How to Make a Cane or Walking Stick

this is an easy way to make your own walking stick without spending a lot of time on it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• sharp knife,medium sandpaper,urethane,tack cloth and paint brush.

1. Grab a good saw and go for a walk in the woods to find a good piece of wood(without knots if possible).White pine,cedar,any soft wood will do.Do not use hard wood because when it dries out,it cracks all down the length of the piece.Cut the wood about 4 feet long.The reason for the length is so,when it dries out and the ends crack,you can cut off the ends to get a 3 foot piece with out cracks.

2. Strip the bark off.It's much easier to strip the bark when it's green.You can let it dry in many ways,but they still crack on the ends.Thats why you cut it at a 4 foot length.If you can let it dry indoors it takes longer but you will have less cracks.

3. 
   spiral cane

   When dry(i would give it a good month),cut the cane down to 3 feet in length.That should take care of any cracks.Take a sharp knife and round the edges of the top of the cane until you get a comfortable feel when you put your hand on it as if you were to use it.If you have knots on your piece,you might want to cut them down so they don't stick out.

4. Sand the piece to your liking.Use a tack cloth to remove the dust.Apply urethane,polyurethane,varnish,whatever you want to use.I recommend using steel wool after each coat dries to remove any dust,then tack cloth it,then apply next coat.2 coats should be enough.your done.

Tips & Warnings

• I have been making canes,on and off,for 20 years.I'm still learning new and better ways of doing it.Experiment a little to find the best way for you,and have fun.
• p.s.The spiral looking canes i found along a creek.A certain vine grows up the tree and chokes it.The tree then grows around the vine,giving it that look.Happy hunting.
• Be careful with sharp knives and saws.Kids should not do this without supervision.It is real easy to slip and cut yourself.

[gentlegiant41]

on 4/29/2009 i'm selling them for $20.00 each.i also make hiking sticks as well for $30.00.

[gentlegiant41]

on 4/26/2009 thanks to all of you for your comments.

[ctgenie99]

on 4/25/2009 Awesome idea! Congrats on your first article :)

[gentlegiant41]

on 4/25/2009 i usually hand carve them with a ball on top,a snake coiled around it,a chamber with marbles,and the last one had 3d roses carved on them.nobody wants to pay for time spent making them so i started doing these.

[AdirondackTrina]

on 4/25/2009 Great idea! I used to make walking sticks when I was a kid, and had forgotten how much I liked them. I especially love the pics! Ü