Crape Myrtle Limbs

[keithlong]

This may be a dumb question, however I am gonna ask anyway, was told that if you want ot know something ask questions. Here it is, my neighbor has a crape myrtle bush that got broken off last week by a wind storm, it has some nice limbs on it, has anyone whittled on these before? Thanks for your help.

[Buckskin]

I haven't, but I look at it this way... its available and free so give it a shot. I would be interested in knowing how it works out.

[Joy]

I had to cut down a crepe myrtle so I tried carving it. I found it very hard to carve with a sticky layer (I carved it fresh) that gummed up everything. It also split badly as it dried. But I figure it was great practice. I kept some and am letting it dry....maybe it will carve better.
Joy

[GeorgiaCarver]

I have.....

If you let them dry for a year and plan on using them for a walking stick beware! They turn into iron. It is an incredibly hard wood when dry. For sure you want to carve it while it is green.

I have a foredome and tried to grind/cut the walking stick with it. All I managed to do was burn the wood and my tool, even carbide. One hard wood for sure. Hand tools were worthless.

Enjoy

Greg