[norson]

While sanding on Cane #55 - Hickory - last evening I noticed something unusual. That's one of the advantages I have found sanding these marvelous future canes up-close-and-personal, here in my recliner. I've got them RIGHT HERE rather than clamped in a vise at waist level or whatever.

This stick has what appears to be almost a "rust" thread running almost the full length. It would have been in the bark, for I'm now sanding away the underbark and it's quite evident - and beautiful, I think, adding so much character. I want to leave it in place, not sand it away.

Anybody got any idea what this might be?

Thanx

 

[CV3]

Not sure what it is but have seen it in other hickey sticks. It will look nice when finished.

 

[gdenby]

I'm thinking it is a discoloration in the sap wood. If you go too far, I suppose most or all of it will disappear. There might be a trace in the heartwood.

I'm working on a piece of sassafras that I'm trying to just smooth the bark. I will have to chalk the effort up to experience, because the wood was greener than I thought, and in areas the bark peeled right away. But in the places where I was successful, I took it down to 800 grit. It is quite smooth to the touch, and a few coats of teak oil seems to have hardened it some, and made the colors richer.

Perhaps if you did something similar you would retain the rust colored streak.

 

[norson]

Earlier today I was very careful to not sand-away the mark, then coated it with American Walnut.

That is going to be SPECTACULAR some day.