Started using a walking stick

AA1APilot · #1 09-24-2006, 05:42 PM

Now that my 60 yr old knees are gone to hell........I just started using a walking stick handed down from my father inlaw. It is carved and I love it.

Now I've begun to see sticks being sold at festivals and flea markets so I'm thinking of making them as a hobby.

Does anyone have a source for wood, or do I need to go stomping thru the woods to find my own? I've got the wood working tools but don't have the energy to go wood hunting. If there are sources would someone please let me know.

squbrigg · #2 09-24-2006, 05:47 PM

Building supply company, scrap pile, specialty lumber store, or your local forest. Lots of places. You don't need specialty woods, but some can be nice, but native species will do fine. I use whatever wood that I can find.....even did one using a broom handle!

Bob

Capt Kirk · #3 10-06-2006, 01:04 PM

If you have any local sawmille near you, go see them. I went to one for some scrap wood a couple of years ago for firewood. He said help yourself to whats in the dumpster. I got 2 truck loads of red and white oak cut in 1.4 thickness and some 1/2 thick by about6' long for free!

Mottles · #4 10-13-2006, 12:21 AM

Welcome, looks like everyone has some good tips for you. I haven't carved a walking stick yet, but aspen would be my choice.
Kathy

Colin_Partridge · #5 10-13-2006, 09:14 AM

I just recieved an Aspen stick from a friend to carve cant wait to try it. As for sticks for me a lot of the pleasure of carvings canes and walking staffs is going to the bush to look for them. Not only is it healthy but a great way to be alone with your thoughts and ideas away from the pressures of life. But watch out for the dragons lurking in the woods.
Colin

R-OLDS · #6 10-13-2006, 10:01 AM

Yes make some walking sticks!
I've made quite a few all from young trees.
My favorite Basswood, Diamond Willow, Maple, Ash, Elm, Sassafras, ETC. Some people make canes out of one piece of wood dig the young tree and use the root for the handle if it has grown the correct way. The softer woods are OK to carve even after the stick has dried but some must be carved when green unless you use power tools. I carved a couple sticks last winter out of Rio Grande Ash and WOW was that wood HARD it was tough, my tools never became dull so fast.

wade clark · #7 10-13-2006, 10:11 AM

AA1A,
Welcome!
I've bought diamond willow for walking sticks off ebay. Just search diamond willow.
Wade

heineda · #8 10-13-2006, 10:42 AM

Diamond Willow walking sticks are very attractive. I bought one for my sona few years ago to use on Boy Scout hikes, and everywhere we go people stop to admire his hiking staff. It does not have any carving on it yet, so I can imagine how popular these would be with a carved embellishment.

Some source for Diamond Willow sticks:

http://diamondwillowwood.tripod.com/

http://www.sticksite.com/walkstik.htm

Good Luck,
Dan Heine

Skulli · #9 10-14-2006, 04:39 PM

I was lucky enough to find wooded areas adjacent to new housing developments. Found out that soon, all these woody spots are about to be bulldozed for "civilization." I went out and cut down approx. 25 silver maple saplings with a hand axe for free and am making walking sticks as well.

Check in your area for soon to be bulldozed scrub and you'll be amazed at what you'll find!

Forest Dweller · #10 08-30-2007, 04:04 AM

Put an add in the local paper. Some kid will bring an arm load of saplings for a couple of dollars a peice.

ForestDweller