Scribd
Upload
327 views3 pages

DIY Carved Walking Stick Guide

This document provides instructions for carving a walking stick. It can be completed in a few hours using only a 1/2-inch chisel. The instructions include turning the stock on a lathe to shape it, then carving the spiral design guided by the wood grain and one's eyes. Sanding and finishing are completed to yield a unique walking stick tailored to each individual carver.

Uploaded by

BSulli
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
327 views3 pages

DIY Carved Walking Stick Guide

This document provides instructions for carving a walking stick. It can be completed in a few hours using only a 1/2-inch chisel. The instructions include turning the stock on a lathe to shape it, then carving the spiral design guided by the wood grain and one's eyes. Sanding and finishing are completed to yield a unique walking stick tailored to each individual carver.

Uploaded by

BSulli
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Project 16695EZ:

Carved Walking Stick


We think this is a good project for those readers who have never done any carving, but
have often had the urge to give it a try. It can be carved in just a few hours, and you
don’t need an expensive set of carving tool, just a 1/2" wide well-sharpened chisel.
Our drawing shows the finished profile of our walking stick, but it should serve only as a
general guide. Don’t feel your carving must match it perfectly. Let your chisel be guided
by the grain of the wood, by your hands, and by your eyes. Chances are your final carv-
ing will look considerably different from ours and that’s not surprising when you con-
sider that no two individuals are alike.
Carved Walking Stick
Complete Schematic
Carved Walking Stick Step-by-Step Instruc-
tions
1. Start with 2" square stock cut to a length of 36-3/4".
2. Lathe-turn the stock to a diameter of 1-1/8" from one end to the other.
3. Use the parting tool, and, at a point about 5" from the top end, reduce the diameter
to 1-1/8".
4. Start at this point, and working toward the bottom end, gradually taper the piece to
a 3/4" diameter at the bottom. NOTE: As the stock becomes thinner it may be
necessary to set up a steady rest, or switch to a rasp or Surfoam tool to complete
the taper.
5. Begin to turn the “bulb” at a point 3/4" from the top.
6. Reduce the bulb diameter gradually so that it blends into the 1-1/8" diameter you
established with the parting tool.
7. Rough sand (150-grit) the entire piece.
8. Draw the spiral profile from top to bottom.
9. Use the spiral as a guide and begin carving the piece at the top end.
10. Take your time, don’t hurry, and make sure the chisel is sharp.
11. Complete the rough carving.
12. Use a cabinetmaker’s file to shape and smooth all surfaces.
13. Sand thoroughly, finishing with 220-grit sandpaper.
14. Bore a 1/2" diameter x 1/2" deep hole at the bottom end to take a 1" long steel or
brass rod.
15. Use epoxy to hold the rod in place.
16. Apply two or three coats of a good penetrating oil to complete the project.

These plans were originally published in Volume 8, Issue 3 of The Woodworker’s Jour-
nal (May/June 1984, page 45).

You might also like