Frank Fusco
Member
- Messages
- 12,791
- Location
- Mountain Home, Arkansas
You might recall my post about the Diamond willow cane. I was very proud to acquire this diamond willow stick and make it into a cane.
But, when done it was simply too tall for me to use comfortably. (BTW, I don't need or use a cane. I sorta collect them and am preparing for the day when I might need one.)
However, I was reluctant to cut it down as there was some nice diamond formations near the end tip.
Then a rare strike of brillance struck me. Cut it down and incorporate the formations cut off into a new handle. That would accomplish my needs for a shorter stick and preserve the formations.
To add some length to the handle I choose Osage Orange and doweled a couple hunks onto the willow. The OO will turn walnut dark with time, I know that and it is just fine with me.
My original plan was to turn the OO down to blend with the ends of the willow. Uh-Oh! No-no. Found out, that willow just won't turn. No way, no how. It only goes to splinters. So I ended up with a somewhat abrupt meeting of the two. Not what I envisioned but the wood dictated the results as often happens with projects, even little ones like this.
Enneyhow, the steps and end result is shown. I still have a little touch up here and there but I like the end result. If I ever do need to use it for real I'll carry with pride remembering my friend.
But, when done it was simply too tall for me to use comfortably. (BTW, I don't need or use a cane. I sorta collect them and am preparing for the day when I might need one.)
However, I was reluctant to cut it down as there was some nice diamond formations near the end tip.
Then a rare strike of brillance struck me. Cut it down and incorporate the formations cut off into a new handle. That would accomplish my needs for a shorter stick and preserve the formations.
To add some length to the handle I choose Osage Orange and doweled a couple hunks onto the willow. The OO will turn walnut dark with time, I know that and it is just fine with me.
My original plan was to turn the OO down to blend with the ends of the willow. Uh-Oh! No-no. Found out, that willow just won't turn. No way, no how. It only goes to splinters. So I ended up with a somewhat abrupt meeting of the two. Not what I envisioned but the wood dictated the results as often happens with projects, even little ones like this.
Enneyhow, the steps and end result is shown. I still have a little touch up here and there but I like the end result. If I ever do need to use it for real I'll carry with pride remembering my friend.