I'm carving a mobility cane for a friend who has been dealing with various health issues and has recently started using one. He liked the idea of me woodcarving it, so I'm excited to make it not just decorative but also practical. What should I consider for the bottom of the cane to prevent scuffing floors or slipping? Additionally, how long should the grip be and what material would work best to ensure it feels comfortable, maybe something like rubber or felt? Any tips would be really helpful!
3 Answers
Make sure the grip is non-slippery and fits well in hand. For the cane's foot, I recommend using rubber tips, but there are also bronze spikes that you can cover with rubber, which are particularly useful if your friend will be using it on icy surfaces. The type that has a wider base helps the cane stand on its own too, which is a nice feature!
You can usually find rubber cane tips at a pharmacy that will fit snugly on the tip of your cane. If you’re going for something sturdy, I've crafted a few out of oak, aiming for a handle about 5.5” by 3.5” in size. You'd also want the stick to be roughly 1” square; I prefer using a draw knife and hand planer to get a good roundness on the stick. Measurements are key, and it sounds like you’re already on the right track!
Those dimensions are spot-on! Keep an eye on the grain too, it really adds character.
For a comfortable grip, you'll want the top to be bulbous or have a handle shape that fits nicely in the hand. It's crucial to get the height right too; when your friend stands with his arm at his side and bends it to a 90-degree angle, that’s the perfect height for the cane. A simple rubber tip on the bottom works great to prevent scuffing and slipping; trust me, I’ve got a walking stick with a metal tip and it's really noisy!
Thanks for the sizing tips! I'm stocked with a variety of woods; I'll get started on that! Plus, I always measure a bit longer for adjustments after carving.