I am ordering the Amana Tambour Door Bits and plan to make an appliance closet out of Hickory. A few questions:
(1) Is there any problems using this or other very hard wood?
(2) Will I need to have any concerns or make any adjustments for the Hickory or other species in the area of swelling or bowing? I know wood moves, so is this already considered in the shaping of the door?
(3 Do you suggest waxing the ball and socket of each slat before applying poly finish for long term free movement?
- Tony A.
Lyman, SC
Our Expert
When shaping wood with carbide router bits you can use any type of wood that you prefer. Carbide is very hard, much harder than any wood. Carbide will wear faster when used to cut extremely dense wood but it will not damage the carbide, you'll just have to sharpen it more frequently. Amana uses only the best quality carbide on all of their tools so you can use the tool on hickory without concern.
I see no reason why you cannot use hickory for a tambour. However, as with any wood, it's important to use dry, straight-grain stock if you expect the tambour slats to remain straight.
I do suggest waxing the tambour slats, but only after the finish has completely dried. Waxing wood before applying the finish will prevent the finish from adhering to the wood.
