Early American Shillelagh

[@mikewhite7462]

found a nice piece of oak, letting season a little then I will start my Shillelagh. Thanks for the video, really helps.

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Glad to hear it! Oak will work nice. Send me a pic when it's done!

[@markgoff5307]

Very nice! I appreciate the trick with the hose clamp.

[@slingshotwarrrior8105]

fine craftsmanship

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Thank you, sir!

[@marklazarus2584]

Really nice. I am starting to make some walking sticks for my family and your tips are very helpful.

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Thanks, Mark! I pick up tips from viewers, too, so I'm still learning with you all. Appreciate the comment!

[@jsbelljr83]

Amazing job

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Thank you. I'm working on some others right now that will feature epoxy inlays and different colors.

[@jsbelljr83]

@@fortorangewoodworking I was just looking at my stock of branches, and I have wanted to be perfect to make a Shillelagh

[@fortorangewoodworking]

@jsbelljr83 great! Thats how I got started, too! I'll try to post a pic of my first attempt soon soon so you can see my progress. It wasn't pretty lol.

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Awesome share

[@fortorangewoodworking]

@DaveCollierCamping Thanks Dave! I have a new shiilelagh video posting soon using epoxy as a filler.

[@robertmacclearysaltz8372]

Lovely

[@leviwarren6222]

Weird, I'm just finishing up my first shillelagh for a Christmas gift and I used hophornbeam! If you guys have never worked hophornbeam, it's nearly as white as holly and sands to a gloss. Stinking wonderful wood. Unfortunately, as it's ten days till Christmas, I'm going to have to use boiled linseed oil so it'll darken a bit but it's gorgeous right now.

[@fortorangewoodworking]

@leviwarren6222 check out my more recent shillelagh video on this channel - I just sold a BEAUTIFUL hornbeam stick with a bone-white head. Sad to see it go. Congrats on finishing your first one - it's addicting!

[@OxenteGente]

What a great piece of art!!!👏👏👏👏

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Thank you! That's how I like to think of them, too. Art you can use!

[@jtownsend220]

Nice

[@dc85337]

On finial sanding - try a bow sander. Make one with 2 sides - one coarse grit the other fine grit. Works really well on odd shapes. One other trick is to use a plastic glove and 1/4 of a paper towel to apply the finish (that's what I use)

[@kevinreilly1191]

Shillelagh law was all the rage! Good job Migcat. My brother has used Ironwood for a few Gandalf like staffs. Definitely a durable wood that you wouldn't want to get cracked with.

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Hornbeam is my go to, as its my available supply. I've got some nice Kentucky oak and Canadian maple coming soon !

[@chrislauterbach8856]

I came over from the PowerDirector link. Added a 👍.

[@fortorangewoodworking]

@@chrislauterbach8856 that's awesome! Thanks for the support. Hope you see something worth the trip!

[@michaelmacneil269]

I found a rag works wellto apply stain.ash and dog wood as well as birch .great job.

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Thanks, Michael. I'm always up for trying new materials and methods. The rag would probably be much faster for the black stain. Appreciate you watching!

[@gregdevlin905]

I look forward to making myself one. I was gifted one, but it is a bit too short. YNWA

[@dlighted8861]

Try using Hawthorn which is also called White Thorn. Its a tough,gnarly wood just like Black Thorn. I have made a few walking sticks from it including a quite pretty but still gnarly thumb stick using antler as the thumb grip. Thats a good tip about using the radiator clamp.😀 There is the face of a young man with a broken nose and strong chin in the head of that stick. He is your friend and a fighter who will never let you down. 😉

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Well said on all counts! I'll see if I can get my hands on some Hawthorne. That sounds like a fun wood to try out.

[@dlighted8861]

If you are lucky enough to find many Hawthorns growing close together get down low as low as you can and look in towards the middle. There will sometimes be slender straight saplings perfect for walking sticks. I use the root ball as the head of the stick.

[@Robert-ds8ec]

Chinese white wax wood staffs are sometimes called the wooden steel

[@bradbrown2168]

Where do you get this wood? Thx

[@BillLowenburg]

Nice project! Excellent demonstration and explanation. Thank you for not using music or time lapse video like everyone else. Those videos give me a headache! I just want to learn how to do things and don't need to be entertained -- plus it's a lot simpler for you to produce and edit when you don't have to spend time trying to impress viewers with cute special effects and music nobody wants to hear. Thanks again and keep up the good work!

