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Absolute novice

2747 Views 7 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  Gloops, 
bluebedouin
4
Earlier this year I picked up a piece of wood (willow) from the side of the canal that looked ideal for a walking stick.I stripped the bark from it,sanded it & moulded the handle with a wire brush attachment on an angle grinder.I then charred some areas with a blowtorch & waxed the whole thing.I was quite pleased with the result.

I've since read that sticks should be 'seasoned' for about a year before being worked on.Also that willow is not recommended for walking sticks/canes and that bark should be left on.I find willow extremely easy to work when wet & looks better stripped.

I've collected loads more & several are in various stages of construction.None have been left to dry for any significant length of time.My daughter wanted one made & painted pink which I've done.

Am I going to experience any problems with these as they age?

Should bark be off or on?

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Gloops
Hi , have not made a willow shank but I have a couple of length seasoning, see a quote from Prestige Walking Sticks blog

"Willow walking sticks - willow is plentiful especially in wet ground. it produces straight shafts of goof length, but the bark and the wood are characterless and cut walking sticks are "whippy". In a world which seemed to contain an increasing number of disposable items, willow is the equivalent where walking sticks are concerned."

I can appreciate the Whippy part as most willow tend to be on the thin side, the shanks I have cut are about 20 to 25 mm in dia, will let you know when I use them.
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Gloops
Agree with the Dog's head, that looks a good natural shape to either carve or stylize.
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