Well, the 2 canes I'm making at the moment are both a way to pass the time and being done out of whimsy. Plus I'm in no real hurry to finish the items. Both are still somewhat green and I have been debarking one of them today.

I had recently trimmed our lemon tree in the backyard before the weather starts getting hot again, and came out with a 4-5 foot branch which is pretty strong and has a few curves in it. I also cut out a "volunteer citrus" (they make no fruit) that was taking up space in the backyard, and cleaned off the entire trunk. When it is turned upside down, one is putting their hand where the roots came out of the bottom, and strangely enough it is weighted almost like a baseball bat, and is very balanced. Planes and chisels? Lathes? No Way <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I don't have the money, nor do I want the items to look too professional. Think hobbits and elves. <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Plus I'm looking to hone my skills as far as building field expediant weapons and staves, cutting branches for cover and shelter. No way am I gonna carry a lathe in my BOB! <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

But thanks for the input BountyHunter. Maybe you would be able to tell me how to laquer the finished pieces? Should I wait until the wood is completely dry? I'm afraid if it dries out too much it will crack before it can be finished off. It is Lemon Wood, so should I just soak it in Lemon Oil instead? <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Black Ops