Take your woodworking for a walk! Woodworkers, carvers, and turners of all skill levels will discover 15 fun 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 Center in Philadelphia.

Take your woodworking for a walk! Woodworkers, carvers, and turners of all skill levels will discover 15 fun 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 Center in Philadelphia.

INTRODUCTION: 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

TAKE YOUR WOODWORKING FOR A WALK! From rustic walking sticks to fancy canes, woodworker and author Charlie Self "cane" show you how to craft more than a dozen different staffs in Make Your Own Walking Sticks. Whether you are looking for something simple and practical or looking to make a statement, you will find everything you need to know inside this fun and easy-to-follow book. The first part covers what woods to use, the tools and hardware you'll need, and the basic construction and finishing techniques necessary to complete your project. The second part is devoted to 15 projects ranging from a simple pine branch cane for the beginner to a brass-handled and stylishly turned two-piece cane for the advanced craftsman. To ensure your success, step-by-step directions, helpful sidebars, and full-color photographs are all provided. Also included is a helpful guide to North American woods, 25 original carving patterns from renowned artist Lora S. Irish, and a stunning and inspiring gallery of canes and walking sticks from the private collection of Albert LeCoff, executive director of the Wood Turning Center in Philadelphia.