In article , "Kevin" wrote:
Thanks Doug. And one more question. I have a hedge clipper with a broken
handle. Oak would be good for the replacement?

Tool handles of nearly all sorts [1] are traditionally made from ash. Oak
would work, but ash is a better choice for several reasons. It has a much
better strength-to-weight ratio than oak, or indeed most other domestic woods.
It's easier to turn. And it's cheaper, too. (Except when compared to free red
oak, of course.)

Unfortunately for the recipient of said free wood, red oak is particularly
ill-suited for use in any outdoor application. I believe you've already
learned about its porosity. :-) It will soak up water even more readily than
it soaks up oil; this makes it much more likely than ash to warp, split, rot,
or all three.

[1] The principal exceptions are hammer, axe, and hatchet handles, which are
nearly always made from hickory due to its extremely high shock resistance.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek-at-milmac-dot-com)

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