Steam Straightening Natural Saplings for Walking Sticks

Necessity really is the Mother of Invention... not offence intended towards Frank Zappa.
I've needed crutches or a walking stick at various times in my life.
Tasmania has an ideal small tree which is amazingly strong and resilient.
My recent necessity is due to connecting tissue damage to my left knee which it results in it easily popping out..... so a handy walking stick helps with mobility.
Selecting a half dozen from the few dozen piled up on a shelf in the shed is the first step. An improvised steam tube from my electric kettle, plastic plumbing pipe and gloves complete the basics along with something to lever and bend them over.
Avoiding steam burns cannot be stressed enough as that would really spoil the fun.
Progress !

[@1x5x5]

Love your simplistic steam contraption. I'm going to have to create something like this only longer as I am working with longer walking staffs. I'm wondering how long of a drying period before applications of linseed oil?

[@waynesweirdworld5788]

Thank you.
I'll get around to building a wooden steam box one day.
I oil them several times as they season in the shed as I prefer to keep the smooth bark on my sticks.
It also minimises cracking and doesn't lessen the steam if they need further work.( just a bit longer with the steam perhaps... you'll feel it... if there's too much resistance, just put it back in the steam box or you'll likely crack or break it)
Good luck and have fun!

[@georgestone7206]

Have you ever steamed walking stick that was an inch and a half to 2 inches thick?

[@waynesweirdworld5788]

Yes. One of my big hiking Staffs. Not ideal in an improvised steam box, but when I was young, I worked with a friend on his boat doing the steaming of the hardwood ribs and they were 2 inch thick. I forget the length of time in the steam box whether it was an hour or half hour per half inch, but you soon knew if it hadn't been long enough. It either wouldn't bend or it cracked when forced ! A Cracked Rib wasn't good as it had to be pulled out and thrown onto the scrap pile.
Have fun !
Cheers