I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaack!

1318 Views 9 Replies 5 Participants Last post by dww2, Feb 28, 2017

norson

Discussion Starter · Jan 27, 2017

(More or less) - now have two sticks White Ash and Dutch Elm - both show some potential. . . but per usual I won't really know until I sand my eyes out.

Again.

So stay tuned.

IF they both work they will probably be Canes #105 and #106.

-neb

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norson

Discussion Starter · #2 · Jan 28, 2017

Here's that piece of elm - attacked by Dutch Elm disease - the bark is completely gone (a bonus for me) - so after filling that crack with wood putty I'll get to work sanding-my-eyes-out. After that I'll establish stain or leave as-is. I've worked before with elm tree branches/limbs/sticks and they make SOLID canes.

Hope to complete this by mid-Feb.

We shall see.

-neb

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Rodney

· #3 · Jan 28, 2017

It's hard to stay away once you start isn't it?

That elm branch should be an interesting one.

Rodney

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Batakali

· #4 · Jan 29, 2017

And off to a great start as well!

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norson

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 1, 2017

This is going to take a LOT of work - even though it's SOLID as the Rock of Gihoozie, it has several deep cracks that need filling. Multiple layers of filling - takes time for each layer to dry before adding the next. then the next, etc.

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norson

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 27, 2017 (Edited by Moderator)

Sometimes, like yesterday afternoon, while sanding-my-eyes-out on a potential cane shank/shaft I made a wonderful discovery - some creature has been living there! There are insect tracks and even perfectly round holes - something drilled those holes. So in more than one way, that now stick - that my son would use as kindling, was, at one time, truly alive. And I love that.

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Rodney

· #7 · Feb 27, 2017

From what I've seen around here the bugs tend to be more hungry than artistic.

I've had to throw out more than one handle because I would find worm holes in the wrong places-like opening up a gaping hole on the side that wasn't visible on the surface.

Rodney

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MJC4

· #8 · Feb 28, 2017

Holes in the ash? or the elm? The ash would be a good bet that it is emerald ash borer beetles.

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norson

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 28, 2017

I plucked that branch/stick from off the ground, under a tree that looks sick. . . and like so many others the bark had fallen away - while still attached to the tree. It's my understanding and belief it's another of those American Elm stricken with Dutch Elm disease killing so many of the nice trees in the Mid-West.

Regardless, it's SOLID. While working on it again yesterday I gave it my own personal test - jabbing the narrow end into the garage floor - it never wavered nor vibrated - it's going to make some one, some day a reliable cane.

Perhaps by the end of this week. If so, pictures to follow.

-neb

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