[rdemler]

Good morning everyone.I need an opinion on designs..I like turning cane shafts and handles,but I guess I don't know what is a more desirable shape..I don't care for a straight plain stick,but would rather have some shape to the stick..I'm submitting a pic of my latest canes,and some are not quite finished yet..I need to know if these are kinda qaudy looking,or too much going on with them..I need to know what looks more appealing to people..I will appreciate any and all reviews good or bad..I'd like some professional opinions on what I should be doing different and what I should keep doing..Thank you for your time...

 

[norson]

It appears from the photo that the "shank" portion is protruding through the handles. IF that is true, shouldn't they be sanded as smooth as possible so they fit nicely in the palm? Or was that already in your plans?

 

[rdemler]

The t handled one was just glued a couple hours ago,it will be sanded smooth..I did say some needed to be finished yet..But yes some have a tenon that does go through the handle..

 

[cobalt]

I think your shanks look good. I just like a simple plain shank without any turning on it , it has a simple elegance. Its to easy to put to much shape into the shank and make it look cluttered

I also think that a straight shank is safer to use than one that is crooked.

Most stick makers here like the bottom of the shanks to taper down to about 3/4 of the top of the shank .How does yours compare to that?

If you want to develop the shanks there is quite a few optiond open to you.

try embelishing the shanks with some simple wood burning water fowl dogs etc. also it would look good with a celtic pattern on part of the shanks.

Look at local history to see if you can find something that relevant to your area to burn onto the shank.

you could also use a classic handle s , like cardigan sticks, half crooks etc..These always look very good on a good shank. and you will find they look much better visually than a plain cross handle.

There is`nt any carving to them just shaping them , but they always lookl ike a good craftsman has made them.. Other than that you could always turn them of center , or cut a spiral in them. have a look at canesmiths work in the introduction there done to a good standard .

Other options is to stain the wood to get contrasting colours.

You could also laminate different colour woods then turn them , think there are some in someones gallery on this?

 

[MJC4]

rdemler,

Everyone's likes and dislikes will be different. ( Some folks like pink and blue hair! )

I like the 3 pieces on the left of the photo. ( :thumbsu: :thumbsu: for the turquoise inlay and the laminated piece.) The "T" handle has got a good look to it as well.

I'm a fan of nature. As Cobalt suggested that new wood burner you got could put some leaves, animal heads, tracks or other designs on the shanks as well.

All in all nice work.

Wish I had a lathe, looks like fun turning your own pieces!

Mark

 

[rdemler]

Thanks for the replies everyone...I guess trying to pick one style would be kinda difficult.I like turning the shanks,and getting that nice clean look to them..I also like some design with that but am afraid I'm getting too much to them..I'm getting started with the burning,and still doing inlays..Just trying to determine what the stick basic design should be...Turning a straight tapered shank now and will try to make and addition for it to make more of a walking stick design with a rounded handle..I guess will have to wait till it's done to see what happens..Thanks for the insight gentlemen..

 

[cobalt]

You will devlop your own syle . it sometimes takes time , but your heading in the right direction.

As MJC4 said we all have different taste.

Dont work to hard at it things will come naturally

just try one or two things on the sticks you have done like burning a simple design not to much choose things that you like, listen to other,s take it into consideration then you will know what you want. then just do your own thing. just dont overwork a peice , having said that we all have done it.

Trial and error is a hard task master just enjoy what your doing thats the most important thing.

I wish i had a lathe but then i dont have the skill to use one.

 

[gdenby]

A late comment.

Personally, I like knob end sticks, but I like the knob to be larger than the stick, closer to door knob size.

One thing I notice is that the handles and the shafts don't share the same design motif. All are well turned, but it seems that there isn't 1 shape idea that goes thru both. If there is a proportion or form that is present in both, the form becomes a little more harmonic. Kind of like a rhyme in a poem. The details blend, and so the overall impression is less "gaudy."

 

[rdemler]

Great observation gdenby,,Now that you mention it I see it and get it..I see it in the T handle cane the most..I had made some handles and when I finished a stick I used the handle that was made.Makes 100% scence..That's why I asked for opinions..Thank you everyone..I will now strive for continuity in my sticks......

 

[cobalt]

I like gendy like the door knob handle size to be larger then the stick , the same is true of my own toppers.They should be larger than the stick to draw the eye to it.

The knob sits snuggly into the palm of the hand better i think. But no doubt many have other ideas, which isnt a bad thing boii`s down to preferance.

The case for harmoney is a valid point on the other hand does it give contrast?

But the latest stickwith the knob handle on looks pretty good to me .

 

[rdemler]

Thank you..