youngshot Posted July 17, 2006 Report Share Posted July 17, 2006 Hi everyone, i have been collecting shanks of many different materials for the past 5 year for making walking sticks. I have some very sutable shanks but i have no idea about making them straight! How do i go about doing this? I have heard about steaming them but how do i actually do it? And also as i hav many diferent types of wood do i need a different way of straightening for each varity? here is a list of most of the woods, ... Holly Dog Rose hazel Birch Chestnut Ash Willow All help is greatly Appreciated! Many Thanks Young Shot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thestickman Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 I see no one replied - your luck has just changed because I've just returned to the forum and I'm a professional stickmaker! I wouldn't bother with steam to begin with - far better to buy yourself (or borrow) an electric paint stripping gun, which will set you back around £10 to £20 but you only need a cheap one. Simple bends can be straightened by heating up the bend for about 30 seconds - keep the stick turning to avoid scorching - and when it's almost too hot to handle you simply reverse the bend over your knee. With practice you'll quickly learn how much pressure to use. Work on each bend at a time and avoid doglegs and complicated bends until you have more experience. I've used all the woods you mention and personally would stear clear of willow - which is too springy - and birch, which can be very brittle. The others are OK. Ley me know how you go on. Keith, The Stick Man www.thestickman.co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazza Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 just had a look at your site stickman, very impressive sticks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new to the flock Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Stickman; Very nice site and I am sure that you will be finding some customers on this site, myself included. NTTF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 I bought my blanks and shafts for my first builds (featured in this section a while back) from the Stickman, and both he and his better half couldn't have been more helpful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thestickman Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Well thanks guys - didn't expect all the testimonials! I came here for some pigeon chat - I'm already in a stickmakers forum elswhere! Incidentally, I notice I'm listed as a 'newbie pigeion shooter' but have actually been shooting them for 25 years - how do I change it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Master Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Hi, It is the number of posts you have made. FM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurcherboy Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 I like the sight stickman LB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topgunners Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 Stickman; Very nice site and I am sure that you will be finding some customers on this site, myself included. NTTF You need 2 , you old crock. 1 for each of your heels on your shoes. or you could try platform soled ones. or probably the stag horn whistle stick (for calling for assistance when you get lost in the rape stubble) Dave K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new to the flock Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 Dave are you insinuating that I am not quite up to your Jolly Green Giants hieght It really is not my fault that they grow the crops so tall now a days from the Dwarf P.S. Tell Allan that I just picked him up some lovely Pink twine, to tye the bunnies down with this fall NTTF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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