Diamond willow.. How long to wait?

[Harris from Kalama]

I just recieved some debarked Diamond Willow and I have some with the bark on coming that I will take the bark off of when it gets here. From what I have read, it's best to wait a few months before finishing it. Is there anything wrong with sanding the stick and cleaning up the diamonds before waiting a few months to put the finish on?

Harris

[Merle Rice]

Hi Harris, if you ordered them from wood suppliers they should be dried and ready to carve. No need to wait. Merle

[AlArchie]

You should be able to work that stick right away. It's much easier to work when it's green. I've always cut mine in the winter when the sap is down......spring cut will have a lot of moisture, so you may want to seal the ends after removing the bark and cleaning the diamonds, tp prevent checking.

Al

[Harris from Kalama]

Thanks for your replies. Merle, I get my sticks from Ebay. The ones from places like Treeline don't give me the quality, length or price i'm looking for. I am setting up to make 10 to 20 sticks at a time

Has anyone found a wholesaler who sells brass cane handles?

Harris