Thanks Paul.

I like the simplicity of the cork idea, but I am worried that it won't be very strong. The hole is about 6" on the blade side of where the blade meets the shaft. This seems like a likely spot for a break (at the worst possible time of course). Am I paranoid, or do paddles actually break there?

JJ

: You shouldn't need to do any extra planing just to open up this hole. Just do
: whatever planing you really need need to do to make the paddle. Then, get
: a cork, coat it with a bit of waterproof glue or epoxy resin, and tap it
: into the hole. After the glue or resin harden you can smooth down the cork
: with sandpaper or a rasp. If you like to see woodgrain, then glue over a
: thin shaving from your planing, and sand lightly to remove any rough
: edges. (Think of this as a simple veneer patch) Then coat the area with
: another coat of resin. If you want to throw a small patch of glass over
: it, then fine, go ahead.

: Of course you can whittle a wood plug from some light, soft wood like cedar,
: balsa, or even pine, and install that the same as a cork.

: Keep going on the paddle and don't look back. Oh, and don't try to hit any
: major league pitches with this

: Hope this helps

: PGJ