hi, ive just made my first few sticks and have turned out ok. i try to select naturally straight pieces or naturally y shaped pieces that can be used for thumbsticks. first thing i do is trim off any small twigs or little points then i straighten mine with heat using the kitchen hob,then its sanded, wiped clean with a cloth, and applied teak oil with a very fine wire wool, then again rub the excess off with a cloth, then another layer of teak oil.
teak oil is good to use as an alternative to varnish as varnish will chip and crack, which leads to water getting underneath it, this can cause the