Making a Walking Thumbstick (Step-by-Step Guide)
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- Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
- In this video I'll be giving you a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own walking thumbstick! This is a must-have item for any wildlife photographer, whether it be used as a walking aid on a steep woodland incline, or even as a camera rest when the perfect shot presents itself.
I've been making homemade walking sticks for many years, and I'll show you how I make a natural thumbstick from start to finish in my home workshop. As a bonus, I'll also show you how you can take a thumbstick to the next level by adding some artwork to it!
00:00 Introduction
01:12 Materials for Thumbstick
05:30 How To Straighten The Stick
12:58 Carving The "V" For The Stick
19:56 Preparing The Shank To Attach The "V"
30:25 Adding Spacers To The Shank
35:18 Attaching The "V" To The Shank
42:43 Adding Tips To The "V" Of The Thumbstick
44:46 Dressing The "V" And Finishing Touches
48:09 Painting Artwork On A Thumbstick
Links below for the items used in this video -
Milwaukee Combi Drill amzn.to/2SUoBs7
Abranet Starter Set amzn.to/3nR4Srf
Black and Decker Powerfile amzn.to/3dqcRaa
Powerfile Belts amzn.to/317SE3L
Narex Round Rasp amzn.to/35071Ix
Narex Half Round Rasp amzn.to/3lRoMRp
Narex Flat Cabinet Rasp amzn.to/3j1lwRB
Wood Auger set amzn.to/378Say7
Danish Oil amzn.to/2H38FRI
Exterior varnish amzn.to/2IpOU7i
Acrylic paint set amzn.to/3180Z7O
Paint brush set amzn.to/2SUWw3L
ABOUT OUR CHANNEL
Hi, I'm Simon Eardley. Welcome to my channel!
Wildlife photography doesn't have to be complicated. Join me on my adventures as I try to capture the magic of nature in both photograph and video form. I'll share with you the tips and tricks I've learned along the way, helping you capture the best images possible.
I also review the newest and best wildlife photography equipment to help you get the perfect shot, every time. From cameras to lenses to tripods and more, I aim to find the best gear for your needs that won't break the bank.
Subscribe now and start taking your wildlife photography to the next level!
Check out our channel here:
/ @simoneardley
Check out my online shop for wildlife photography and bushcraft accessories -
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EardleyC...
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Хобби
ITS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO WATCH A TRUE CRAFTSMAN, I LOVE THE BRITISH
Cheers Garry, back at ya man!!👍🏼👊🏼
Funny how when you go looking for tarp videos and disappear down the rabbit hole that is RUclips....you come across something like this...and watch the whole thing entranced . That's a proper piece of practical and beautiful art that. Talent to be proud of!
Thanks Timothy, glad you enjoyed the film 👍🙂
@@simoneardley 99mkj
Happened to me too!
As a longtime woodcarver and having made scores of walking sticks over the years I am impressed with your talent and precise fitting of all the components , but I am simply amazed at the beautiful painting of the deer!!!!! Thanks for sharing this !
Youre welcome , thanks for watching and the compliments 👊🏼👍🏼
Remarkable Artwork's I love your Video, quite a inspiration, I have made a few walking sticks from branch's that have fallen off my trees the rainbow equyliptus is nice wood. I'm a 75 year young Grandma who plays with wood !
Youre never too old. Respect!!😀
At first I thought, "This is something I could do"; but when you got to painting the Roe deer you left me in the dust. Brilliant skills!
My thoughts exactly !!!!
Thank you so much Dave😀
I also have a challenge with paint and crayolas. but you could still make your stick and decal the ornimental figure. You can still be in the mix with a nice staff.
😂
I've been cutting a few sticks over the last few weeks and have a few dried from a year ago. Your video has been a complete joy to learn from this afternoon. Thank you, I'm a very happy boy.
Glad it helped Tony 👍🏼👊🏼
I was looking for something completely different, and this appears on my screen. I saw how long the video was going to be, and I thought, that's long. But I stayed and watched the whole thing. Very instructional, and entertaining. I like your peaceful teaching. I guess I'm starting a new hobby.
Happened to me too!
Arthur baker
The best no nonsense stickmaking instruction ever and a real artist
Thanks very much Arthur 👊🏼
A great thumb stick made by a MASTER
Kind words, thankyou 👍🏼
I love listen to you. I am 85 years old. And I am a joiner. You have a great way of explaing about making the Sticks. Keep up the good work. Tom. Clarke
Thanks Tom, bet those 85 year old hands have cut a few tenons and dovetails in their time eh !! All the best, Si👊👍🏼
As a retired craftsman, I can appreciate the work that goes into such a piece as this. Remarkable work. My compliments Sir.
