self made walking sticks

**Rollo** · 20th September 09, 06:14 AM

Two walking sticks I made myself with some branches of the holly behind.
Il was too tall and thick ; and Serge the gardener removed its head !

**Panache** · 20th September 09, 06:55 AM

Rollo,

Those look right

Are you going to dry them foir a year, strip off the bark, and then finish them?

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

**Rollo** · 20th September 09, 07:26 AM

Jamie,
I am going dry them but I will not strop of the bark because I engraved some design ont the bark.

**Panache** · 20th September 09, 07:29 AM

Rollo,

It is my experience that as the wood dries the ends will crack

Using some type of wax or other sealant will help prevent this

Cheers

Jamie

**Rollo** · 20th September 09, 08:32 AM

Thanks, Jamie, for these judicious advices.

**Panache** · 20th September 09, 08:45 AM

Rollo,

In truth it is best to set the stick aside for a year or so to dry out before working on it.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

**The Guy in the Kilt at UC** · 20th September 09, 08:47 AM

So you dry it for a year, peel off the bark, and finish it with a wood finish? When do you put on the wax to keep it from cracking?

**Panache** · 20th September 09, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by The Guy in the Kilt at UC

So you dry it for a year, peel off the bark, and finish it with a wood finish? When do you put on the wax to keep it from cracking?

At the very beginning to seal the ends

Perhaps X Marker Kilted Carver would have some advice on what product to use? He is a woodworker by trade and has an awful lot of experience making walking sticks and staffs)

If he doesn't weigh in perhaps shoot him a PM

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

**Tartan Hiker** · 20th September 09, 06:33 PM

Just use the wax sold in the grocery store for canning and waxing preserves. Here in the states a product called "GulfWax" is pretty common on store shelves. It comes in a 1-pound block. Melt it in an old saucepan (one that you won't be using for food ever again). When the wax melts, just dip the ends of the stick in for a few seconds and let it cool. That's all there is to it. And yes, if you want the wood to season correctly seal the ends, all the places where side branches were removed, and leave the bark on. Most folks do agree that about one year like this is the minimum seasoning time.

Be careful with the melting process. On an electric stove, use a very low heat or use a double-boiler. If a gas stove, be VERY careful as the wax will indeed burn if exposed directly to flame. I heat mine in the garage with a propane torch...slow and gentle...with a fire extinguisher near at hand.

And by the by...a good friend of mine has a fine staff that he made from a holly, seasoned just this way. It is a beauty to behold, and will no doubt last many decades.