FrenchieBoy
Well-Known Member
Up till recently I had been using a telescopic thumbstick topped with antler but the joints started slipping so it needed to be replaced. This thumbstick had been with me for many years and the antler came from one of the first deer I shot. I put the feelers out and "Tozzybum" very kindly sent me two seasoned Hazel Shanks - Iain your are a real gent, many, many thanks to you, I owe you one!
They arrived yesterday evening so today I set about making my new thumbstick - The first one I have meade using Hazel.
I already had the Antler with a steel 6mm shaft fitted into it (From the telescopic one) so I started by drilling the Hazel Shaft to take the steel pin. This was then fitted using 2 part 5 minute Araldite Epoxy. After it had time to set I fitted the bottom end cap. This was made with the Brass Cap from a used 12 bore cartridge with the plastic case removed - I think it was a mistake removing the plastic case - (You live and learn) It was a little slack so I whipped the end of the Hazel Shaft with some heavy duty Nylon Twine I had and then set it in 2 part Epoxy and made sure it was a good tight fit. Once again then put aside to harden.
I then thought that it would look good with a Whipped Paracord hand grip and wrist loop for comfort. I had some spare Green 4mm Paracord lying about so that got used. I started by making the Wrist Loop (With an ornate knot). I then started the whipping using a Spiral Grip Whipping Pattern and worked it down the shaft for about 7 inches.
The Whipping was then covered in a good layer of 50/50 Water and PVA Glue worked right into the whipping to waterproof it and make it easier to wipe clean. I then gave the shaft a good rub down with Linseed Oil and to finish the job off I gave the Antler a coating of True Oil to give it a bit of a shine.
The stick is now dry and ready to use so here's a few photos. I would welcome your thoughts or suggestions on how I could improve as Tozzybum was kind enough to send me 2 Shanks so I have ordered a piece of Red Deer Antler to use to make a second one as I really enjoyed making this one!
Edit; I should have added that the overall length is 52 inches!
They arrived yesterday evening so today I set about making my new thumbstick - The first one I have meade using Hazel.
I already had the Antler with a steel 6mm shaft fitted into it (From the telescopic one) so I started by drilling the Hazel Shaft to take the steel pin. This was then fitted using 2 part 5 minute Araldite Epoxy. After it had time to set I fitted the bottom end cap. This was made with the Brass Cap from a used 12 bore cartridge with the plastic case removed - I think it was a mistake removing the plastic case - (You live and learn) It was a little slack so I whipped the end of the Hazel Shaft with some heavy duty Nylon Twine I had and then set it in 2 part Epoxy and made sure it was a good tight fit. Once again then put aside to harden.
I then thought that it would look good with a Whipped Paracord hand grip and wrist loop for comfort. I had some spare Green 4mm Paracord lying about so that got used. I started by making the Wrist Loop (With an ornate knot). I then started the whipping using a Spiral Grip Whipping Pattern and worked it down the shaft for about 7 inches.
The Whipping was then covered in a good layer of 50/50 Water and PVA Glue worked right into the whipping to waterproof it and make it easier to wipe clean. I then gave the shaft a good rub down with Linseed Oil and to finish the job off I gave the Antler a coating of True Oil to give it a bit of a shine.
The stick is now dry and ready to use so here's a few photos. I would welcome your thoughts or suggestions on how I could improve as Tozzybum was kind enough to send me 2 Shanks so I have ordered a piece of Red Deer Antler to use to make a second one as I really enjoyed making this one!
Edit; I should have added that the overall length is 52 inches!
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