Thankyou John and thanks for watching👍🏼
Best "how to" I've ever seen! Nothing left out except perhaps how you finish the tip, if at all.
Cheers Richard, I'll stick that on the next one mate👍🏼
Glad to accidentally land here Simon! I appreciate your craft and learned a couple new ways to approach wood working. Especially wood steaming and straightening jig. Wonderful!
Never knew the work that goes into one of those! I was fascinated to watch this whole procedure, and admire your artwork too. What a talent you have - as well as your superb photography.
Thank you very much! They are a lot of work but worth it in the end👍🏼
Wonderful thumbstick! Earned a place in "The Return of the Cane. A Natural History of the Walking Stick."
A lovely piece of craftmanship Simon, easy to follow and loaded with tips. I've started to watch the earlier videos now and enjoying them all as I begin to explore your creative World. Many thanks.
I have made a number of basic sticks and love watching how other people make theirs. I've watched numerous videos and must say you have explained, described the whole process in such an easy to follow way. It was a joy to watch. I thought the animals were transfers, until I saw you draw from scrath. Awesome talent.
Cheers Brian, glad you found the film useful. Thanks for the compliments.👍🏼
MAGNIFICENT ARTWORK BY NICE AND NORMAL PERSON, CONGRATS
Thankyou 😀
I've made a few walking sticks in the past and have several dried shafts ready to go and this video has given me the insight to start again. Fantastic teacher, very entertaining, should consider doing more on the subject.
Cheers Aubrey, thats the plan once I get the new workshop up and running!!👍🏼
I have watched lots of these demonstrations. This is a masterclass. Great demonstration Simon, clearly explained and like all craftsmen, you made it look so easy (which it isn't).
Many thanks Dave, glad you found it useful.👍🏼
Thank you so much for sharing! You have a very pleasant way of presenting. Very calming and I learned a lot! Well done!
A realy good teacher!!! You know this v-type stick was used when loading a horse or a donkey in order to hold in place the one already loaden side while you load the other...
You learn something every day!!👍🏼
What a modest gentleman!!❤
Wow, a great how to for walking sticks, very well done! One of the best walking stick videos I've seen yet, thank you so much!
your welcome, glad you enjoyed the film 👍🏼
@@simoneardley
Hi Simon,
Do you sale any of your stick, I would like to buy few from you.
How do I go about placing an order please?
Regards
Hasan
Thoroughly enjoyed watching that Simon. Thanks for the inspiration for me to give it a go.
Glad you enjoyed it Mark👍🏼
I saw the stick. Nice, easy: cut it, dry it, do the thumb part, glue it, sand it. Eaasy. Then i saw the deer.... I won't be quitting my day job.
Great craftsmanship! Also great content! (and this time i hope youtube will be posting my entire comment :) )
🤣🤣🤣Stick with it!!!!
@@simoneardley I'm just starting out with this new hobby. The biggest problem I face is that almost all the sticks I have gathered for 2 years now split like crazy. (probably not the right type of wood, and not the right season. What i got until now are some wax cherry, poplar, maple, cherry and a few other).
They make good practice sticks so no worries, as soon as I get one without cracks I'll be making you some good competition.
Until then I think I'm still the best at cracked sticks :)
Very clear in showing how to do it.
Interesting to see how a piece of a BRANCH acquiring such a valuable product. Thank you for your patient tecnologie.
Cheers Victor, glad you enjoyed the film.
I make walking sticks, thumb sticks etc , and I always enjoy watching others make theirs because you can always pick tips up . I've learned a couple things from watching this video .
Nice one Geoffrey, always learning eh !!🙂👍
Looks like they would make a good rifle rest for open country and double as walking stick.Good work thanks
Finally, a channel that fits this American's needs. I just started making walking sticks and I like the way you are doing things. After building cabinets and furniture for 35 years I wanted to make more sawdust and walking sticks came to mind so here I am. Your channel is one that fits me. Thank you, keep up the good work, God bless and be safe! But in all honesty, I've never heard of "thumbsticks" before so I had to stop by and check it out!
Just a stick for your thumb!! Keep it simople Kenneth, thanks for watching mate 👊🏼👍🏼
Brilliant tuition and step by step guide to making the thumb stick. Great work and what a fantastic prize for the lucky winner 🙂👍
Cheers Si, see ya soon
Rick
Pure Magic. A true craftsman at work. Wonderful.
