Quote Originally Posted by Grumpy Old Man View Post
willow saplings can make good shafts, but willows are soft. .
Depends on the type of willow Grumps... Around here we have a couple varieties of Diamond willow. a nice 1 inch diameter tree may take a dozen or more hacks with a machete to cut/bludgeon through, or will dull a chainsaw blade to useless in mere seconds.

They look amazing, and are commonly used for canes or walking staffs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_willow