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Re: Paddle: Paddle building
By:Scott Ferguson
Date: 2/25/2002, 12:51 pm
In Response To: Paddle: Paddle building (Scott)

I've tried your #2 method on a couple paddles and have been successful.
Glue rather large blocks (4-pieces of 3/4"x1-1/2"x20" long) onto each side
of the 1-1/2" rough shaft and mark out (trace)the cross-section onto the side
of the blocks. After the glue dried I measured on the top of these blocks from
the end of each blade 2" or 3" increments and cut with a circular saw
perpendicular to the block at specific "stations" on both ends of the paddle,
then adjusted the blade on the saw to cut several more rips through the next
section, almost touching the side cross-section line. After cutting all of the
concave (inside) section, flip the paddle over and do the same on the back
side. This actually goes very quickly. Next I carefully chiselled out the bulk
of the wood, just down to the saw marks. Cut out the blade shape. Sanded with a
belt sander until smooth. Finished with fiberglass, epoxy, varnish...

Does this make any sense at all? It's easier to do than it is to explain.

Even though this method seems to me to be a bit Neanderthal, I think it works
and it's fairly quick.

Scott Ferguson

: I'm making good progress on my Guillemot and I would like to build a paddle
: to go with it. I plan on using the instructions in Nick's book, but there
: is one step that I need help with. The plans say to laminate the pieces of
: wood for the blade together and use a bandsaw to cut the blades making the
: spoon shape, but I don't have a bandsaw. I'm considering four
: alternatives: 1. Cut the spoon shape of the blade on each of the pieces
: individually with a jigsaw or a tablesaw and then bond them together;
: 2. Glue together pieces which are thicker, but fairly close to the thickness
: of the blade and then shape the concave side with a spokeshave and plane
: the other side;
: 3. Cut the pieces to their final thickness, glue them together, and then bend
: them into shape on a form and apply a layer of cloth to each side to hold
: the shape;
: 4. Make a Greenland paddle.
: Would any of choices 1, 2, or 3 work? Other suggestions are welcome. Thanks
: to Nick and everyone else who have provided answers to my previous
: questions. I'll post a photo of the boat when its done.
: Regards, Scott

Messages In This Thread

Paddle: Paddle building
Scott -- 2/24/2002, 12:56 am
Re: Paddle: Paddle building *Pic*
Chip Sandresky -- 2/25/2002, 12:52 pm
Re: Paddle: Paddle building
Scott Ferguson -- 2/25/2002, 12:51 pm
Re: Paddle: Paddle building
Shawn Baker -- 2/25/2002, 10:45 am
Re: Paddle: Paddle building
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- 2/24/2002, 2:12 pm
Greenland is my vote! *NM*
Kurt Hoffman -- 2/24/2002, 1:37 pm
Re: Paddle: Paddle building
leo s -- 2/24/2002, 12:00 pm