Thanks Paul 👍🏼
Just the kick start I need; I've got some three year dried sticks so I'll build a steamer tomorrow and get going!
Brilliant, good luck with the project David
That fifty minutes flew by. Lovely work.
Glad you enjoyed it Shaun👍🏼
I can't tell you how impressed I am with your incredible attention to detail. Your skill and knowledge are absolutely epic along with your communication skills! Thank you.
Thanks Ken, very kind comments . Glad you enjoyed the film 👍🏼👍🏼
I didn't think i'd watch the whole video. Absolutely one of the BEST videos of its' kind!!! Thank you so much for sharing your talents, techniques and art with us!!!
Youre more than welcome David, glad you enjoyed the film 👍🏼👍🏼
I just had a revelation. Every guy I've ever gotten along with has had a workshop. Workshop guys have minds full of ideas and are always looking for ways to make them happen. Even if it's a table in the corner, a man is never poor when he has a workbench.
Never a truer word was spoken 😆 I'd be lost without my workshop👍🏼👌
Great inspiration Simon, just subscribed to your channel after looking for walking/thumbstick videos and came across this one, I also love my wildlife photography!
Thanks Andy, great time of the year to get out there collecting. A man after my own heart!!😀 Welcome to the channel.
I was happy with the straightening tutorial. The making of the topper for the thumb stick was great, but I did not expect the amazing painting skills as well. Wow. 👍🏼
Glad it was helpful!👍🏼😀
Brilliant.
I've always enjoyed collecting willow saplings and making my own walking sticks.
Your superb presentation inspires me to kick it up a notch.
Thank you for sharing,
Youre welcome Bert, glad you found it informative.👍🏼
Simon, on TV, there was a series titled "Out of Town" hosted by the late Jack Hargreaves. The prog was all about Rural Life including the skills of making your own tools, fishing rods and tying your own flies. Your own RUclips productions very much remind of that TV series. I enjoy your videos and I hope that you go on to produce many more in the same vein. Thank you.
Thanks Al, high praise indeed. I used to love that program and watched it myself( showing my age!!)😩 I used to love watching him going ferreting and demonstrating a lot of skills that are all to sadly being lost nowadays. 👍🏼
@@simoneardley OUT OF TOWN was a great programe. Im 57 and always looked forward to the 15 min slot it use to get on a Friday evening durig the 70s and was defiently an inspiration to me and enjoying nature and wildlife. Really enjoyed this vid, Keep em coming.
@@theworldthroughalens5324 You can find Jack on youtube now
Daaamn, I thought the pictures were decoupage but he is painting them on!!! Hat off sir, really good job there! I wish I had a Thumbstick.
Thank you so much 😀 Yeh love painting them as they are all individual 👍🏼👍🏼
Incredible....my finger painting won’t cut it.
The best slingshot natural wood!
A brilliant tutorial from start to finish. Thank you so much. I know what I'm doing tomorrow, in preparation for 9-12 months time.
I've got the majority of the gear, but thanks to you I can certainly improvise on certain aspects. Fantastic stuff.
Greatly appreciated .....
Thanks Charlie, great time of the year to get some sticks cut and like you say prepare for when there dry. Have fun mate!!😀👍🏼
Cool Stuff and thanks for sharing the process of making it. I've got an improved claming device idea for you: You could use one of these bungee cords which are made to strap someting to a bicycle (the ones with hooks on either end) and just hook the end to pre positioned clamps. Its less hustle ;)
Thanks for the idea but I always steer away from bungee cords. One hit me in the face once and I have a healthy fear of the things !!🤣🤣Thanks for watching 👊👍🏼
Nice 1 will give that a go
I am getting old so a stick is a good call
Atb 👍🏽
You are a natural teacher. Brilliant!
Thank you Tom 👍🏼😀
I love that detail of a footmark at the rear side of a deer pic. So lovely!
Glad you like it Frau 👍🏼
Well made stick!! I enjoyed watching this vid. Nice hand painting too!! (one small question, why must the bark stay on the stick?)
Cheers Ferd, just down to personal choice. Personally I like the different coloured bark, if you strip it off they all look the same.👍🏼
Thumbsticks arent difficult, done lots over the years. Its painting the deer that will have me stumped! 👍
Practice makes perfect, but yeh painting isn't everyones bag I agree. 😀
An old artist trick ,turn all pics u wish to draw turn upside down draw the pic as. Lines not as a picture,section it off in lined sections,look at each feature in that pic as a line ,hope this helps
@@newdogatplay cool, I will try it. As I anticipate troubles with the colors and shades, are there some trick as well?
