>>2491247Sorry, I've been ignoring /out/ for a while.
First of all, let it dry for a week or so in a cool, dry place with the bark still on (removing the bark right away could cause the wood to dry too quickly and crack), then strip off all the bark and let it dry for another week or two. Trim it however you wish, but an oscillating multitool is fantastic for precisely trimming knobs/knots almost flush with the surface.
First of all, sand it down real good. I do this by hand with a sheet because it's the best way and not terribly labor-intensive. Use 80 grit, then 180 grit; grip the shaft pornographically with the hand holding the sandpaper, then rotate back and forth while working slowly down the entire length. Repeat as necessary; buff problem spots; spend time smoothing down the stumps of the knobs and knots you trimmed.
For the very first coat after sanding, use orange oil or some kind of cutting board oil to fill up the pores a bit. Let it soak in for a while, then wipe the staff dry.
Melt the beeswax ((in a double boiler, tea candle warmer, etc.), and apply a generous coat with a cotton cloth. Wait at least an hour for the wax to soak in and set, then buff it out, again with a cotton cloth. This is the most labor-intensive part, as you do fast circles with two fingers under the cotton over the entire surface.
Repeat the wax coating and buffing 5-6 times.
The super-shiny staves you see in stores have been sprayed with polyurethane. Absolute crap.
