Eric wrote:

> In that size, you might want to look at shovel handles-typically made of ash


Interesting thought. Not one I had considered, surprisingly since I go through a
good number of yard sale baseball bats every year.


I just checked the several shovel handles I have on hand, each attached to a
blade of some form and vintage, and all were of sufficient size to use as stock
to make the dowels in the original query, but all would require reduction. Only
one (on a grain scoop) was substantially cylindrical, the rest being waisted to
at least some extent, though the sample may be skewed by years of use.


In any case, I think that I should add old shovels and shovel handles to my list
of acquisition targets. Unlike sledge and pick handles, and baseball bats from
certain locales, they are likely not impact damaged, nor spattered with
unidentifiable fluids. I wish I were kidding on the last point.


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