Greg,

My problem is finding clear verical grain red cedar 2x4's. The laminations in the blank that I build, appear to help make the whole stronger, by not having a weakness in one piece that goes all the way through. I've been building them with the clear vertical grained small stock that I have just laying around.

The blade that I built served me quite well. It was longer than standard, because i paddle a 23" beam high volume kayak. The paddle was about 93" long and 3-5/8" max width, weighing around 26 ounces. This was the paddle that I was using to learn to roll. I did abuse it.

I have also built a few aluet blades. One is very close to the right size for me and my new 17'8" x 20-1/2" Greenland shaped skin kayak (Skene/Putz construction). But I think I want a Greenland style to use with this new kayak, plus another to go with my big Arctic Tern.

Mike

: Mike,

: If you really want light weight, why don't you make the paddle out a single
: piece of clear vertical-grain cedar? Laminations and fancy finishes add
: weight. I have been well served by my one-piece cedar blades.

: Greg Stamer
: http://www.magicnet.net/~gstamer/QK.html