While a cane's primary purpose is to function as a support for your body as you walk, they can also serve as a stylish fashion accessory. One of the best ways to find a cane that is perfectly suited to your body's measurements and your own aesthetic sensibilities is to build your own. With some concentration and the use of a few hand tools, you can carve and assemble a cane from a single length of wood.
Step 1
Put on your normal walking shoes and stand upright in your usual posture. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides. Ask your assistant to measure the distance from your wrist to the ground. Round the distance up to the nearest half inch.
Step 2
Select a piece of wood of the desired diameter that is at least two feet longer than your measurements. Use the hacksaw or Dremel tool to cut off a segment of wood that is roughly six inches long. Use the knife or Dremel tool to work the wooden segment into a rough approximation of the desired handle shape. Sand the handle down until it finishes reaching the desired shape.
Step 3
Carve the upper 2 1/4 inch of the cane with a knife or Dremel tool into a dowel shape. Use the power drill to drill a hole into the bottom of the cane handle that will fit the dowel end of the cane; sand down the dowel and the interior of the cane until the pieces fit together to your satisfaction.
Step 4
Apply a small amount of glue or epoxy to the dowel end of the cane, then fit the handle over the dowel. Turn the handle to the desired position, then allow the glue or epoxy to set before proceeding.
Step 5
Measure a distance of 1 to 1 1/2 inch from where the cane handle joins with the cane. Drill a small hole into the side of the handle, through the dowel end of the cane. Drill a screw into the hole or insert a small dowel covered with glue or epoxy.
Step 6
Fit the rubber tip onto the end of the cane. Measure the distance from the lowest portion of the handle to the bottom of the cane. Subtract this distance from the measurements you took earlier; the difference is the length of cane you must cut off to ensure a proper fit. Remove the rubber tip, then use the hacksaw or Dremel tool to remove the excess length.
Step 7
Sand down the entire cane with sandpaper. Use the paint brush to apply a layer of stain or varnish, if desired. Fit the rubber tip back onto the end of the cane.
Things You'll Need
- Walking shoes
- Measuring tape
- Assistant
- Length of wood
- Power drill
- Carving knife
- Sandpaper
- Hacksaw or Dremel tool
- Screw or small wooden dowel
- Rubber cane tip
- Paint brush
- Varnish or wood finish
Member Comments