[yaxley]

Curious what techniques people use to fill wide, deep cracks in your walking sticks? Generally I don't fill them, but have a stick with some rather severe cracks.

 

[cobalt]

I`m pleased to say i dont get that problem .probaly limited to the wood shanks i use and season myself .

The use of different woods is larger over there than i have access to , also the approach towards stickmaking is quite different cracks and shanks that are out of true are more acceptable

My own view is very differnt from many here i would discard it

 

[rdemler]

I used an epoxy enamel resin with color added to fix a crack as an experiment.I think it looked pretty good and a great way to add some color at the same time.

 

[yaxley]

That came out nice. I have heard of people using automobile body filler and saw a stick where the cracks were filled in with ground turquoise. Just seeking other ideas.

Cracks and imperfections are considered "character" enhancements here in the western US.

 

[CV3]

Hi yaxley. I rarely fill deep crack in sticks. My experience has been that once they are large and deep it is a structural issue. If they have not dried really well they most likely will continue. I have patched small cracks by carving the crack a bit wider shaping a wedge to fit tight in the the hole or crack, I use Gorilla glue. It expands and has some flexibility. Some I know just put epoxy in the crack as a filler. But it will not flex with the movement of the wood.

 

[yaxley]

I rarely fill deep crack in sticks.

Same with me and I've just saturated the crevice with tung oil to stabilize the stress of any moisture changes.

I'm leery of filling the cracks because it could induce further stress. Hence my questions for a better idea.

Thanks.

 

[rdemler]

I've used copper and turquoise to fill cracks.The epoxy enamel resin when used without color additives is Chrystal clear and the crack will still have the rustic cracked look.

 

[yaxley]

I've used copper and turquoise to fill cracks.

What did you use a binder/adhesive?

I'm not familiar with the epoxy resin and will have to read up on it.

 

[MJC4]

I have never filled a crack that was deep enough to compromise the integrity of the stick. I have had small cracks appear in carvings of wood I have "harvested" from dead trees. These imperfections I filled with Elmer's carpenters glue which dries a light brown.

 

[yaxley]

These imperfections I filled with Elmer's carpenters glue which dries a light brown.

For regular wood working I have mixed saw dust with Elmer's wood glue to fill small holes and cracks. Never did it on sticks though. I can certainly understand not wanting any cracks or checking with wood carving, and guess that is also the same thing for burning.

 

[rdemler]

I used super glue but epoxy resin will work the same. Here's a tutorial page on the stuff.

http://wellingtonboot.hubpages.com/hub/diy-resin-casting-instructions-jewelry-projects-craft-tutorials

 

[yaxley]

Nice link and answers most of my questions. Thanks.

 

[CV3]

There is always a chance of some checking or cracking on a stick. Using a well seasoned stick and a good finish will minimize the chances.

 

[cobalt]

Interesting to see different ideas and credit due to all those taking part taking part

 

[Rad]

I've used a lot of inlays -- mix them with epoxy! CAS has a great thread on here about epoxy!

 

[Steve R.]

Every single piece of Oak I had split something terrible. Mostly they end up in compost, as firewood or Sandra takes them over,

 

[JJireh]

Epoxy resin is what I use. Cracks, by nature, do decrease wood strength integrity. That said, some woods can have many cracks and still suffice as walking sticks and canes.

Example is a cane I have been fiddling with for a year or so. Maple, found in a lumber site pushed into the dirt. It had already cracked severly. I stress tested it on my 245 frame, tried to bend it over my knee, smacked it across a couple of oaks. Verticle strength is superb and would crack a skull or femur just fine without breaking.

The guy I am planning on giving it to is much smaller than my demur size and he doesn't really need to use it, but I will alert him to the possibilities of future deterioration (although I doubt it will).

 

[cobalt]

Do you think that a shank thats damaged is worth this , wouldnt it be easyer just to get a decent shank?

 

[yaxley]

I've made many rustic sticks with similar cracks, JJireh. They were well dried in the desert and probably a reason for the cracks. Regardless, they came out very nice and not aware of any further cracking. I've even made some canes that were used for support and walking...again OK. I think the cracks actually add to the character of the stick, but I haven't done any with carving.

 

[JJireh]

Do you think that a shank thats damaged is worth this , wouldnt it be easyer just to get a decent shank?

Yes and yes. I have plenty of decent shanks too. But as yaxley says, there is definitly character...not beauty mind you, but definite character. we call it 'grit'

The root ball on this thing is amazing not only in comfort but appearance. It has a 'story' if you will. Grizzled Elder Native American Chief carved into a grizzled scarred maple with gnarly root ball handle.