All

Any idea what type of wood is used in the hub of a wood spoked wagon
wheel? Can you tell by looking or feeling?

The piece has the spokes inserted into it. The piece is a "spacer"
between the metal hub or spacer that rotates on the axle and the hub/
flange that attaches the spokes to the flange. The piece is round with
rectangular holes to accept the spokes. It is about 8" long and maybe
5" in diameter. It tapers some to each end.

And finally what is the name of the tool that drills "square holes" on
wood. I think it is called a mortise drill. Am I right?

Thanks
Bob AZ