Thread: Stickmaking

Righto I've had this piece of Sambar antler for ages and wondered what to do with it after seeing your thread you got me thinking about a stick or going by the piece of Lancewood i've got maybe pole.



@EeeBees So going by your examples how long do reckon it takes to dry?
A year?
Only cut this morning.

Well Shootm I had mine up in my shed for about a year , but it could have been done long before that. Do not cut it to length before its dry it dose crack.

Originally Posted by HILLBILLYHUNTERS

Well Shootm I had mine up in my shed for about a year , but it could have been done long before that. Do not cut it to length before its dry it dose crack.

Cheers

Made the shooting stick years back when stuck in a rainy hut - stripped it and let it dry out - then cut to size many months later. Not intentionally, just how it worked out.
Over the years the v got screwed and glued in, and a big screw and washer screwed into the tip to stop it getting hammered.
The Irish fighting stick or shillelagh was just bit of a laugh for my younger sister, she has a cabinet of things on display that could hurt people.

Originally Posted by Shootm

So going by your examples how long do reckon it takes to dry?A year? Only cut this morning.

Gee, sorry @Shootm...yes a year is good so it is absolutely dry...I really like that Sambar antler...

Originally Posted by EeeBees

Gee, sorry @Shootm...yes a year is good so it is absolutely dry...I really like that Sambar antler...

Seems to be varying opinions on this one - longer is safer, as you're guaranteed that its dried centre out, and won't split.
I've had stuff split on me thats been left to dry 3+ years - splits after cutting. But that was quite a significant thickness (Totara rounds).

I reckon you can fast forward it by keeping inside at room temperature - standard thickness thumbstick or the like you can get away with about 6mths.

I've just put down 3 solid ones...... sealed both ends with spraypaint - see how they go.