I've got a neuromuscular condition that will eventually require me to use a cane. Recently, I found a thick rhododendron branch that could work, but it's around 2.5 inches in diameter. It's been drying for about nine months and is pretty uneven, so I can't really use a lathe. I have a spoke shave, some power tools, hand saws, chisels, and a couple of machetes (just kidding about the machetes!). I'd love to get some advice on how to remove a lot of wood from this branch, ideally getting it down to about 1 inch in thickness. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
Definitely go for a draw knife or a spoke shave; they are both great for this kind of work. You might also want to grab a rasp—it can be really handy for finer shaping. If you need to remove even more material, a carpenter's hatchet could come in handy too!
A spokeshave will work for most of the shaping, but it can be slow going. Just remember to start rough and clean it up later using a wood rasp and sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish. It'll look great when you’re done!
Once you get down the bulk of the wood, a cheese grater-type plane can help with shaping the grip nicely. Just remember to take it slow and steady!
That's a good idea! I’ll make sure to have one handy for the finishing touches.
I’d suggest clamping it in a vice and using a circular saw set to about 0.5 inches to slice around the branch. After that, you can lever out the waste with a chisel. This will bring you down to about 1.5 inches, and then you can use the draw knife or a rasp followed by a spokeshave and sandpaper for finishing.
A draw knife is probably your best bet here. It's a larger version of a spoke shave and is pretty aggressive—ideal for quickly taking off material. You can usually find them for cheap, even in antique shops!
Thanks for the tips! I'm looking forward to making this cane!