Make a handsome wooden walking stick for almost nothing

Step 4 Straightening out the stick (shank)

I lay my shank out on the floor, there I could see where the main kinks were. The last thing you need is a shank that's slightly 'bowed', it will bend in use. Any shank that is gnarly or bent in more than one plane is ok to use but make sure the ends line up. This is how to correct a slightly bowed stick

pic 15 Check where the curve is, and heat the stick in that area with the heat gun. Not too close, not too hot, move the gun in the area rotating the shank as you do it. I suggest a minute will be plenty time. heating softens the fibres in the wood.

pic 16 Bend the stick against the curve over your knee. I suggest using a towel over your knee to avoid burning yourself. The stick needs to be held for about 20 seconds and will be considerably straighter. The stickman sells a wooden straightener for a few quid. I have one but find the knee method faster. If you need to bend more of the stick, let it cool down first. If you dont have a heatgun heat the stick over a pan of boiling water using the lid to concentrate the heat.

be careful whichever method you use it gets VERY hot

pic 17 almost straight stick, do more if you wish.