: I would really like to see continued updates on how the paddle works. I have
: been tempted to try using it for paddles. I can get 8/4 without a problem,
: but I do have to sort for good grain. With tung oil, does the grain raise
: at all when it gets wet? How is the grip compared to WRC or Spruce? Is it
: a bit rougher, enough to cause blisters?

: m

I should clarify a little bit - Since I only had 4/4 stock available I had to laminate the paddle. I used the sassafras for the center 1" of the paddle thickness and glued on some 3/8" spanish cedar on both sides to make up the paddle thickness.

This gave ma an opportunity to lighten the paddle, as I was able to cut out the center of the loom and make the shaft hollow. This paddle is 82" long and much lighter and stiffer than my 86" WRC GP.

The board that I used was cut flat grain, so the exposed part of the handle is vertical grain with the spanish cedar covering up the part of the sassafras that would normally be exposed flat grain. The paddle sanded out to be very smooth as compared to the WRC one. WRC tends to hollow out the softer parts when you hand sand - the sassafras has a more noticeable grain pattern, but it seems to be more uniform in terms of hardness.

The only issue that I have had with the finish is that I bungeed the thing to the roof of may car and drove for three days in rainy conditions before the tung oil was really ready to be wet. I have some black tracks from the bungees around the paddle shaft, so I'll need to sand and re-finish the paddle to get rid of that.

I'll try to post a pic tonight to show you what the final product looks like.