Or maybe to read a book?
A thumbs up for the thumb stick! 👍🏻 Really enjoyed this one, Simon. On the subject of old power tools, I have a Black and Decker drill which I still occasionally use in the garage and is 42 years old!
haha, good effort Steve. I hate throwing stuff away and always try to fix stuff if i can. i dont think they make gear as good as they used to !!!
You are a very talented man Simon Eardley: photographer woodworker and painter all rolled into one.
Thanks Alasdair, you know what they say, 'Jack of all trades, master of none!!' 😆😆👍🏼
If you go in the drywall section of your big box store you can buy that sand paper a lot cheaper
What was that see through sandpaper called? Is that the sandpaper that is in the drywall section you are speaking of? Peace, Mo
honestly, I thought that these were just long handled slingshots.
Loved your video Simon. It gives me a greater appreciation for a tool such as the thumb stick when I see the step by step instruction. It is a beautiful thumb stick.
Thankyou Debbie, i enjoy stickmaking when its a poor day for photography.😀
Thanks for inviting us in for this.
Not everybody can have nice tools but everyone has elbow grease🤷🏻. 😂👍🏻✨
Wise words 😀👍🏼
Excellent! So glad to have made it to your video. Thanks for sharing some of your probably hard learned tricks. Those power sanders are a game changer I totally agree.
Cheers for watching Patrick👍🏼
Great conversation flow! I felt like you were talking directly to me and just showing me exactly how to complete the project. I really didn’t plan to watch the entire video but sucked in and had to watch to the end! Makes me want to go look for sticks!
Thanks Bob, if it makes you want to get out there and have a go well thats my job complete!!👍👍
That was great Simon. weirdly therapeutic watching it. Pouring with rain outside, too dark to even capture garden birds, so watched this. Totally de-stressed, Brilliant! You are a talented artist. Think I could manage the stick given time and practice but the painting would have to be done by my wife who loves working in acrylics.. and it would be a Kingfisher!
Nice one Martin, glad you liked it.Just another pastime for the winter nights 👍🔥
I have a bag full of deer antlers.
You’re a darn good artist too! Love the roe. Love the stick also.
Congrats to the recipient of this beautiful stick.
Thanks Cyndi 😀👍🏼
Love the simplicity of your teaching just so understanding n practical thanks to sharing your knowledge
Thanks Jose👍
Just lovely. Bravo, Maestro!
Cheers Gary
Best 50 minutes I've spent on RUclips for yrs the way you explain in a very calm relaxed manner I got to the end of the video and was surprised it was 50 odd minutes time flew by inspirational craftsmanship have subscribed and can't wait to watch more of your videos never thought that thumb sticks walking sticks could be so interesting I want to go out and make my own 👍
Thanks Frank, very kind words. Glad its inspired you to go out and have a go at making a thumbstick, I'm sure you'll make a great job of it !!👍🏼👍🏼
Wow! I never heard of a thumb stick. I love them. Good job!!
Thanks for watching Debra 😃👍🏼
Thanks for this! You certainly have cornered the market on sheer talent. It's a pleasure and an inspiration to watch your vid. Can't wait for more 😊
Haha, too kind Lin. Thankyou for your kind comments and glad you're enjoying the channel.👊🎥
Hello Simon:, I really enjoyed watching how U make the stick, & I want to be one of the 2000 for the free stick, just make sure I’m still still alive when & hopefully I’m still alive when you send it to by message. 🎉😊🎉U explained it very well, thanks. 🎉😊🎉 Joe
Not sure how I got here, but glad I did.
Many skills you shared. Thank you. Great video.
Glad you found it useful Steve 👍🏼👌🏼
Spectacular
Bill Hanlon I can't remember when I have enjoyed a DYI session more, As a seventy three year old and getting physically near the time when a stick would be an advantage, you have given me the motivation to have a go at making a thumb stick. Well Done, Cheers.
Thanks Bill, glad you enjoyed the film. Good luck with the project👍🙂
Oh wow , you are quite the arts & crafts person !!! glad I found my way to you !
Thanks David, glad youre enjoying the channel mate.👍🏼
There is nothing more rewarding than watching a true master at his trade, and as the saying goes the proof is in the "pudding".
