page_title: Winding stick
hierarchical_section_title: Winding stick
caption_attribution_description: English: Winding Sticks User Guidance, Care and Maintenance.
context_page_description: In woodworking and carpentry, a pair of winding sticks is a tool that aids in viewing twist or wind in pieces of lumber by amplifying the defect. Winding sticks can be as simple as any two straight sticks or they can be elegant, decorated, dimensionally stable wood like mahogany. A pair of framing squares may also be suitable. Traditionally they are 16 inches to 30 inches long, 1 ³⁄₄ inches tall and tapered in their height from ³⁄₈ inch to ¹⁄₈ inch. The longer the winding sticks, the more they will amplify the wind. It is common for a woodworker to make a matching pair for the purpose, and contrasting colors of woods improve the discernability of differences in height and level between the two sticks as they are compared.
  One winding stick is placed on one end of the piece and the second winding stick is placed on the other end, parallel to the first. The woodworker then stands back a short distance and sights across the top of the two sticks. If the surface on which the sticks are sitting is flat, the top edges of the two sticks line up perfectly with each other; otherwise, the discrepancy becomes apparent. Adjustments to the surface of the board are then made.
context_section_description: In woodworking and carpentry, a pair of winding sticks is a tool that aids in viewing twist or wind in pieces of lumber (timber) by amplifying the defect. Winding sticks can be as simple as any two straight sticks or they can be elegant, decorated, dimensionally stable wood like mahogany. A pair of framing squares may also be suitable. Traditionally they are 16 inches (41 cm) to 30 inches (76 cm) long, 1 ³⁄₄ inches (44 mm) tall and tapered in their height from ³⁄₈ inch (9.5 mm) to ¹⁄₈ inch (3.2 mm). The longer the winding sticks, the more they will amplify the wind. It is common for a woodworker to make a matching pair for the purpose, and contrasting colors of woods improve the discernability of differences in height and level between the two sticks as they are compared.
  One winding stick is placed on one end of the piece and the second winding stick is placed on the other end, parallel to the first. The woodworker then stands back a short distance and sights across the top of the two sticks. If the surface on which the sticks are sitting is flat (in the same plane), the top edges of the two sticks line up perfectly with each other; otherwise, the discrepancy becomes apparent. Adjustments to the surface of the board are then made (e.g., with a hand plane). This process is repeated all across the piece until the piece is satisfactorily true. Longitudinally the piece is checked with a straightedge.
  Winding sticks are generally planed parallel back to back to ensure they are true; this is why it is important to use the sticks with the inlay facing one another. Winding sticks are not dependent on being the same height along their length; the critical element is that they are parallel to each other and then used in that configuration.
  Every workshop has a different climate, and therefore it is advisable to check from time to time that your sticks are still true. If it is found that they require adjustment, it's a straightforward task to correct. Firstly ensure you check the soles are flat; a long shooting board is recommended for the job. Next align both sticks either back to back or face to face, whichever is easiest for you to secure, then take light passes over the tops with a hand plane until you get even shavings from both sticks. They are now parallel.
caption: Care and Maintenance
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