Q&A for How to Collect Wood to Make a Walking Stick

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  • Question
    How is rosewood for manufacturing a walking stick?
    Ashton Gilmore
    Community Answer
    Rosewood would result in a beautiful walking stick. However, rosewood is VERY expensive and difficult to find.
  • Question
    Is a crepe myrtle branch good for making a walking stick?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Let it dry a couple weeks, then leave the bark or shave it off. It's easy to sand the bark, and a clear sealer makes it really pretty. You can use nylon twine and whip a handle on the end.
  • Question
    What organic wood treatments are there?
    Community Answer
    For building a surface coating, shellac a decent choice. It's not waterproof but organic coatings won't be. Nut oils such as walnut can be used, but over time these can go rancid. Probably the best oil finish is mineral oil (look for butcher block finish). Beeswax or or carnuba wax or a blend would work, too. Wax and oils need to be periodically re-applied.
  • Question
    Would pine make a good walking stick? I Have a couple pine trees in my yard.
    Community Answer
    Pine and other softwoods tend to be too weak and may break when you need them most. Hard wood like ash, maple or oak is more reliable.
  • Question
    What can I use on "soft spots" on tree limbs to strengthen those areas?
    Community Answer
    Liquid Glass. It comes in an 8-10 oz bottle and can be purchased at an auto parts stores. It's intended purpose is to prevent engines from smoking. It will harden the wood, but make sure to wear gloves when applying it.
  • Question
    Can I make a walking stick from poplar wood?
    Community Answer
    Sure. Poplar is ideal for a can or walking stick. It may be steam bent with great care. Experiment and see how it goes!
  • Question
    Community Answer
  • Question
    Can I use pine if I coat it with epoxy so it won't be too soft?
    Community Answer
    Pine will still be soft, the epoxy will make an outer shell but, the wood is still soft on the inside. Kind of like an M&M. Pine is still an excellent choice for practicing on and for a lightweight staff.
  • Question
    Would pine be good for a walking stick if I coat it with epoxy?
    Community Answer
    Pine will almost always be "sappy", which will leach out past the finish and need to be covered with tape or leather over the handle area. It can be used for a walking stick but is not a "good" walking stick and has better uses.
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