[norson]

In September, my lovely bride of 61+ yrs went for her morning walk and came home dragging this limb - which at the time was almost as big as her. Neither of us were certain it was salvageable - but since I'm in the salvage/redemption business I decided to give it a closer look.

There are 6-8-10 black locust decorative trees along the bike path. That area is mowed weekly by the Township - this pitiful limb was laying on the ground and it's my guess (educated) ?? the power mower ran over it causing some deep/severe cuts. I was not certain at the time (still am not) if I could salvage this piece, but back then was busy making the Wounded Warrior canes and thought this would be very fitting for some XL man . . . for it's a heavy duty limb.

That W.W. project is worthy of another note (or more) - to follow - maybe - if and when I get pictures.

I'm almost always intrigued when limbs/branches have built-in handles.

I decided last week to do some heavy duty power sanding on all the potential cane shafts - getting the rough bark out of the way while the weather permitted. Thus allowing me to concentrate on the lighter duty sanding here in my recliner. And here it is.

Those deep mower cuts are still visible.

I'm not 100% convinced this is worthy.

Only time will tell.

After 4,373 hours of hand sanding-my-eyes-out. Further, at only 31" it will need a heavy-duty 5-6" extension, perhaps Osage Orange.

There may be snow on the ground here before this cane is 100% ready for use.

I shudder at the thought.

-neb

 

[Rodnogdog]

I have to give you credit for using what you have and not giving up! A draw knife would help peel and shape that stick up more easily.

 

[cobalt]

I do hope your wearing a dust mask but have to agree with Rodnogdog it would save a lot of time and dust

 

[MJC4]

Seems to me you have put in a ton of work on a piece that in your own words may not be salvageable. With the strong winds and storms that just came through Illinois the last couple days there may be more suitable materials ready for salvage. If you do decide to scrap the piece I wouldn't tell the bride ..................

 

[Rodney]

You've gone this far, keep going. The stick has a lot of character and I doubt the gouges have affected the strength enough to matter. Pieces like yours have a habit of growing into things that surpass the original intent of their maker. I think you'll be pleased with the results when you're done.

Rodney

 

[norson]

This Sugar Maple stick needs 3-4 days work, then maybe the Black Locust? You guys have inspired me.

Again!



-neb

 

[LilysDad]

If the black locust doesn't work out as a stick, it can still be incorporated into another. A piece of it could be used as a T-handle.