Help adding stone to walking stick

[Former_Member]

I make walking sticks and recently came into several raw gemstones. I would like to place these chunks of sapphire, citrine, and quartz into the walking stick to create something akin to a mystical wizarding staff. Any recommendations on how to try?

[Former_Member]

Get you a small dremel grinder tool and bit to cut a small hole in the wood, sold at Home D. A good bit is a small rounded ball bit. They are easy to control the size hole you need. Suggest laying stone on wood and tracing outline so you dont cut it too wide. You can always enlarge hole. Stone can be mounted with 2part epoxy, the 5 minute kind. If you only put a little, the epoxy wont show. You may want to add a colored glitter in the epoxy for effects and see more of the epoxy. You could grind a design coming out from the stone. Click on the bull.

[Former_Member]

Thanks, I'll look into that.

[Former_Member]

http://www.etsy.com/listing/96387834/beagle-coat-rack-rustic-leash-holder?ref=col_view

[Heartistics]

If the stone is not porous I would roughen it up/grind recesses for a better bond. Other than that I’d follow Randy’s instructions; especially scribing the wood to the stone.

A little Epoxy/Resin TIP:
Wipe the areas around the surfaces to be glued with paint thinner. Set some thinner aside for soaking a small rag and/or small fine brush. As the epoxy begins to flash start clearing any excess resin that flows onto the finished/exposed surfaces. The initial coat of thinner will help prevent the epoxy from bonding; won’t hurt the finish; and will cause the excess to ball-up and wipe or brush away. Since the paint thinner is oily it does not thin or dissolve the epoxy; there is not an issue with being absorbed by or coating any areas surrounding the bonded area.

On a side note I prefer not to use the 5 minute epoxy; it flashes faster than I am done fussing with fitment. On the other hand it does solve what could be a difficult clamping situation.

Tim

[Bardistry]

These are all good bits of advice. I often just use a drill, but a dremel is good, because of the variety of attachments available.

Epoxy is the way I go as well, and I am typically just careful not to use too much, rather than using paint thinner. I make wands, and I use stones fairly regularly, in the way you describe.

[Heartistics]

Aaron Fagan from Bardistry says,
"...and I am typically just careful not to use too much...."

================================================

I have goals.

:-)

[Former_Member]

Tim,
Good idea paint thinner. I wondered what would help but just cleaned my drips at the right time before hardening by pick.