corn stalk powder measure?

[Peter LeRay]

I know cane and maybe bamboo were used. Has anyone seen some made from corn stalk?

 

[Rusty_Nail]

As easy as it splits lengthwise after drying, I wouldn't think it would hold up.

 

[BillinOregon]

Maybe wrap it with a little sinew or linen thread and wax or varnish it, and you should be golden. Share a photo if you decide to make one!

 

[omarick1948]

If we think of it, probably the old boys did also! Never see an example of one.

Rick

 

[Peter LeRay]

Im gonna give it a shot. Still a little green when i cut it off. Ill do a controlled dry on it and see what happens. Its actually solid inside at the rings like cane.

 

[MSW]

let us know how it turns out ... now you're piqued my curiosity ...

:hmm: :wink: :hmm:

 

[GunnyGene]

Hmm. Interesting proposition/experiment. Always interested in old time diy. Looking fwd to how it works out. :hmm:

 

[M. De Land]

Do you mean corn cob or stalk?

 

[coloradoclyde]

I think a mullien stalk would work better.

 

[Flint311]

Do you mean corn cob or stalk?

First thing to come to mind.....

 

[Peter LeRay]

Stalk...

 

[Peter LeRay]

What is mullien?

 

[necchi]

http://www.motherearthliving.com/pl...-mullein-verbascum-thapsus.aspx#axzz3E1UY6STU

I think Mullein stalk would be too skinny, the dead second year stalk does make a great fire spindle for hand drill, and the pith will catch a spark.
Stalks don't show up till the second year then it flowers and dies. He's the boy with a few;

 

[coloradoclyde]

Peter,
There is a plant that should grow in your area that would be even better than mullien.
It has a nice strong woody exterior with a nice spongy pithy center and makes almost perfect, strong tubes”¦”¦common elderberry.
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Plants.Folder/Elderberry.html

 

[Rickey Brown]

as you said, here in La, we have plenty of switch cane to use I have never seen cornstalk used but since it is right behind the house I will try it. The cane has a built in stopper in the bottom if you cut right behind a joint

 

[rafterob]

Ahh, summer in Minnesota with the remnants of the 12 foot high parking lot drift. I bought a car once that I had to dig out of a parking lot mountain sized drift , completely buried. Corn may be too pithy when dry but would probably suffice for a season.

 

[necchi]

:haha:
Ya, the photo was taken July 6th,

 

[coloradoclyde]

Ok, I had some time today so I made this in about a half hour. made from the stalk of an Eldeberry bush. I did not bore the cavity, I merely pushed out the inner pith.

 

[Peter LeRay]

I finished it and its drying. Will post a pic of it in the morning.

 

[BillinOregon]

Peter, look forward to seeing your measure, and hearing how durable it is. Clyde: Elderberry is a pretty darned useful plant.