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littlecope
145 posts
and
13 followers
in over 12 years
in over 12 years
More from littlecope
Every Project has a Story
My Father and I took down an Elm Tree at the 'Family Compound' sometime back (1979/early 80-ish)...
While breaking down the Tree, and collecting the brush, Dad indicated a particular branch with his Saw...
With the Chainsaw's tip, he pointed out where to cut, yelling, "...WOULD MAKE A GOOD CANE..."
The piece was trimmed to oversize, de-barked, and set aside to season for 1-2 years in our Cellar...
After the 'Handle' was trimmed to size, Sanding began... I know all about everyone's aversion to Sanding, but to me, on something like this...? It is an almost therapeutic exercise...
The Elm would sand down to a pretty uniform butter color... and then several months later would start growing what looked almost like "New" bark...?
And moisture (or tree sap?) could be felt in the wood after sanding?
This went on for 15-20 Years as I recall,
every year or two, I'd sand it and then some more "bark" would grow before it stabilized (more or less, it has brown areas still)...
The accumulated hand-sanding softened the contour of this old stick admirably!
No Finish has ever been applied to this Cane...
It has been used (too) many times!
Sore Ankles, Knees, Legs, and Hips...
Now it helps me again, as I grow infirm
It is somewhat more comfortable right-handed than left, but works either way, is still heavy for it's size and quite strong...
It is an Oldie... :)
(As a complete aside, when the picture was taken next to the chalkboard, I noticed the little "cookies" that were cut and used to plug the holes in the floor... Those, were from a small branch I put aside that same day, and from the same tree, all those years ago... )
Thanks for your time... 🙂
7 September 2026
While breaking down the Tree, and collecting the brush, Dad indicated a particular branch with his Saw...
With the Chainsaw's tip, he pointed out where to cut, yelling, "...WOULD MAKE A GOOD CANE..."
The piece was trimmed to oversize, de-barked, and set aside to season for 1-2 years in our Cellar...
After the 'Handle' was trimmed to size, Sanding began... I know all about everyone's aversion to Sanding, but to me, on something like this...? It is an almost therapeutic exercise...
The Elm would sand down to a pretty uniform butter color... and then several months later would start growing what looked almost like "New" bark...?
And moisture (or tree sap?) could be felt in the wood after sanding?
This went on for 15-20 Years as I recall,
every year or two, I'd sand it and then some more "bark" would grow before it stabilized (more or less, it has brown areas still)...
The accumulated hand-sanding softened the contour of this old stick admirably!
No Finish has ever been applied to this Cane...
It has been used (too) many times!
Sore Ankles, Knees, Legs, and Hips...
Now it helps me again, as I grow infirm
It is somewhat more comfortable right-handed than left, but works either way, is still heavy for it's size and quite strong...
It is an Oldie... :)
(As a complete aside, when the picture was taken next to the chalkboard, I noticed the little "cookies" that were cut and used to plug the holes in the floor... Those, were from a small branch I put aside that same day, and from the same tree, all those years ago... )
Thanks for your time... 🙂
7 September 2026
Mike, in Concord, NH - A candle loses none of its flame by lighting another candle...
6 Comments
First thought was an Irish shelley cane, great story and the cane is certainly wonderful!
wow thats a lot of history and something to cherish. hopefully you have someone to hand it and the story behind it too ?
working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
Wonderful story and cane. I would keep the write up for future generations.
Ron
Indeed, great story and cane!
The Other Steven
That’s a great piece, full of character and memories.
Like the others said, keeping the write up would be good. It’s be cool to drill a hole in the tip of the cane, or in the handle, and store a small rolled-up piece of paper with the story inside it (if it would not ruin the cane’s integrity).
Like the others said, keeping the write up would be good. It’s be cool to drill a hole in the tip of the cane, or in the handle, and store a small rolled-up piece of paper with the story inside it (if it would not ruin the cane’s integrity).
Nice memories.
.................. John D....................
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