: I think you are right and will likely use some variation of the epoxy tip for
: next time. The theory with the piece inserted in the slot is to tie the
: laminations together across the grain. The method (& rationale, I
: expect) is described in Warren & Gidmark's paddle building book.

I think the reason for the slot primarily was what you've said and to compensate for not having a good gap filling flexible adhesive, which in epoxy we now have.

Bill H.