Steam bending diamond willow

[@deputyk9114]

Do they ever bend back when they have dried out again?

[@RustBeltAuto]

If they dry straight, they stay that way.

[@nealmont]

If you were to leave these in the steam tunnel for an extended period, would they keep getting softer to the point of ruining them? On a lighter note, Hey how 'bout a mandrel bender. Then you can make canes and headers too 😻🤭

[@RustBeltAuto]

If I leave them in to long, they will get wet again, and it takes a long time to dry. I tried a couple things. These diamond willows cannot be bent into a cane end. I dont think there is enough lignin in them, because it is a constantly dying plant.

[@nealmont]

@@RustBeltAuto I had to look up lignin. I know less about sticks than I do about cars.Thanks

[@mx-0163]

Ever think about filling the diamond gaps with epoxy? That might look good, too.

[@RustBeltAuto]

I though about epoxy with turquoise inlay when I find one with a lot of worm tracks. Havn't messed with epoxy resin before though. Wouldn't that add a lot of weight? Is it heavy? Does it shrink? Many questions.

[@mx-0163]

@@RustBeltAuto Epoxy is exothermic and would expand initially, but as that energy leaves during curing, it would recede and overall would shrink slightly. For weight, one cup epoxy is roughly 130grams (0.28lbs). If just used to reinforce, I don't think it would add much weight at all.

[@RustBeltAuto]

@@mx-0163 interesting. If I was to do it, would I coat the whole thing, and use nothing else?

[@mx-0163]

@@RustBeltAuto you wouldn't have to coat the entire piece, but be prepared for a lot of sanding.

[@larryhahn9526]

ill take your broken staffs to make wands and runes with them saving me the work

[@RustBeltAuto]

I have made a few wands for fun. Don't know anyone who would want one. They look really cool though. Cannot visualize the rune thing. Small pieces are easy to get. Long straight ones, not so much.

[@larryhahn9526]

​@@RustBeltAuto, runes are an ancient alphabet that is carved into disks of wood or stone.as for wands I make rather high-end wands for people in my spiritual community. So if you are interested in cutting some of your losses, I would be interested in buying your broken pieces of diamond willow anything from for-arm length or longer.you would also need to include shipping in your price. Thank You

[@larryhahn9526]

Also, the straightness of the pieces is not an issue for me .

[@RustBeltAuto]

@@larryhahn9526 I know what runes are. Just don't envision them, and don't have losses to cut. There are things others cannot see, and what others cannot see, is not for them to know. Shipping, and price is not something to seek. It is without power. I hope you find what you are looking for.

[@condielowrey1]

Cllc