Beautiful craftsmanship, workmanship and of course final production. Excellent job!
Thanks for the compliments Danny 👍🏼
I did not realise there was so much work to them. Great video as always
Cheers Steve, yeh if you're going to make them right there's a fair bit of graft to put in!! 😀
beautiful workmanship
Thanks James
Simon, thank you for your demonstration video. Your step by step process with side notations is very helpful, and because of this I have used them to improve my technique. I also was thrilled that you do your own artwork, I firmly believe in this because it is imparting your energy into the work. Absolutely 'Brilliant'...and am a big fan of your work, thank you !!!
Thanks for watching and glad you found it useful. All the best, Si 👍🏼👊
Beautiful and then you painted it. That dear is awesome. Thanks for sharing
Youre welcome Tony, thanks for watching 👀
A superb start-to-finish film. Your painting skill is terrific. I'm green with envy!! Thank you.
Thank you so much 😀
Brilliant video Simon, I have an old red deer antler from a car boot, which is already made up with a whistle as well, so ill give it a go.
Congratulations ! You’ve made a really lovely stick and you are an artist too.
Very kind John, cheers for watching 👀👍🏼
Just fantastic top of the shop 😊
So glad I found you. Walking sticks are my favorite things to make and like how you attach toppers to the sticks. Cheers
Glad you like them!👍🏼
You’ve got quite a collection of very nice sticks there! Very lovely. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
That was a great video Simon. Admire your patience and artwork.
Thank you so much Paul😀
I just saw your channel and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've never made a thumb stick but I do make survival walking sticks and canes. This has inspired me to try my hand at one. Thank you.
Nice one Walt, good luck with the project 👍🏼
Recently retired and I am looking at stick making. Your video is the most informative that I have come across. Thankyou for sharing, and I endeavor to emulate your skills. Looking forward to your future episodes.
Nice one Doug, glad you found it useful. Good luck with your new pastime 👍🏼👊
You sir are a real artist with wildlife painting. The basic stick I might be able to try over maybe a 2 week period...but the painting would need another lifetime and talents I currently find missing in my personal inventory. Beautiful work mate.
Thanks Michael, its nice to be able to combine the two disciplines and come up with something thats both practical and nice to look at 👍🏼
You got me now. I'll be making these for sure.
As a joiner, I watched the whole video as really enjoyed your no nonsense, non repetitive description on how you go through the process. I need to make one for wading when fishing.
Cheers Mick, glad you found it useful. Just made a couple of wading sticks myself. I drilled a hole in the base of the shank and filled it with lead.👍
@@simoneardley that's the plan.
Very interesting! I'd never seen such a stick before. The fork in the top makes a lot of sense. Enjoyed your video, and your presentation as well.Beautiful work!
Thanks Kent, glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼
GREAT video Simon, your artistry is outstanding.
Thanks Tony
Thoroughly enjoyed the walking stick video, fantastic., even more overjoyed to know that you do wildlife photography too, wow my hero. Looking forward to seeing more from you. Thank you thank you.
Thanks Stuart, yeh I've got a few irons in the fire, so to speak 😆👍🏼📷👀Glad youre enjoying the content.
You do wonderful work. THANK'S for sharing.
Beautiful Artistry. Sticks the same diameter along the length, with few kinks are a dream(when you see a Gum tree stick that kinks to every extreme, you’ll realise how wonderful a straight stick really is to find)
Thanks Deborah, we are lucky to have so much Hazel in our woods. Its a lovely tree to work with 👍🏼
some people use curly willow and leave the kinks in the wood. It's a unique look.
Brilliant Simon, I used to do a bit of stick making myself and this had just reminded me how enjoyable and satisfying it is from when you first cut your shank and the end result !!! Think it’s time I made another 👍
Nice one Paul, great time of the year to get out there and cut some shanks!!
Proper job all round.
That good I would buy one .Skilled work made looking easy .
Awesome video! Love the finishing touches of the deer! Thanks so much for sharing and God bless!
Thanks for watching!
Just found your channel. .
Cultural exchange comes in many forms.
Laying on the floor with sciatica , makes me think that this video is all the motivation I need to make a thumbstick.
Thanks for sharing your videos, and keep up the good work.
Aye, get whittling Willy. Great pastime mate 👍🏼
Awesome! Magnificent work indeed! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Cheers!
2023 and I just found your channel. I hope you're actually still producing videos because these are some nice thumbsticks
Cheers Chris, yeh still making films 👍🏼