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Thanks Bill! Full disclaimer: some of my videos might not be for you, but I'm mostly here to show people how they can diy without a fancy shop.

[@tjmartin7477]

Have you ever tried not removing all the bark? I make a lot of walking sticks from hornbeam (also called blue beech where im from) and leaving some bark on makes for some beautiful sticks. I always cut my blanks extra long so hopefully i have a piece big enough for a club left over.

[@fortorangewoodworking]

@tjmartin7477 I have, but not with hornbeam. I think I will, though - I really like the look of stained bark. Thanks for the comment!

[@TingTingalingy]

Many woods are and have always been used for shillelagh, from oak, to Hazel and on.

[@davidveydt9227]

Nice job on your Shillelagh. I too have made many walking sticks and canes. I feel obliged to inform you though, that the wood you're using is American Hornbeam and while it is fairly hard, Hop Hornbeam aka Ironwood is much harder.

[@ІванБазилевський]

А дерево з оріха піде

[@Aethertopia369]

That may be the case. I made an AI search, and it says this about the two different Hornbeam trees. Of course, often times, AI doesn't get it just right I've noticed, this seems like one of those times. Two separate searches for each Hornbeam wood AI says: American Hornbeam is known for its exceptional hardness, making it a valuable wood for various applications. The wood is extremely dense and difficult to work with, which is reflected in its Janka hardness rating of 2,400 pounds per square inch (psi) The hardness of hop hornbeam wood is comparable to other hardwoods like oak and maple. In fact, it is often considered to be one of the hardest woods in North America. The Janka hardness test, which measures the resistance of wood to denting and wear, rates hop hornbeam at around 2,200 pounds per square inch (psi). But then a second search asking AI which is harder, AI says: Based on the provided information, both Hop Hornbeam and American Hornbeam are known for their hardness. However, the available data suggests that Hop Hornbeam is generally harder than American Hornbeam. Hop Hornbeam: Described as “very dense, hard, and tough wood, much harder than oak” Used for making tool handles, mallets, and other small items requiring high strength and density Has a high wear and shock resistance American Hornbeam: Described as “very hard” and sometimes used for making tool handles Has a strong and durable wood, but prone to rot Not as hard as Hop Hornbeam, but still suitable for making small items and tool handles In summary, while both woods are hard, Hop Hornbeam is generally considered harder and more durable than American Hornbeam. So all that to say, it seems that you are correct. Fricking AI.

[@seanhuds7351]

Blackthorn is a species of Eurasian Plum. I cant help but wonder if using some species of Plum tree from the Americas would yield a stick with similar properties to the Irish-made ones? Incidentally, Sloe Gin, made from the berries of Blackthorn, is worth a try!

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Thanks, Sean. If I get my hands on some, I'll definitely give it a try!

[@seanhuds7351]

@@fortorangewoodworking Nee bother mate, fine work there. I too am having a bit of trouble finding some proper Blackthorn and I am native to the British Isles. You'd think I'd be at an advantage!

[@charlesharper7292]

I didn't know that's where it came from! 🤠👍

[@seanhuds7351]

@charlesharper7292 Which part? The bit about Sloe Gin or the bit about Plum trees? Cheers

[@rhyslogan6490]

Oak is also traditional. I want to try hickory as it's one of the harder woods in my area. I've actually found that a utility knife is a bit easier than the chisel, it's easier to get the right angle

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Thanks for the post. Every project is a new experiment for me. I've got a pretty good scar from a utility knife, so I try to use whittling tools when I can. Stay tuned! More shillelagh videos coming soon!

[@kuzinit2374]

Hello Kevin , I was born n Raised in Albany NY , so I decided to join , my name is Russell Brothers

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Hi Russel. Always great to have a local subscriber! Thanks for checking in!

