 If a shaft or handle is to be used, it must also be prepared in some way.Wood is frequently used (in the USA, commonly Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) due to its soft structure that eases chipping away at the end of the shaft to which the tool is to be affixed.A good piece of wood has a diameter large enough to provide adequate strength yet small enough to hold comfortably for long periods of time.