I was just wondering if there are any stick makers among us? I rather fancy a thumbstick to accompany me on my journeys and would appreciate any tips on making one....
Pipistrelle said:The quick easy and effective method, find some hazel, (mine has a base diameter(now it is cut to size) of 2cm (ish)the prongs are roughly 1cm thick each and 15 cm long) at this time of year (lots of people/parks needs things coppicing) go along and help for the wood. select a few likely peices with a forked top leave for 1 week in a shed to season a little.
Work the space between the prongs with a knike then sandpaper, until smooth and at the desired shape (the more natural you leave it the stronger it will be, try it constantly for confort) don't try for complicated shapes as they are likely to leave you with thumb blisters and weaken the Y on you stick.
Play around with another bit to work out the perfect height, I like mine so I can rest my wrists confortably in the y just under my chin, but it is a personal thing. Remember when sizing take it slowly you can always take a little off but, it is a real pain to add on length. The two angled prongs of the Y should also guide you, Walk using one then the other then the central groove, if you get it right the prongs should assist in hillclimbing comfort (because your thumb stick is longer than a walking stick you use it at an angle like a punt)
trim off side buds and branches smoothly then lightly sand off bark roughness (to touch, run it through your hands if it feels good its done), carve/decorate treat with linseed oil. hey presto... Then leave for a few weeks (be warned if you dry it out too fast it will split).
You can band the bottom with metal but I never do, my stick made like this has lasted many miles and two years so far and shows no real signs of wear and tear and if and when it does give up on me, I can burn it or ditch it and it will leave nothing but compost.
People have tried to buy, swap and even steal my stick, it looks beautiful the dark bark against the light tan wood creates a lovely effect. I have a few holes inthe tips where when educating children in woodlore I insert feathers and a hole just under the Y to thread willow cord to hold markers when using it as a story/journey stick.
It is really easy, the hardest bit is the measurements but take your time and feel them out, It will be a stick made just for you and perfect size.
leon-b said:i have a question, is it possible to make the 180b degree bend in the handle for a walking stick at home or do you need special equipment ?
leon
Eric_Methven said:Leon, you need a bucket of wet sand and somewhere to heat it up (campfire?). Place the thick end of your stick in the bucket of wet sand and place it on the fire. Let it boil for a good half hour or so.
penvisser said:Do you have a pic of your walking stick, I am very curious?
Eric_Methven said:Leon, you need a bucket of wet sand and somewhere to heat it up (campfire?). Place the thick end of your stick in the bucket of wet sand and place it on the fire. Let it boil for a good half hour or so.
In the meantime take a short log about the same diameter as you want for the inside of the stick handle (5-6" is about right) You'll also need a 'G clamp'.
Remove the stick from the sand and clamp one (hot) end to the log with the G clamp. The stick will be soft and pliable so bend it round the log and tie it into place. Let it set for 24 hours then remove the clamp. Trim and round the butt of the handle, sand smooth and varnish or oil. Job done!
Eric
Jon Mawer said:Make sure it's a metal bucket too!
penvisser said:Do you have a pic of your walking stick, I am very curious?