The Build Process

Selection of Materials

Specific wood type and lengths are selected for the shaft. Available types of wood include maple, cherry wood, oak and walnut. For this project I have chosen to use cherry wood to create a three segment walking stick

Length

Depending on the project being created, wood is cut into specific lengths required.

Connectors

Holes are drilled into the shaft end pieces. Brass couplers are selected and fixed into the holes with high tensile epoxy glue to ensure strength.

Clamping

The piece is clampled in a special vice to ensure straightness. The walking stick is left in the vice for 24 hours to ensure the expoxy is completey dried and cured.

Tapering

The shaft is tapered at the bottom of the stick to accept the ferruel depending on the diameter of the desired piece. For this walking stick a medium ferruel will be used.

End Pieces

Each of the segment's end pieces are shaped to accept the collars.

Sanding and Staining

The walking stick is sanded twice using 150 and 220 grit sand paper and is then stained. For this piece I have chosen to use Tung Oil. I use a mixture of both Tung Oil and mineral spirits in order to acheive a deeper penetration. Two coats will be applied 12 to 24 hours after each coat. When the piece is fully dried a final coat of satin clear laqueur will be applied to help protect the piece and to ensure durability.

Head Piece

The head piece is then selected. For this project I have to chosen a Sherlock Holmes style head piece. Depending on the country where the head piece was made it may need to be re-tapped to the correct thread size to ensure that it will fit with the brass couplers.

Assembly

Finally all pieces are checked over one last time. Collars and ferrules are installed, the head piece is tapped and wrist strap is added to the grip. The project is now finished. This particular walking stick assembly was created in three segments and can be used both as a walking stick and as a cane.