[LilysDad]

Is that a scientific term?

When I look on the Wood Data Base there are a lot of different measurements given.

Average Dried Weight

Specific Gravity

Janka Hardness

Modulus of Rupture

Elastic Modulus

Crushing Strength

Various kinds of Shrinkage

Yeah, it makes my head hurt just reading that list!

What I want to know is, which of those numbers will tell me how well a stick resists bending until it breaks?

 

[MJC4]

My guess, elastic modulus. The higher the number the harder to bend, perhaps?

As a wood carver about the only number I pay attention to is Janka hardness. The higher the number the tougher to carve.

Mark

 

[gdenby]

I also think its the elastic modulus.

One of my concerns for hiking sticks, as opposed to walking sticks, is that they need to be able to withstand a good bit of pressure from the side. Looking at various figures, hickory comes in at about the top for No. Am. woods. It is certainly very hard, and that is combined with the ability to take a lot of sideways thrust.

 

[Steve R.]

I too, would bet on the Elastic Modulus though without some point of reference, I wouldn't venture a guess as to which way the numbers ran.

I tend to use the term "Rigidity" simply because that's one of the factors I check before cutting.

 

[JJireh]

That's way to technical for me. Most native hardwoods/fruit woods are perfectly fine for walking sticks. Willows are iffy depending on size, but I have even used a thicker one for a walking club. (dog deterrent)

 

[cobalt]

I dont think these mesures are much to go by i all stickss need something from them all.

Its not that important to know these what is improtant is to regonise a useful shank when you see one.

Mayby its easyer for me evryone knows the wood we use here and never question them

.

 

[CV3]

The MOE measurement is more about the woods ability to recover from compression. The Modulus of rupture is the maximum load carrying capacity of a member. It is generally used in tests of bending strength to quantify the stress required to cause failure. It is reported in units of psi.

 

[LilysDad]

Thanks for the input! When making my shafts from lumber, I certainly use common domestic hardwood such as maple, oak, walnut, et al.

But when I find something different in the woods, I'm not always certain it is appropriate. Holly, sweet gum, red maple the list is endless. I spend my winters in Southern Virginia now, and do my collecting there.

 

[cobalt]

Holly makes a good shank oftern use this side of the pond theres no need to remove the bark .once seasoned it will be a good sound stick .just sesson it in a cool airy place know nothing about the other types sorry