Collecting wood

[Flasheart]

Folks,

When would be the best time for me to collect/harvest some green wood for stick/staff making?

Thanks in advance all and happy new year,

Flash

 

[Kerne]

When the landowner isn't looking

 

[Rosco]

Now, whilst the sap is down, but season them for at least a year before straightening/ handling them.
John

 

[Flasheart]

Thanks for the advice....off to the woods I go.

 

[launditch1]

I know a saying regarding this..'Whens the best time to cut a walking stick?When you see's it!.Nows the best time really before the sap rises in spring time.Ive cut hazel sticks in high summer that havent split or anything though....

 

[Mike Ameling]

A lot depends upon your intended use of it. If you want to leave the bark on, then cut over the winter and before the sap starts to rise. But if you are going to strip the bark, then right after the sap rises is a good time. The bark should peel off fairly easily. But also "season" that stick well. Although, you do tend to get less checking/cracking/shrinking as they dry out from internal moisture if the stick was cut over the winter.

Mikey - that grumpy ol' German blacksmith out in the Hinterlands

 

[Flasheart]

Thanks gang...appreciate the help.

Now whats the best way to prep and finish the wood once I have removed the bark?

Thanks in advance,

Flash

 

[launditch1]

How i do it is after harvesting the stick i strip all the bark off then forget about it for a while to season.When its good n'dry i just work through the grades of sandpaper until i get the finish im after.Then i work in beeswax polish with a very fine wirewool.If im not stripping the bark i season as usual then lighly rub the stick all over with a fine sanding pad.Its useful to cut it larger than normal just in case it splits on drying.

 

[Rosco]

Depends on the species of the shank. Strip holly/Gorse asap after cutting then season it.Most others (notably stick makers favourite- Blackthorn) leave the bark on and trim side branches just proud of flush.After seasoning and any straightening rub down to get rid of loose bark with Webrax. Treat with whatever kind of finish you like. Yacht varnish(bit glossy for me), danish/tung oil or best of all Gunstock Oil (Tru-Oil).