Apple produces clean edges but typical of hard, dense woods, it burns quickly if moved too slowly, is pinched or crowded. It turns especially well but the occasional uneven grain may cause some lifting when planed or jointed. The wood has little taste or odor. This wood glues easily, should be drilled for fasteners that it holds well and has a moderate steam bending rating. It is not durable when exposed to high moisture conditions or soil but is quite durable in weather.
Apple finishes well and takes a beautiful high luster polish.
There are no reported health hazards from working with apple, but the usual dust precautions should be taken. Apple fruit has been a staple for centuries and volumes have been written on the subject. Perhaps no group of people relied upon the apple for food, drink or games more than did early Americans. Apples had a long shelf life, dried or wrapped in straw and buried in dry dirt. Cider was an important beverage, fresh or aged.