When someone says they love hiking, what does it mean? It means the hikers love to take a walk on terrain surrounded by nature.
Walking means, you need one set of the working foot to reach your destination. What is the use use of a hiking stick when taking a trip to the wild terrains?
A walking or hiking stick is a convenient way of improving balance during hikes. Some of the experienced hikers use trekking poles for maintaining their balance up and downhill.
If your budget is low or you want to customize a hiking stick. This article will guide you on how to make a walking stick that’s easy on your pocket.
You can control the whole process, from choosing wood to giving personal touches.
Best Wood For Making Walking Sticks:
You have decided to make a hiking stick; what will be the first step? You have to choose the perfect branch that can be transformed into a fantastic hiking stick.
You have to consider some important aspects when creating wood walking sticks. You have the choice of using fresh-cut wood for a walking stick or any other wood available.
Wood walking sticks Benefits and Considerations
When selecting a wooden hiking stick, you have to consider some essential features. Focus more on the alignment than the straightness of the hiking stick.
Many people prefer the crook in the middle as it gives the hiking stick a natural look.
Height
The height of your hiking stick is an important feature. Choose the stick that is at an optimal height from the floor to your wrist. If you are hiking on a hilly trail, the height should be up to to your shoulder.
Diameter
The diameter of the stick depends on the hiker’s weight. Use a lightweight stick as they are easy to carry for a long time. The diameter should be thick enough to hold your weight and withstand other conditions.
Weight
The weight of the stock depends on hiker strength. If you don’t have any physical limitations, choose a comfortable weight stick.
Knots
The knots are developed from the branches emerging from the shaft. They provide a character to the hiking stick. Avoid sticks with too many knots as they weaken the strength of the shaft.
Branches
Some hiking sticks branches act as unique cane handles. The beaches at the end of the stick could be used as the second foot.
Insects
The stick conditions can vary because of insect infestation. Insects usually could not reach the heart of the wood. Sometimes insect infestation creates unique patterns on the wood, and a little care makes them good to go.
Strength
The strength of the wood is an important task that should be considered on priority. A rotted or run down wood should not be used for a hiking stick.
Test your shaft strength by bending it and putting it under pressure. If it passes the test without snapping, you have high-quality wood for your hiking trip.
Essential tools for how to make a hiking stick
These essential tools are ideal for a beginner if use with care. You can get many walking stick ideas on the internet that can help you prepare for the task.
- Woodwork gloves
- Saw
- Wood in good condition
- Box cutter
- Electrical sander
- Sandpaper
- Block for using sandpaper
- Rag (cotton or tack)
- Paste wax
- Linseed oil or tung
- Decoration if required
Easy Steps Of Making A Hiking Stick
You can make a hiking stick in 6 easy steps. It’s recommended to use mesquite, which is durable fresh wood.
A freshly cut mystique needs to be dried for about a year naturally before using. Fire hardening wood in the oven is a normal process, but natural is preferable when looking for high quality.
Step 1
The first step is to prepare your stick by trimming the protruding branches. Use a hand saw and cut them as close as you can. Make sure it’s slightly cut into the bark but parallel to the hiking stick.
Step 2
It’s time to remove the bark. Experts recommend removing the bark as soon as you get the stick. It will decrease the chances of insect infestation.
Push the box cutter in the opposite direction to yourself. Begin from one end of the stick to another. You will remove the whole bark in a single swift out minimum force in the tool for effective working.
Continue using the tool until you see the red layer present on the outer bark. Take off all the remnant until the red layer attached to the wood appears.
Step 3
It’s time to smooth the stick with the sandpaper. Wear a mask to protect yourself from sand dust. You can sand the fish knots using sandpaper safely wrapped on a block. You can also use a belt or combination sander for a quick job.
Always remember to sand along with the grains and keep sanding the knots in the wood walking sticks grain direction. Keep sanding the stick until you get the smooth final result.
Step 4
Take a clean rag of cotton or tack and wipe the stick from one to another. You can purchase the tack rags from any hardware store or make your own. Take a bottom cloth and put some linseed or Tung oil on it. Use the rag when the oil is dried to a sticky level.
Step 5
Out the hiking stick in a cup at one end. Hang the stock in a dust-free area with the help of worse or string. You can use any available oil to wipe the hiking stick from top to bottom. Let the stick dry before processing to the next step.
Step 6
It’s time for the final touch to sand the stick again but with light hands. Use the tack rug to remove any sanding dust. Reapply the glaze, wait for it to dry, and sand again.
Which wax for walking stick is the best choice?
Use floor paste was to give the hiking stick a finishing look. Read the instructions and apply them carefully.
Customizing Hiking Stick
Your hiking stick is finished; it’s time to put some personal touches on your creation. You can make custom cane handles or decorate it with ornaments.
You can carve your name or a design on your hiking stick to give it a creative look.
A Word Of Advice For How To Make A Hiking Stick
It’s best to search for branches on the ground instead of breaking from the source. It’s good to take some advice from the experts for finding environmentally friendly wood.
Read Also:
Quick Training Guide For Hiking With Terrific Results
