: Hi all. I've been lurking around here for a few weeks and have learned a lot.
: Thanks to everyone for this wonderful resource. I'm currently gathering
: the tools necessary to start building my first Greenland paddle (first
: paddle ever, actually), and I may have made a mistake in my wood purchase.
: I know now that the ideal grain pattern for paddle/boat building is one
: with tight grain parallel to the long sides of the board, and with
: vertical grain on the small faces. Unfortunately, the two by four I bought
: has not vertical grain, but diagonal grain on the small faces. Also, the
: board is Douglas Fir, but it's kiln dried, not seasoned. Should I purchase
: another piece and use this one for "tool familiarity practice?"
: Thanks!
If it's your first paddle you will probably make small mistakes and you may not like the dimensions and will want to change them on your second paddle.If it were me I would go ahead with the board you have.It will be good practise and it
will make a fine spare later.I'm currently working on my third,the first two worked fine but perfect either.
Have fun.
Bert