Description
Book SynopsisWoodworkers, carvers and turners of all skill levels will discover 15 fantastic and unique walking stick projects that range from a basic pine staff to a sophisticated brass-adorned turned cane. Complete with step-by-step instructions, detailed patterns and in-depth coverage of shaping, turning and finishing techniques, this book also includes a valuable guide to woods and an impressive gallery of works from the private collection of Albert LeCoff, executive director of the Wood Turning Centre in Philadelphia.
Trade ReviewLarge, clear photos are linked to excellent explanatory text in this beautiful book on walking sticks, canes and staffs. Fifteen individual projects are described step by step, from a simple pine branch to flat walking sticks to carved patterns from Lora S. Irish. Directions are also given for a laminated, bent-handled cane. Self describes sevral different kinds of screw fasteners for joining canes and staffs made in sections, and covers what hardware is available, from screw-on handles to hame knobs. He even suggests decorative hardware from found items such as upholstery tacks or brass jacket buttons. Many of the canes represented are lathe-turned, but others are made from sticks with bark remaining, or root pieces selected for bent handles. The author goes into detail about tools needed for shaping and sanding, and is careful to discuss tools, adhesives, and safety-related issues. One section is devoted to sample color swatches of forty different hardwoods with their range of availability, relative cost, and workability. It would be nice to know you can acquire a wood locally, look it up in Mr. Self's list to see its grain and color patterns, then read about its durability and how well is stands up to drying and carving. A great feature of this book is a gallery presentation of the cane collection of Albert LeCoff, founder of The Woodturning Center in Philadelphia. The canes were gifts from accomplished woodturners, in appreciation of Mr. LeCoff's contribution to the field. Many are quite imaginative, and an inspiration to lead into the various projects.
Large, clear photos are linked to excellent explanatory text in this beautiful book on walking sticks, canes and staffs.
by Charles Self includes step-by-step instructions for making 15 different walking sticks. These projects range from a simple pine branch cane to a brass-handled and stylishly turned two-piece cane. The book includes info on what woods to use, the tools and hardware needed, and construction and finishing techniques. Also included is an inspirational section exhibiting the canes in the private collection of Albert LeCoff, the executive director of the Wood Turning Center in Philadelphia.
Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION: A FEW GOOD STICKS.....viii GALLERY: ALBERT LeCOFF'S RACK OF CANES.......1 PART 1: GETTING STARTED.......11 Woods for Walking Sticks, Canes, and Staffs...13 Wood species...14 Purchasing wood...15 Using found wood...15 Harvesting roots...15 A Stick Maker's Guide to Hardwoods...16 Storing wood...24 Bending wood...24 Sizing walking sticks and canes...25 Adhesives, Hardware, and Fasteners...27 Clamps...31 Mechanical fasteners...34 Tools for Walking Sticks, Canes, and Staffs...41 Measuring tools...42 Hand tools...44 Power tools...50 Eye, hearing and lung safety...55 Finishes for Walking Sticks, canes, and Staffs...57 The finishing process...58 PART 2: WALKING STICK, CANE AND STAFF PROJECTS.....65 Flat Walking Sticks...67 Flat Walking Stick in White Oak...68 Flat Walking Stick in Sycamore...70 Flat Walking Stick in Sycamore with Hame Ball...72 Flat Walking Stick in Mesquite...74 Bark-On Sticks and Canes...77 Pine Branch Cane...78 Maple Stick...80 Sumac Stick...82 Willow Sticks...85 Willow Stick with Natural Hoof Handle...86 Willow Stick with Ball Handle...90 Patterns for Carved sticks, Canes and Staffs...93 Turned Walking Sticks...109 Cherry Walking Stick and Camera Stand...110 Two-Piece Cherry Cane...116 Cherry and Rosewood-Handled Cane...122 Sassafras and Mesquite Two-Piece Cane...126 Sassafras Cane with One-Piece Shaft...130 Laminated Canes...135 Laminated Cherry and Oak Cane...136 INDEX AND RESOURCES...141
