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Cane - personal request for help

W

Wilford Bickel

Joined
Apr 29, 2004
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Location
Alpine, AL
Well looks like a family disease and old age are catching me! I had a ankle come out of joint this week and I am due to see my Orthopedic Surgeon this PM. This is a very common thing in my family - shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles all pop in and out - won't bore you with all the medical names.

I am almost certain that he is going to want me to start using a cane some to help keep from getting off balance and causing this to start happening regularly. Told LOML I would not argue BUT it would be a cane from my own lathe. Have some Paduk, mohagony and maple that would look good!!!!

Have any of you used the cane kits from Woodturners? Or do you have any plans or articles on the best way to build a cane. Note that this cane may have to hold 190+ pounds in a hurry so it has to be more than looks.

Thanks in advance!

Wilford
 
a little help on your feet

I've created several canes with the Craft Supplies kit. It's fairly straightforward in assembly and turning. Use some figured wood, cocobolo, wenge, etc. The padauk would be fine, especially if it's a bright variety.
The length of you cane will be from the floor, in your shoes, to the center of your wrist (where that bone sticks out on the backside). Allow for the tip and handle in your measurement. I'd use one of those combo tips, with the rubber covering the spike, just in case you encounter some slickery surfaces.
Determine your overall length of wood and lay out the three sections. Then mark each section so when you glue in the brass sockets you can put all three together and get a grain match. That makes for one beautiful project. By the way, this can be turned on a mini lathe and I can show you a tip for making holding the sections a real easy project.
I can send you a demo tape of a cane I assembled at a recent club meeting if you send me an address.
Cap'n Eddie Castelin
The Bayou Woodturners
We Turn Wood ... Into Art!
eddiecastelin@cox.net
 
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