> Like Brian, I too have switched over to using Titebond waterproof glue. I
> have made about 25 Greenland paddles. I coat them with epoxy. There's a
> few that are over three years old and have held up fine.

> I met a guy who made them with Titebond waterproof and only coated them
> with varnish and they hold up fine. It's also such a convenience using
> water based glue right out of the bottle.

Let me clarify. I used the epoxy for a glue and coated the paddle with a 1-1-1 mixture of linseed oil, turpentine, and kerosene. I did this to have more of a wood feel in my hands. I am less prone to blistering with this than with an epoxy or varnish cated shaft. Without a varnish or epoxy coating, the paddle is much less likely to slip in my hands. I like the feel of this paddle in my hands and it is closer to the authentic greenland paddles. The paddle does not absorb much water. The old style of oars in rowboats never had varnish on the hand grips, just oiled wood.

Mike