: Digital scale - tops on my list of purchases. Hopefully next week. With that,
: I should soon be able to predict a finished paddle weight based on
: dimensions and materials.

Let me suggest a digital postal scale by Royal. They maike severla models. This link is to a retailer who is selling their EX-3 model. This one measures the weight of materials up to 3 pounds (48 ounces) which should cover your paddles, in increments of 0.1 ounce (one tenth of an ounce).

take a look at this URL.

http://www.angelfire.com/wa/mikesplaza/plazaphoto.html

I have an earlier model with similar specs which I bought at Sam's Club (a Wal-Mart offspring) about three years ago for under $20, and I like it a lot. I see that this one is being sold for just under $30. with shipping included. A little shopping may save you a bit more. Check at a local staionery store.

Besides weighing your paddles you can weigh your epoxy components when you mix it. These scales feature automatic tare adjustment, so you can use different size and weight mixing or measuring cups for the resin and the hardener, and you'll still get the correct amount of material regardless of differences in the weight of the different cups. The automatic tare adjustment also lets you put paper towels or squares of newspaper on the top of the scale to protect it from drips.

The battery in mine is not replaceable, but battery life is supposed to be 10 years. Maybe the newer models let you eventually change batteries.

There are also models that can handle larger maximum weights.

A search at www.google.com for "Royal digital postal scale" will get you a lot of hits.

PGJ