Carving a staff with the BK7

[sabk3]

I've always wanted to make a staff/walking stick, and saw this branch in the mango tree in my backyard (It looked staff-ish).







Gonna let it cure for a few weeks, sand it and make finishing touches. Also its pretty heavy so might have to slim it a bit and maybe cut a foot from the bottom.

Let me know if you guys have any tips.

 

[granitestateofmind]

Looks like you don't need any tips, at least not from me. ¡Me gusta! Looking good so far. You said it's heavy; have you worked with that species of wood before? I just looked it up in the wood database, says high silica content "readily dull(s) cutting edges" - good test for the 7. Looking forward to seeing more. ¡Buen suerte!

mmmm....mangoes. Now I wish I was eating one.

 

[sabk3]

Thanks granite!

First time using this wood. Just thought: why not?

 

[Enluzenment]

That looks sweet dude...good job

 

[granitestateofmind]

Thanks granite!

First time using this wood. Just thought: why not?

Why not, indeed. Those moments are always the best ideas/projects/recipes/discoveries.
And, de nada.

 

[Zuluninja]

now you need a pointy hat, a robe, and change your name to "Gandalf" good job!

 

[Chewy1]

It'll get lighter as it dries out.

I made mine out of a hickory sapling. A tip that I used was to paint the ends with clear nail polish. That way, the wood will dry from the sides; it's supposed to help prevent end cracking as it dries. And I also put many coats of tung oil on it...the oil will absorb, taking the place of some of the water, and also help prevent cracking. So far, so good, after 2 years in my car trunk.

 

[NathanJ]

Nice job, I might have to try carving soon.

 

[SpydieHole]

VERY cool!

 

[granitestateofmind]

now you need a pointy hat, a robe, and change your name to "Gandalf" good job!

...and a scraggly beard and magical horse....LOTR geek :wink:. Plus, AFAIK Gandalf's staff is made of the ancient root of the Ent, not mango.

 

[sabk3]

Thanks Chewy for the pointers and thanks all for the comments!!

 

[1Hiker2]

Your staff might get lighter as moisture evaporates from the wood. Mango grows fairly quickly and is not a hardwood species. Beautiful naturally shaped piece, I like what you did with it.

 

[granitestateofmind]

Your staff might get lighter as moisture evaporates from the wood. Mango grows fairly quickly and is not a hardwood species. Beautiful naturally shaped piece, I like what you did with it.

Not trying to jack the thread or be snarky, trying to be accurate - mango is a hardwood species: http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/mango/. You're right about the beauty of the piece, though. It's a winner.

 

[daizee]

Nice piece.
Mango... "PR" Puerto Rico?
I was in San Juan several times in October.
Mmmm.... fried yuca and mofongo. Good thing I left before putting on too much weight.

 

[Jens Schuetz]

...and a scraggly beard and magical horse....LOTR geek :wink:. Plus, AFAIK Gandalf's staff is made of the ancient root of the Ent, not mango.

I'm sure Mahatma Gandhalf's staff was made out of Indian mango.

 

[granitestateofmind]

Mahatma Gandhalf's

*lol*

 

[sabk3]

"PR" Puerto Rico?

Yup

My wife makes some good fried plantains and tostones! Not mofongo though.

 

[upnorth]

If it is standing and drying in a room corner somewhere, keep an eye on it and turn it appropriately to avoid excessive warping, until dried out.

 

[ironborn]

nice work!

 

[Zuluninja]

Boricua??? Mangoes from the southwest part of the island are pure gold. Mofongo is part of my life tho I'm staying away from it now, the thanksgiving turkey will be de-boned and stuffed with mofongo... granite, maybe Gandalf uses a Mango stick for non-official purposes? Who knows how many staves does he have???