Post #1726286

2026-04-26 23:43 UTC

In 2020 I started having mild stability problems. If I&#39;d had a cane the first time I fell down I would have been *much* better off. I tried some commercial ones but they turned out to be expensive, not durable, and very boring looking. So I figured out how to make my own from half inch copper pipe and porcelain. The picture shows what they look like, and this thread explains how to make them. Materials: * Type L half inch copper pipe -- this is the thick kind. * Clay to make a top and a kiln to fire it in -- Probably other things will work for a top but this is what I use. * Epoxy -- I&#39;ve used both liquid and paste. They both work and each has its good and bad points. * Masking tape. * Half inch rubber cane tips. Tools: * Tube cutter -- it&#39;s really hard to cut copper pipe with a hacksaw! * Tape measure * Hacksaw -- Even if you have a tube cutter a hacksaw is still needed. * Pliers #DIY #Ceramics #Canes #Pottery #WalkingSticks #Mobility

Replies (2)

@AdrianRiskin@kolektiva.social 2026-04-26 23:48

The first step is to make the top. I use porcelain and various oxides and stains mixed right into the clay body but any kind of decoration should work. I use porcelain because I love it and also because it has 0% porosity when fired to cone 10. This is important because more porous clays collect dirt from your hands and it's impossible to wash off. When the porcelain gets grubby you can clean it. I'm not showing the process of making a top because you can do it any way you want to. The only requirement is that you have to scoop out a hole for the pipe to go into later. I make it about an inch across because I'm too lazy to think about shrinkage. This way I know the pipe will fit. Make it a comfortable size and shape for your hand. The pictures show a top I made recently along with the hole.

Open ##1981439
@PhoenixSerenity@beige.party 2026-04-27 00:23

@AdrianRiskin Thanks for sharing this. It may be quite useful for others. I personally prefer hardwood classic curved handle canes. I don't like the feel of ball top grip canes. I've had my yew wood cane for 20 years now. Still solid 😃

Open ##1981449