Diamond willow carving tools

For example, you may wish to have a cane shape or to make it straighter. Optional - You can peel the bark off before letting it dry. I leave the bark on to give the sticks a richer colour.

Before the fun bit. Cut the walking stick to the height you want. I recommend cutting it to head height if you're going to be using it. However, if you're going to display it, then it does not matter. Peel off the bark with a knife, belt sander, drawknife, or a wood rasp.

I use a drawknife to peel off large amounts of bark at a time. But a pocketknife will still get the job done.

Once all the bark is off and only the diamonds diamond shape knots in the wood remain, then it's carving time. Any sharp knife will work, but the sharper the knife is the easier it will be to carve.

If you are going to do more, then I recommend getting a set of carving knives. Or a rotary tool, it will make quick work of the diamonds. Start with a palm sander to sand down most of the surface and then hand sand in the diamonds. You can sand it all by hand if you don't have a palm sander. Before moving on to the next step. You may want to write your name on it, or add a piece of rubber to the bottom of the walking stick.

For the rubber, trace the bottom of the stick onto the rubber, then cut it slightly larger than you need. Tags: None. Merle Rice. Re: Diamond willow You can do just about anything that you want. Clean out the Diamonds and put a finish on or do some carving on it. It is nice to carve and makes a very nice stick. It might even be my favorite wood for sticks. Use your imagination and enjoy your product.

Comment Post Cancel. Re: Diamond willow During the winter months I work on diamond willow every night. During the spring, I harvest the sticks and remove the bark. After six months or so, they've dried enough to sand and work with. Using a dremel tool, I remove the bark coating the diamonds. Just enough to see the red. Going too deep, removes the red coloring.

Then I sand the sticks with cushioned drum sanders that I put in a regular drill. I use 80 grit first and then grit. I purchased these items from a carving tool supplier online. MDI woodcarvers supply is one of many that I use.

Anyway, at this point, I carve woodspirits, mushrooms, and whatever comes to mind. The lighter wood is easier to carve than the darker wood. To finish, I hand sand with grit paper. Then I use satin wipe on poly.

I put on 3 coats, using only fine steel wool before the last coat. A little tip This holds the stick in position so you can work on it You will be provided with all the sandpaper, two finishing products boiled linseed oil and Wipe On Poly.

Written finishing instructions are provided as well. Greg will provide knives, chisels, wood carving tools, and some gloves. Participants are welcome to bring their own knives and tools. Some power tools and instructions will be provided for those that are comfortable using a dremel. Finishing touches such as installing a wrist strap, carvings onto the stick, implanting a gemstone or compass, and installing a rubber tip will also be discussed.

Additional raw sticks and finished sticks and canes will also be available for sale. Upcoming Events.