PROJECT PLAN - WALKING STICKS

A relatively easy plan for the
beginner woodworker, these
walking sticks make wonderful
gifts. The designs shown are
simply ideas to get you started.
Your design can be as simple
or as intricate as your skills and
confi dence allow!

Arbortech tools needed :-

One or more of the following:-

+ Woodcarver Pro Kit
+ Industrial Pro Kit
+ Pro 3 Freestyle Kit
+ Pro Guard Mini Grinder

What else will I need?

ANGLE GRINDER: Suitable 4 inch (100mm) or 4-1/2 inch (115mm) angle grinder
WOOD: 2 pieces of ply wood 19 X 400 X 1000mm for sticks or 19 x 400 x 2000mm for staffs.
GLUE: White P.V.A. is adequate.
2-4 F CLAMPS
SAND PAPER FOR FINISHING (or Arbortech Grinder Sanding Pad)
FINISH: Options include using ArborWax or ArborOil, or a wax polish or brush applied varnish by
choice.
SAFETY: Safety glasses, ear plugs, dust mask & close fi tting clothes.

Copyright - Arbortech Industries Ltd - 2000

Page 1

METHOD

On the next page are scaled instructions to create a card template of various walking sticks and
staffs. All of which can be made as shown below. cut it out and trace it on the wood to create an
identical walking stick or staff shape. NB: To skip drawing a template you may draw a shape directly
onto the wood.

Figure 1
1. FIG 1 shows the lay up cutting plan a of basic
walking stick. The basic outline is traced from a
template. The shapes are cut out from the 19mm
plywood with a jig saw, to the near fi nished shape. NB.
Solid wood may be used but for strength any curves
must follow the natural grain.

Figure 2
2. Glue the two pieces of wood as shown in FIG 2 us-
ing the F clamps ie. 2 X 19mm = 38mm thick.

3. Once the glue has dried, then the squared edges
can be rounded using the Arbortech Woodcarver or
Industrial Woodcarver. FIG 3.

4. The Arbortech fl exible grinder sanding disk is used
towards the end of shaping and is used to cut away all
the tool marks and allow you to fi ne shape and adjust
the fi nal profi les. After 40 grit, use 80 grit and then
hand sand.

5. To obtain a good fi nish, fi rst seal the pores of the
wood with either a cellulose or oil sealing compound.
They are called grain sealers and obtainable from
woodworking suppliers. Apply a generous coat with a
rag. Allow this to dry and sand lightly with a fi ne sand
paper. Apply another sparing coat of sealer with a rag,
allow to dry. Apply polish or varnish fi nish.

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

Copyright - Arbortech Industries Ltd - 2000

Page 2

Copyright - Arbortech Industries Ltd - 2000

Page 3