i have to use a what?

[jon]

i was told that i have to use a "cane" for the rest of my life, so as i was gimping around the house with my new found freind i found it to be quite boreing looking, so im trying to think of a way i could make a new one and scroll out the center without giveing up the strength of it.. i know i could carve it but thats borring and everyone has done it. i want something unique dose anyone have any idea how i could do this im willing to try any idea even if its never been done b4... whats the worst that could happen i fall down again lol..

[julief]

Just be careful to keep the design on the sides.  It will irritate your hand if it is where your weight rests.

[thumbs]

Jon--I have an uncle who made all the kids, myself included, canes with a saw handle--they are layered with walnut between two layers of oak--I used mine when I had my knee replacement and it worked great-- Richard aka thumbs

[northie66]

Do you have a picture Richard?

[Emac]

My wife always fussed at me because every time we took a trip I bought a new cane. Like you say they were just plain and boring looking. I finally found a Bubba Stik and I like the way it looks. It is a lot sturdier than most and I am looking at it now and I think it could take some scrolling without compromising the strength. The thing that makes me like it is the length. I am 6'5" and I had to bend down for regular canes. That hurt my back. The metal ones look too clinical and I never liked them.

[Kepy]

How about taking a regular cane and cutting out a section below the handle and inserting a rectangular piece with scrollwork in place of the cut out section with glue and pegs.

[Judy Hunter]

I collect all kinds of odd canes . but don't need one ....yet.

[Rapid Roger]

I haven't done it but, I don't think that I would just cut spaces in a cane and leave them open because of strength. BUT....I WOULD cut some designs and do an inlay with a contrasting color of another wood to fill the openings in the cane.
I scrolled some names in small wooden hammer handles from a pattern that Steve has in his blog. The hammers were gifts for friends and intended for display purposes only due to strength.
You might cut the letters of your name or initals in the shank of the cane and fill with a different wood or that inlace material that everyone is using.

Rog

[Russ C]

Good luck on the alteration. Take some pics so we can see what you did. 

[BilltheDiver]

I have cut names into hatchet handles.  I would suggest that if you are cutting into a rounded cane, either make a clamping Jig, or use a large pony clamp to keep the wood from trying to rotate as you cut it.   My right kneecap was shattered when a car t-boned my motorcycle, so I often use a shillelagh.  I like it better than a traditional cane.