: 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

Andreas,

I asked George Roberts pretty much the same question sometime in late December, if I remember...

I do not remember the details of his answer, so you may want to ask or search the archives. I THINK he said he used 1/8 " strips to form a curved blade, which he glassed with a rather light cloth (2/3 ounce).

Hope this at least points you in the direction you were looking...

Kelly