Walking Cane: Episode 1
Posted 30 October 2013
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In this episode, Paul talks us through the design elements of the walking cane, and then goes on to show us how to cut and fit the single mortise and tenon that connect the handle and the shaft. Keep your eye out for new aspects of this joint that you may not have noticed before.
Dare I?
This looks like a great, short project. Wonderful choice. Looking forward to it!
George.
Thanks guys, nice job 😉
great first episode i’m looking forward to creating some nice usable canes as gifts thanks so much
As always, learning to diagnose sticky fitting is very valuable. Thanks!
Great point
Another nice project guys. Thanks
At my age, and that of my sisters, this build is coming in handy. I think about 7 canes are in order. Thanks all. G
Another great job, guys.
Paul was talking about Woden Planes. Were they not from Record? Or related in some way?
And a short video tour of the workshop/studio would be nice, if you get time.
Dan
We filmed a tour video today. It will be coming in a few days.
was wondering if it would happen ,cant wait should be very interesting
Woden plane where taken over by record, but where already being manufactured before that: http://wodentools.com/
Ladies and gentlemen, now something a little different!
This is why I love those master classes so much!
Best regards from Catalonia,
–Óscar
Looking forward to making a few and learning how the “swirls” are formed using hand tools. Thank’s Paul and crew for another great project series.
Steve
i would definitely use my band saw or table saw for this but aint got any ,however i do have a freshly sharpened panel saw .medullary rays here i come. thanks for another good,honest and safe woodworking lesson . Q. does it matter what way the taper side is fitted to the handle at this point? i think paul has the straight side facing the back of the handle.
Paul
I really appreciate you thoughtfull jesture here. and, Im sure this cane will be useful in many ways.Walking assistance, Reaching up high to retreive items from the top shelf, Beating off Bill collectors, #1 . That motivates now to go ahead and finish mine. Just joking ,lol I allways enjoy wathing you build something no matter what it is. Ripping that QSWO just about wore me out. And that was before I started my cut. And Im using a freshly sharpened and Highly tunned #7 20″ HD 1878 Jewel. Thanks a zetabite!!!
ziggy
I use a cane now. So this will be nice to make my own custom cane. I also know a few people who would like one also. Timely series. Thanks
Any thoughts on using Alder for the cane?
Calvin, from what I can find, Alder should be fine
http://www.woodcarvers.org/canes&walkingsticks.htm
Thanks, I found a cutoff 8′ x 3″ x 15/16″ for about 8 bucks.
Alder is fine, not usually pretty. I suggest you try and see how much flex you get with it. Even try breaking a 1″ sq section to see what you feel too.
You can’t PL@@T sawdust? At 2:06. I know what he is saying but what is the word he is using?
Hi Mike, the word is plait, a British term for braid.
Paul:
The walking cane episode 1 is excellent. Thanks
Ronnie Berthelot
The quote in the beginning is from U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy: “speak softly, and carry a big stick.” (Wife’s a historian so I’m obligated)
I’m a bit late getting started but i can see some nice canes in my future. I just happen to have nice piece of oak at home that is screaming cane already.
Sandy1man,
No later than me. I started a cane last evening with a maple handle and oak leg. Completed it today except for final scraping and sanding. The oak leg came out of a 50 year old board but worked up nicely. Trying to decide now whether or not to put the twist pattern on it. Most likely will and then decide on suitable stain color.
Go for it,…worth the small amount of time it takes to make. Hopefully my requirement to use it is well into the future. Finding a person in need would really be the ticket.
Joe B.
Im confused about the taper on the tennon.
There is none…..at 31mins 12secs Paul explains that he cut the top 3-4 inch of the staff parallel. The tenon is conventional.
Well, I looked for a pattern for the cane handle, There are a lot of similar but not-as-good out on the street. All I could find was the hand drawn one on the table top with a pencil next to it, so I fired up Photoshop, changed the angel to 90 degrees overhead, and then emphasized the outline for tracing or pattern cutout.
Can’t find a way to attach the jpg file to this comment. but it should measure right on 7″x 2″ coming out of your computer printer , so if you’all want a copy, please let me know how to send it. I have blanks for three canes set up and ready to take to the State of Maine next month (“Where life is as it should be.”)
Measure twice, cut once.
Mess up three, get the fourth one with the good wood right.
If the “angel” is 90 degrees, warm him up.
Mr. Sellers I am new to this side of your site. I have admired your honesty and the fact you have stuck to your guns in what you teach and believe. Thank you for allowing me to partake in learning from you. I hope to pick up good form a technique in my woodworking skills in your teachings.
As i was browsing the categories the cane section just caught my eye. The first leson was very enjoyable.
Well done and again thank you.
Dave Bardin
I’ve got a 4 foot long 2×2 piece of walnut that I’ve had on my shelf for 20 years just waiting to be something.
Now I know exactly what it wants to be! And I’m at the age where I could use the exercise and a third foot!
Thank you Paul!
I’m studying this one heavily.
A nice project. Can’t wait for part 2.