Hi Mike,

I was always a Raka guy--my brother worked with the owner of Montana Boatbuilders back in the early 90's...I think I was the guy who introduced Raka to the KBBB in about 97. :) ...but it's more expensive now. It's also the only one I've ever used--but probably at least 10 gallons of the stuff.

I'm guessing your comment directed at USC is that it doesn't wet out the glass well? I'd like to hear your comments..I do plan to have some epoxy leftover after this project, and would love to know if it has less-desirable properties.

Plan for the oars is to pre-wet both sides of the joints with unthickened epoxy, then laminate with epoxy thickened with silica fume, and lightly clamped. I'll put glass on the tips, but could care less about the appearance. By the time you lay up a half-dozen layers, it's getting cloudy, and you get some trapped bubbles despite your best intentions.

I'll have to throw up a pic of my old oars.

I'm glad you've found the "Q-USA" mitts handy. I still use mine when I get into spring whitewater. I usually find that they're too hot, and occasionally rinse the inside with cold water. :D

Best regards,
Shawn

: I really didn't like USC compared to West- but I'm sure making an
: oar is a different beast than laying up glass. Anyway- on an
: unrelated topic from another board- I got those mitts made and I
: decided to go with the non-precurved, and they are great. I wore
: them on a ww paddle last weekend. I could squeeze the air out
: once I put them on and they vacuumed right down to my hands.
: They stayed nice and warm in some pretty chilly water. Nice.

: m