Hello folks,

I've set out to build myself a paddle using Warren & Gidmark's book, "Canoe Paddles - a complete guide to making your own". I'm building a 3 piece paddle shaft which I glued last night. The shaft is 3/4" x 5/4" maple sandwiched between two 1/4" x 5/4" strips of ash. Now that the glue is dry, there is a slight curve in the shaft. Can this be straightened? I currently have it clamped down on one end with weight hanging on the other to counteract the bend in the boards. Is this a good idea? Will it work? How long will it take? Would steam (from an iron on wet cloths perhaps?) help the process or cause troubles of its own?

Thanks in advance,
Bryan