I'm really enjoying this series of videos. You aren't kidding about the value, either...this is a pretty intuitive crash course for anybody that hasn't done this. I'm particularly piqued by the process of a rootball top. Most of the American stick makers I've seen tend to do a flat top often with a groove and staple for various survival hacks, and even more commonly have no bark. I'm a fan of Mulberry as a material but it will crack to the hardwood if you bark it green.
I have spent many hours in the shed doing the same, this is just one part of the process , it takes many hours working by hand i know. I gave up on the idea of selling them as a lot of people gasp when you tell them your asking price . I know people look at them on the well known selling site and see the very low prices , but the quality is very very bad so their low asking price is about what they are worth with their rasp marks , poor finish , and mostly un straightened very bent finish. You have managed to succeed where i failed . You made me smile in one of your vids when you mentioned crawling into a thicket , i have been there too and still have the scars as you say there is always that unseen thorny branch that sticks into you , i have ripped my trousers getting out a thicket many times leaving me all scratched. Anyway all the best , David.
I used to make similar sticks with my dad in the Sussex Weald. There's a lot of work goes into them if you do it properly. Oh... My ancient Workmate was made in Ireland! It takes to stick making naturally. Ha!
Shinto rasps are great. In some instances you can use your thumb up against the side of the rasp as a guide so as not to take anything away from the shaft of the stick or any other surface you don’t want touched. Have you ever considered using a cooper’s mare for working on sticks? Great upload BTW. 👍
@@FrancisMcCaffrey5 I work standing too, I’ve considered making a mare but I too will wait until I need one. Plus the grain on some sticks means you’re constantly moving them around to stop the rasp juddering. 👍
So would yo say quite few hours per stick is involved,from cutting drying rasping sanding varnish and maybe painting,I'm thinking that's quite long time
Is this Blackthorn? Apparently it is rather scarce and the Irish sticks are expensive. Also most are spindly, likely due to cutting too soon to keep another poacher from getting it. This one has a good heavy shaft. Everyone knows that calling it a 'walking stick' is important when it is actually a head knocker or 'gooney stick'.And was originally designed as a workaround prohibitions in weapons in Ireland decreed by the English king.
This is awesome my hand sand and file everything I can from the brass components for the bolsters and such on my knife handles I try to do everything as traditional as I possibly can except for the epoxy I use the glue is the only thing that's not traditional on my knives😂😂
I'm really enjoying this series of videos. You aren't kidding about the value, either...this is a pretty intuitive crash course for anybody that hasn't done this.
I'm particularly piqued by the process of a rootball top. Most of the American stick makers I've seen tend to do a flat top often with a groove and staple for various survival hacks, and even more commonly have no bark.
I'm a fan of Mulberry as a material but it will crack to the hardwood if you bark it green.
Im working on kind of the same thing. I watched a few of your videos and learned a lot. Keep up the good work.
Interesting Francis I noticed something that struck me as funny as you were turning the stick for m onecangle I saw a face in the wood LMAO
Haha very cool
I have spent many hours in the shed doing the same, this is just one part of the process , it takes many hours working by hand i know. I gave up on the idea of selling them as a lot of people gasp when you tell them your asking price . I know people look at them on the well known selling site and see the very low prices , but the quality is very very bad so their low asking price is about what they are worth with their rasp marks , poor finish , and mostly un straightened very bent finish. You have managed to succeed where i failed . You made me smile in one of your vids when you mentioned crawling into a thicket , i have been there too and still have the scars as you say there is always that unseen thorny branch that sticks into you , i have ripped my trousers getting out a thicket many times leaving me all scratched. Anyway all the best , David.
Thanks for sharing Frances it’s taking up shape, a hefty stick that will be.
You've inspired me. I've started procuring candidates for shillelagh making in a year or so.
Takes 2 to 3 years to season the wood usually
Love watching this Francis. I was thinking, lay it on the sawhorse and sit over it while rasping.
Really enjoy these start to Finnish videos. Every one is different
Brilliant
I used to make similar sticks with my dad in the Sussex Weald. There's a lot of work goes into them if you do it properly. Oh... My ancient Workmate was made in Ireland! It takes to stick making naturally. Ha!
I love the look of this stick already
Shinto rasps are great. In some instances you can use your thumb up against the side of the rasp as a guide so as not to take anything away from the shaft of the stick or any other surface you don’t want touched.
Have you ever considered using a cooper’s mare for working on sticks?
Great upload BTW. 👍
Never really liked them for me maybe when I’m older and need to sit as a work. Mostly I’m quicker on my feet
@@FrancisMcCaffrey5 I work standing too, I’ve considered making a mare but I too will wait until I need one. Plus the grain on some sticks means you’re constantly moving them around to stop the rasp juddering. 👍
Well you earned my subscription 😂 i had no idea i liked watching someone file down wood by hand
Very satisfying, Francis, especially to a not-so-creative person like me!
With the rasp your less likely to take off wood you didn't intend to
Exactly
What make rasp it good for this kinda job?nice video 😊
Shinto
So would yo say quite few hours per stick is involved,from cutting drying rasping sanding varnish and maybe painting,I'm thinking that's quite long time
Yes, exactly
Could Oak or Maple be used to an American Shillelagh?
What grade of rasp is this?
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Is this Blackthorn? Apparently it is rather scarce and the Irish sticks are expensive. Also most are spindly, likely due to cutting too soon to keep another poacher from getting it. This one has a good heavy shaft. Everyone knows that calling it a 'walking stick' is important when it is actually a head knocker or 'gooney stick'.And was originally designed as a workaround prohibitions in weapons in Ireland decreed by the English king.
on
🍺👍🏻
This is awesome my hand sand and file everything I can from the brass components for the bolsters and such on my knife handles I try to do everything as traditional as I possibly can except for the epoxy I use the glue is the only thing that's not traditional on my knives😂😂