Well, I do use a device that is foot operated, and you are right - it does take some time to build. However, this is what I have done in the past, especially if the stick is fairly long: Assuming you have a standard bench vise, and also assuming that it is mounted on the edge of your bench, wrap one end of the stick in cloth or a piece of leather and clamp the end in your vise snugly, but so it can still pivot. If you have a work stool, sit facing the stick at an appropriate distance so that the other end of the stick can be laid either in your lap or between your legs. A heavy leather apron, or something to pad your lap would help here. Now simply start working the stick with the drawknife, pulling toward you. Start out as far as you can comfortably reach, and work closer. You can vise the stick further up as you work the length, and eventually flip it around to do the other end. You can reaaly use any size draw knife; I wouls choose one that you are comfortable using. Just remember to use it with the beverl side DOWN, or facing the wood surface, so that you have the ability to "scoop" a little. If you try cutting with the bevel side up, you will find that the drawknife will just want to dig deeper as you are pulling and you will struggle with it.