[@kuzinit2374]

@@fortorangewoodworking yeah , please to meat you , I’m in Florida now

[@tonynapoli5549]

Nice stick You didn’t mention how long you seasoned the stick for Thanks for sharing nice stick

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Thanks, Tony. I usually harvest blanks in fall when they're easier to spot (no leaves) and moisture levels are a bit lower. I store them in my attic until the next year when I harvest more. There's still a little bit of cracking but I've learned to fill them with epoxy or other material.

[@garycornelisse9228]

Interesting project. I would like to have seen a full length photo though.

[@fortorangewoodworking]

I can send you one if you'd like. Email the shop page at [e-mail]

[@dfcvda]

when I was in NH many moons ago the was a rock formation called Old man of the mountain it collapsed in the extreme cold weather some years back which was/is a shame..the handle looks like it

[@fortorangewoodworking]

I know EXACTLY what you're talking about! Never saw it myself, though.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

Couldn't you rough out the shape with a grinder or power rasp or other power tool to make it a lot faster?

[@fortorangewoodworking]

I could. The more I work on these, though, the more satisfying it is to work the hand tools. I'll have a new vid coming out soon with one made entirely without machines.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

@@fortorangewoodworking fair enough, that's respectable. I'm too lazy. Seems like a belt sander would be my favorite tool for making those, and a power rasp.

[@fortorangewoodworking]

@comfortablynumb9342 - interesting you should say that- when I first started making these years ago, I put a belt/disc sander on the floor and shaped the head that way. It was very effective but occasionally would burn the wood. The power rasp would also work well, but I have switched to a farrier's rasp which is a pretty awesome tool!

[@comfortablynumb9342]

@@fortorangewoodworking Joerg from the Slingshot Channel has some really interesting tools he uses in Germany for making wooden slingshots and also for shaping plywood he's glued together for his crazy bow inventions. He makes repeating crossbows and bows with magazines. If you haven't seen him he's a lot of fun, and he makes great stuff.

[@bockskarr6626]

Is it possible to get one made to fit so I could palm it? I'm not looking for the hiking type but definitely a shillelagh i can palm. I was just on the Etsy store but idk if they provide a way to communicate with the artist/creator

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Yes, we can do that. Basically, you want a shorter one that you can rest your hand on?

[@rodrigocanpuzano-em9bz]

can I use live oak?

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Of course! I've used a few different varieties - some are easier to work with, some are a bit more durable. Oak is a great hardwood. Even pine will work if it's thick enough and dry.

[@Tecknolord13]

Have you tried a farriers rasp? I've made a few projects like this and my rasp has completly replaced my draw knife and chizzle.

[@fortorangewoodworking]

No, but I will now! I love transitioning from modern to classic hand tools. The next one I make, I'll try it. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@07roadking43]

Make yourself a little sanding bow , theres plenty of videos on how to make them , also put some duct tape on the back of your sandpaper , makes a nice sanding pad . Good luck from an ole guy down in Saugerties …..

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Good advice from a local guy! Appreciate the tips!

[@brianbyrne8528]

Hi what paint are you using please and thanks 🙏🙏

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Hi Brian. The only paint is the white band near the top. It's white semi gloss. The head is minwax early American and the shaft is minwax black. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks for watching!

[@thomassinclair731]

Very nice! What is the best metal cap, etc, for the bottom end of a stick? Plumbing fittings are tacky and weak. I haven't found anyone selling anything really sturdy. Ironwood as "The American Blackthorn." Great idea!

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Thomas - I've experimented with a few different caps. A rubber cane stop is probably the easiest but I don't like the look. Lately I've been embedding objects into the bottoms with epoxy (see my etsy shop for a couple 4 leaf clover examples). You could also screw/nail/epoxy a square of aluminum or brass to the bottom and shape it on a belt sander.

[@AndyBarnett-c7t]

Have you considered European buckthorn, invasive to North America and does produce sloe’s not dissimilar to blackthorn

[@fortorangewoodworking]

@AndyBarnett-c7t sounds interesting. I haven't had a need to seek out other species, but I've considered planting something for the future. I'll look into it!

[@dfcvda]

send one to UK please?

[@bradbrown2168]

Interesting head shape. Not traditional Irish. Is this early American or a personal choice. Nice vid!

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Hi Brad. I tend to let the wood determine the shape. I like to call them "semi-traditional." The Early American is the stain color. I typically use gunstock.

