Kool !!! I make shillelagh's too. I started making canes after I severely busted my foot ankle about 8-9 years ago and it has just become an enjoyable hobby of mine. It gives me a good reason to take my dogs for walks out in the bush around my home. Anyway, nice work buddy.
I have been thinking of making a homemade cane for awhile. Watching your video, bow I may try to craft a shillelagh now. From one vet to another...keep up the good work!!!
Get a look at a book called "Stickmaking: A Complete Course" by Andrew Jones and Clive George. It's simply an excellent book in its own right, but it has a very informative section on shillelagh style walking sticks and the geometry of the head. Essential, in my opinion. Cheers.
Thanks Rob. It looks to me that I have made something more akin to a war club if I shorten it rather than a walking stick. Still first go and we have something.
@Shed Adventures I'm fully on board for starting with that size. It's very hard to find good blanks in the states where I'm at. You already know how much it will shrink with drying. The best way I can describe it is I go for a slightly squeezed globe shaped head extending "naturally" from the limb. I'm trying to achieve the most "natural" transition from limb to head as I can, and that is dictated to me by the crook size and shape. An image search of "ball headed war club" is also a good look at the geometry I'm describing. The native Americans had a good eye for it. I have no doubt it will solidly click for you when you see it. Again, my opinion, but any size stick within reason is great as long as the geometry and transition are minded.
Kool !!! I make shillelagh's too. I started making canes after I severely busted my foot ankle about 8-9 years ago and it has just become an enjoyable hobby of mine. It gives me a good reason to take my dogs for walks out in the bush around my home. Anyway, nice work buddy.
I have been thinking of making a homemade cane for awhile. Watching your video, bow I may try to craft a shillelagh now. From one vet to another...keep up the good work!!!
Thanks for the support
Nice Job! Respect to ya! I refer to mine as Knob Sticks instead of "Shillelaghs" for the same reason. Irish Heritage Crafters need support!
Thank you for the support
A shillelagh doesn't need to be Blackthorn.
Update just found a Blackthorn cops so we will go for a look
How did it turn out
Get a look at a book called "Stickmaking: A Complete Course" by Andrew Jones and Clive George. It's simply an excellent book in its own right, but it has a very informative section on shillelagh style walking sticks and the geometry of the head. Essential, in my opinion. Cheers.
Thanks Rob. It looks to me that I have made something more akin to a war club if I shorten it rather than a walking stick. Still first go and we have something.
@Shed Adventures I'm fully on board for starting with that size. It's very hard to find good blanks in the states where I'm at.
You already know how much it will shrink with drying. The best way I can describe it is I go for a slightly squeezed globe shaped head extending "naturally" from the limb. I'm trying to achieve the most "natural" transition from limb to head as I can, and that is dictated to me by the crook size and shape.
An image search of "ball headed war club" is also a good look at the geometry I'm describing. The native Americans had a good eye for it. I have no doubt it will solidly click for you when you see it.
Again, my opinion, but any size stick within reason is great as long as the geometry and transition are minded.
We are learning with you, look forward to seeing the progress!
Indeed a proper shed adventure. Shillelagh drying by the stove. All going well so far after a shaky start
Look at Francis McCaffrey for insperation
He is an irischeque shillelagh maker with lots of information
Hi just had a look yes indeed he is very skilled. I think my version is just to big. It’s more of a club! Not very elegant. Good advice thank you
@Shed Adventures not too big. The elegance is there, you just have to coax it out.
Well done, you would be well fit to make a shillelagh, get that great book by Andrew Jones and Clive Gorge, it's the best,from an Irish stick maker
Thank you for your help and advice. I will find the book