How to Make a Wooden Cane

The first canes were tree branches and sticks cut to the correct height and used for maintaining balance during walks on rough terrain. Canes also could be used as a weapon or for hunting game. Popular woods for modern walking canes are maple, cherry, aspen, sassafras and alder. Designing your own cane can give you great satisfaction and a sense of achievement. With enough time and skill you can create a beautiful, hand-crafted piece of art with which to travel.

Things You'll Need

• Eye protection
• Ear protection
• 34-inch to 36-inch-by-1 1/2-inch-by-1 1/2-inch piece of wood
• 6-inch (with the grain)-by-2-inch-wide-by-1 1/2-inch-thick piece of wood
• 1 1/2-inch-by-1 1/2-inch-by-1-inch-thick piece of wood
• 4-inch dowel rods 5/8 inch and 1/4 inch in diameter (hardwood)
• Drill press
• 5/8-inch Forstner bit
• 1/4-inch wood drill bit
• Table saw
• Band saw
• Assorted coarse and fine wood files and rasps
• Electric sander
• Belt sander
• Orbital sander
• Assorted sandpaper (36 to 320 grit)
• 50-inch wood clamp
• Wood glue
• Rubber cane tip
• Oil (polyurethane finish)
• Clean rags
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Cut the 36-inch length of wood by adjusting the table saw guide to a 1 1/2-inch width. Taper the wood from one end to the other to approximately 7/8 inch.

2. Mark a line from each corner, creating an "X" in the middle. Where the two lines cross is the center of the shaft. Clamp the shaft in a 45-degree square from the drill shaft. Using a 5/8-inch Forstner bit, mark the "X" by pressing the bit into the wood before turning on the drill. Drill 1 1/2 inches deep. Place the shaft on the band saw and, following the marked line, start at the top and taper to 7/8 inch wide at the bottom. Trim off excess wood.

3. Check the top and bottom sides of the 6-inch-by-2-inch-by-1 1/2-inch piece of wood piece of wood is square. Draw your design on the wood and mark where the handle will join the shaft. Mark the area where the hole should be and drill 1 1/2 inches deep with the 5/8-inch Forstner bit.

4. Assemble the cane by measuring the holes, adding them together and cutting the dowel to fit each cavity.

5. Glue pieces together using wood glue and clamp together. Once dry, lie the cane flat and mark the center of the cane 1 inch above and below the joints with a pencil. Mark 3/4 inch above and below each join on the width of the cane.

6. Drill through the cane slowly, using a 1/4-inch drill bit.

7. Measure your 1/4-inch dowel to fit, glue in place and allow to dry at least 24 hours. Sand the dowels and finish the final shaping with sandpaper.

8. Apply polyurethane product by wiping on a moderately thin coat. Wipe off the excess. Allow to dry completely between coats. Sand the cane between coats for a smooth finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect the base of your cane with a rubber can tip or stopper, which are sold at most medical supply stores and pharmacies.

• Use rubber gloves and an apron to protect skin and clothes.

• Use plastic or cardboard beneath your cane to protect the work surface.

• Pay special attention to the height and balance of your cane.

• The shavings should be vacuumed while drilling.

• It is always best to remove less wood and go back and remove more.

• The grain of the wood should extend for the length of the handle to provide strength and support the user.

• Polyurethane finishes can be highly flammable.

• Use ear and eye protection when working.

• Dispose of used rags properly.

• Use proper ventilation.

References

• Wupensticks: How to Make a Walking Stick, Hiking Stick or Cane
• Diamond Willow Sticks: Making a Cane
• Fashionable Canes and Walking Sticks: Finest Walking Canes