[@Zerpersande]

Rather than do that thing with the paper towel to catch stain why don’t you just turn the stick to a horizontal position in fact have a head slightly downhill?Stain doesn’t run uphill.

[@mannihh5274]

The knob really looks like a head, it even has a nose - what's missing are two eyes, just drill a couple of shallow holes and it would be perfect !

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Here's one I found with an interesting head. I rolled with it and made it a dragon. instagram.com/p/Cdvljm4LfVM/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[@mannihh5274]

@@fortorangewoodworking - wonderful piece of art, love it !

[@Matt-uj6jm]

That’s a walking staff not a shillelagh? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Hi MJW. This comes up a lot. The term "shillelagh" is not a precise definition. It's history has evolved over time and distance, with some general recurrences that provide a rough framework. Some argue that only a "cudgel" (short club) made of Irish blackthorn constitutes a true shillelagh. However, shepherds, farmers, and would-be soldiers often carried cane-length staffs made of any hard word for protection, fighting and, of course, walking. They were often filled with lead for weight, but not always. There are several theories on the origin of the word - one suggests it translates to "thong walking stick," another to "willow with a thong." A fighting system developed over time using both long and short length sticks. There's a ton of interesting history on the shillelagh, which is probably why they hold our fascination to this day. I encourage everyone to explore the history - and check out our Etsy shop - although they won't let me use the word "shillelagh" in advertisement, i sell them as walking sticks that pay homage to traditional Irish roots. Thanks for checking in - always appreciate the questions!

[@fortorangewoodworking]

New shillelagh video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5Crlqp-mNKensksi=hKMezRwMxGZJ6fXn

[@pauloakes5718]

It’s a cellular Butcher!

[@Zerpersande]

That looks like a Japanese hand saw. If so, it cuts on the draw stroke.

[@jackroberts8698]

YNWA

[@fortorangewoodworking]

@@jackroberts8698 Walk on! 🚶‍♂️ 🚶‍♂️ 🚶‍♂️

[@phillight2008]

Very nice job. I cringed a little watching you try to use a handsaw and rasp on the end furthest away from the vice. Hope you learned that lesson. Support/clamp your work VERY close to where you're working/cutting as possible. I mean REALLY close. The vibration caused by unsupported work causes chattering of the tools which makes your work much harder than it needs to be.

[@mr.zardoz3344]

Due to King Louis the XIV and his lust for Blackthorn, he sparked the well known Shillelagh War of 1659-1661 between England and Ireland. The english used only blackthorn for their jousting lances, while the Irish coveted blackthorn for shillelaghs. Thousands upon thousands were maimed and killed by shillelagh wounds and lance piercings on both sides. A truce was declared when King Louis's grandson was slaughtered on the battlefield, shillelaghed to death. To this very day, the Shillelagh War is an improper subject to discuss in any tavern and the origin of the phrase, "Shillelaghs be a cracking".

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Wow! That's very interesting. Thanks for that - I'm going to look into it more!

[@mr.zardoz3344]

Only 10% of that is actually legitimate information. I just love the word shillelagh! But, in my fictitious story telling i learned about the longest ruling monarch in europes history, a little about shillelaghs and alot on how to make one properly thanks to your channel and video. Cheers!

[@fortorangewoodworking]

HA!

[@libertyforever836]

Pignut hickory is better. Higher Janka hardness and higher modulus rupture.

[@fortorangewoodworking]

If I could get my hands on some of it, I'd make a stick out of that, too!

[@libertyforever836]

It's in every woods in the United States.@@fortorangewoodworking

[@win1885]

It's too long. Tom Ireland

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Which, Tom? The video or the stick lol?

[@win1885]

The Stick @@fortorangewoodworking

[@patdaddymusic]

Good job! I thought it kinda looks like a Vicar or Priest!😂

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Yeah, I can see that. Every stick kind of shapes itself as we go.

[@johnadams8701]

According to Wikipedia, Blackthorn or Sloe does grown in New England and the US Pacific Northwest. I don't know but it might be worth checking. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_spinosa

[@fortorangewoodworking]

Thanks for the info, John. I'll have to take a look into how long it takes to mature. I've got some land a few more years in me to watch it grow!