Woodworker's Journal 1984-8-3, страница 43

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Carved Walking Stick

We think this is a good project for those readers who have never done any carving, but have often had the urge to give it a try. It can be carved in just a few hours, and you don't need an expensive set of carving tools, just a V% in. wide well-sharpened chisel.

Our drawing shows the finished profile of our walking stick, but it should serve only as a general guide. Don't feel your carving must match it perfectly. Let your chisel be guided by the grain of the wood, and by your hands, and your eyes. Chances are your final carving will look considerably different from ours, and that's not surprising when you consider that no two individuals arealike.

To save time, we used the lathe to remove much of the waste stock. Start with 2 in. square stock cut to a length of 36V* in., then turn it to a diameter of 17» in. from one end to the other. At a point about 5 in. from the top end, use the parting tool to reduce the diameter to 1'/« in. Starting at this point, and working toward the bottom end, gradually taper the piece to ^J/« in. diameter at the bottom. As the stock becomes thinner it may be necessary to set up a steady rest or switch to a rasp or Surform tool to complete the taper.

Now, at a point V* in. from the top end, begin to turn the "bulb", gradually reducing its diameter so that it blends into the 1'/» in. diameter established by the parting tool.

Next, rough sand (150 grit) the entire piece before drawing the spiral profile from the top to bottom. With the spiral as a guide, begin carving the piece at the top end. Take your time, don't hurry, and make sure the chisel is sharp.

Once the rough carving has been completed, use a cabinetmaker's file to shape and smooth all surfaces. Follow this with a thorough sanding, finishing with 220 grit.

At the bottom end, bore a '/i in. diameter by Vi in. deep hole to take a 1 in. long steel (or brass) rod. Use epoxy glue to hold the rod in place. Two or three coats of a good penetrating oil complete the project. W\j