Lacrosse sticks are made from plastic, aluminum, hardwood, bamboo or rattan. While rattan sticks and heads are rare, the solid core reed has certain characteristics similar to the other materials and, in some instances, surpasses these materials. Rattan sticks will not retain a bend like aluminum or plastic. In its raw state, rattan requires no protective finish that's needed with hardwood and will not deteriorate from excessive sun or moisture. Rattan is slightly heavier than bamboo and might be the material of choice for those who prefer a durable stick with medium weight.
Step 1
Select a round rattan stick in the length and diameter for the handle of the lacrosse stick. Rattan is cut to specific lengths using hydraulic or pneumatic shearing machines that make precision cuts. Attempting to cut rattan with a saw requires a special blade and expertise to accomplish a precision cut.
Step 2
Select a smaller diameter rattan stick that you will bend to make the head. Determine the length of the piece by measuring a standard field or goalie head and add 3 inches to allow a 1 1/2-inch stem for an attachment at each side of the rattan handle.
Step 3
Make a wood or metal bending jig that you will use to make the lacrosse head. The jig must conform to the shape of a regulation field or goalie head. Heat the rattan head stick in a steam vat and bend it into the shape of the head in the jig. Allow the stick to remain in the jig until it dries in shape.
Step 4
Sand the handle and the head with progressively finer sandpaper to seal the grain. The first sanding is done with 100-grit, the second with 150-grit and the third with 200-grit sandpaper.
Step 5
Drill the stems of the head for a pair of stainless steel bolts that attach the head to the rattan handle. Position the head at the end of the handle and drill the handle at the corresponding locations of the holes at the stems.
Step 6
Attach the head to the handle with the bolts and low-profile nylon lock nuts. Grind any excess bolt threads at the nuts with an electric grinder and a fine grinding wheel.
Step 7
Apply a generous amount of leather cement on the stems and the handle at the connection. Wrap the connection with 1/4-inch-wide soft leather to cover the bolts and nuts. Extend the wrap below the base of the stems and secure it at the handle with two clove hitches.
Step 8
Drill holes at the top and sides of the rattan head for top-tie strings and side strings used to fix the lacrosse mesh in the head. Lace the pocket to suit your style of play, such as attack man, defender or goalie. Attach a rubber cap on the lower end of the handle with rubber cement.
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