle from his shears that he used for at least 40 years . I am making a pen for my sons from it for Christmas- he died when they were 1 &3. I think this is oak but would like to get your opinions - thanks for your help!

 

[Madman1978]

My guess would be ash

 

[Curly]

I'm not so sure it is an oak. There would be ray fleck running across the growth rings. Hickory perhaps?

 

[1080Wayne]

My bet would be on something like shagbark hickory . Your sons will appreciate the pens , but in my opinion tool handles like that in the 1 1/4 in dia range are best made into S&P shakers . That allows total preservation of the handle surface . Drill a hole for the insert , sand top and bottom , seal the top surface , glue in insert , note the provenance on the bottom , and you are done . No other finishing required , and the recipients have a memento that they can use daily for the rest of their lives , and pass down to their grandchildren .

 

[jttheclockman]

My guess too would be hickory or ash because that is basically what handles are made from.

 

[keithbyrd]

My bet would be on something like shagbark hickory . Your sons will appreciate the pens , but in my opinion tool handles like that in the 1 1/4 in dia range are best made into S&P shakers . That allows total preservation of the handle surface . Drill a hole for the insert , sand top and bottom , seal the top surface , glue in insert , note the provenance on the bottom , and you are done . No other finishing required , and the recipients have a memento that they can use daily for the rest of their lives , and pass down to their grandchildren .

Thanks Wayne - unfortunately I already have tubes glued in!

 

[keithbyrd]

My guess too would be hickory or ash because that is basically what handles are made from.

My second guess was hickory -

 

[MRDucks2]

I would tend to lean toward ash. Hickory was most common in handles that would see higher stress than shears. Ash would be easily suitable and she's a bit of weight from the hickory handles. If you know who they made by, you may be able to look it up.

 

[gimpy]

Walnut

 

[egnald]

In the late 1930's a lot of tool handles were made from fruit woods like apple and pear because they were strong and well suited for tool handles. This is especially true when it comes to chisels. Of course hickory and ash have always been commonly used as tool handles in the US. Boxwood was also popular for higher end tools in that time frame. - Dave

 

[keithbyrd]

I think it's looking like hickory. I found the brand Hickok and it looks like they made them with hickory!
thanks for all your feedback!

 

[Rodney W]

I have an old pair of Disston branded loppers. The handles on them are hickory.

 

[NGLJ]

Here is the end grain for Shagbark Hickory. Take a look at the end with a lighted magnifying glass and see if it compares.

 

[keithbyrd]

Here is the end grain for Shagbark Hickory. Take a look at the end with a lighted magnifying glass and see if it compares.

Thank you! It's similar - confirms for me that it's hickory!

 

[keithbyrd]

This is the final product!

 

[NGLJ]

Very nice - I guess you used a laser for the engraving - must get me one but I doubt SWMBO will comply especially after all of the stuff that I have!

 

[keithbyrd]

Yes used a laser - I understand SWMBO!

 

[Rodney W]

Really nice job.