Hardwood slapstick

[mtompson]

I want to make my slapsticks with hardwood so they last forever! Can anyone who has made them with hardwood advise on a good thickness of wood. I want to make a few sticks about 14"(ish) in length.

( I thought 5 or 6mm? )

Also if anyone has a preferred hardwood, maybe better sound or springiness!

many thanks

[Chris]

Surely you don't need to make a few slapsticks if they are to last for ever?
I made two sticks around fifty years ago. They are still in constant use. I doubt if they will last for ever, but then neither will I.
The width of the slats are 3/16ths of an inch, the length of the slapstick 13 inches.

[mtompson]

Thanks Chris, I want a few for when I inevitably drop one during a show! ( even though I think you where jesting )

I like the design. So thats about 9.5mm in new money, thats thicker than I thought. What wood did you use? many thanks.

[Chris]

Oops! My mistake, did I say 3/8ths - I meant 3/16ths. Probably planed 1/4inch stripwood.

No, I wasn't jesting. Just how many do you intend to drop? It is quite important to be well enough rehearsed that you don't drop them. Of course everyone has the occasional accident for which purpose it is as well to have a spare. One might be thought sufficient.

Sorry, I don't know what wood I used - just whatever came to hand I imagine.

[mtompson]

Great, thanks Chris, so 4.8mm I'll get some 5mm hardwood and get to work.