: Hi everyone,

: I am debating which is the best way to build a wooden paddle, especially the
: blade. It seems common to carve/sand/saw the spoon shape of the blade. The
: disadvantage is that you cut through the fibers. The strength of the blade
: should be higher, if you steam bend a flat blade and then clamp it to the
: proper shape. Has anyone tried this?

: Does anyone has suggestions on what the best blade curvatures are? I am
: thinking of only a curved blade along its length but keep it flat
: perpendiculat to it. Any articles or comments are highly appreciated.

: Andreas

Hi Andreas

I think You are right on about the strength of the blades when you cut them out as apposed to bending them. Cutting the grain will clearly lessen the strength of the blade. Take a look at Ross' web-site where he built his car-topper racks. I think this is the way that the spoon blades should be done, via laminations or steam bending. I don't know that anyone has had sawn blades brake, but, this type of construction would certainly enhance the strength of the blade itself. This would also allow you to use less glass on the blade for additional strength. Food for thought.

Rehd