Would you like to make your own walking stick, or one for hiking in the mountains, or a magician's stick? Follow the instructions to make one without damaging the wood.
Steps
Step 1. Determine the appropriate length for your club
You should harvest branches that are the same length as your height. It will take longer than necessary, but it will give you the option to trim away any machining errors.
Step 2. Identify the type of wood you are looking for
- Look for dry branches. An ideal walking stick must be stiff, because the wood that is still alive is too flexible. Furthermore, taking the branch from a tree could damage the tree itself or even be illegal in certain places.
- The dry wood of the aspen trees lends itself very well to becoming a solid walking stick.
Step 3. Choose the place to collect the wood
- In the woods and on the hills you can find what you need, but be careful: first find out about any rules and regulations for the protection of the territory you have chosen.
- Do not enter public parks or nature reserves to cut branches. The law does not allow this and can be considered vandalism. Find woods or forests where you can harvest wood and behave with respect for the rights of other people (local residents, etc.). If you find yourself in a fenced area, on a property lot or behind a house, be very careful not to enter private property - you may be sued, so it's best to ask for permission first! Some tree species are protected.
- If you are cutting a branch from a tree, try to do it in a place that is tolerable for pruning. When done correctly, pruning improves sapling growth. If possible, leave a portion of the sapling with at least one branch with leaves.
Step 4. Use a serrated knife to saw around the branch
Step 5. Once you have made the circular cut around the branch, saw it off as neatly as possible
Step 6. Alternatively you can use a pruning sickle, which can cut diameters up to over 2 cm
Step 7. Remove the bark completely, or leave only the inner layer
The inner layer of many trees looks good.
Step 8. Scrape off the bumps with a mechanical planer if you have decided to remove all the bark
Step 9. You can also decorate the stick as you like
The tools to use will depend on the type of decoration you have chosen.
Step 10. Waterproof the club
If you decide to do this, use an oil base like the one used for hiking sticks. Always wear gloves when applying the base, otherwise it will dry out your palms.
Advice
- Wear work gloves and boots when cutting and harvesting wood to protect yourself from injuries and insect bites.
- Look for branches that reach your hips, head, or armpits. The length of the branch will depend on your preferences.
- The woods recommended to make a good stick are those of aspen, maple, willow, lime, birch and many other deciduous trees.
