How Can I Shape a Thick Branch into a Cane?
Asked by WoodSmith92
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!
Answers
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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
WoodSmith92: Thanks for the tips! I'm looking forward to making this cane!
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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!
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WoodSmith92: That's a good idea! I’ll make sure to have one handy for the finishing touches.