Stick straightening question!

[Lord Geordie]

Hi Chaps!

 

Quick Q reguarding stick straightening. Is the process the same for any stick? I have a 5 foot rose stick thats dried now, and I want to now straighten it at each end. The centre is almost perfect as is, but I don't want to shorten it. I have seen the method used for hazel and blackthorne, but want to know if this is the same for Rose!

 

The shaft came off a Rose bush that was being cut down. It is approx 1.5" thick at both ends. I already have a nice hazel handle that has been subject to Ivy, this now has a fab twist.

 

Any info greatly appreciated!

[johnphilip]

I use a heat gun electric and have a jig. the jig is a piece of 4x2 and on it is two round pieces of wood about 3in i dia they are screwed onto the 4x2 about two inches apart this is held in a vice. slowley heat the stick and put it in the jig between the two round wood piece and gentley press down on the stick. Do a little at a time. Leave it to cool and then you can do more if it is not as straight as you want it to be. Hope this makes sense.

[rtaylor]

I have had success with hazel holding it over a boiling kettle or pan of water. Then gently bend it over my knee. As johnphilip says do it gently and only a little at a time.

 

I haven't tried it with rose but there is no reason it wouldn't be the same.

[kent]

I have done a fair amount in Rose. I bend it over my knee using steam, let it rest and repeat as required as it sometimes reverts. I don't leave the bark on just the underbark that's quite stringy but seals well with a few coats and fine rub downs, leaving nice contrast with the white sanded buds etc.