by Professor Gene Wengert
Q.
We've had some problems machining pecan...any suggestions?
A.
I worked with a plant about 10 years ago that tried to machine pecan and hickory with minimal problems. The secret was three things--1) double check the MC to avoid pieces under 7% MC; 2) take a light cut (i.e., not much stock removal on each pass); and 3) feed slowly (about 20 cuts per inch).We did not use any jointed knives. Hope this helps.
Professor Gene Wengert is Extension Specialist in Wood Processing at the Department of Forestry, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Click on Wood Doctor Archives to peruse past answers.
If you would like to obtain a copy of "The Wood Doctor's Rx", visit the Wood Education and Resource Center Web site for more information.
