: Not sure if the shop I use has clamps that can be worked that way,
: but I'll check. In the event I end up needing to go with epoxy,
: will the waterproof epoxies like Marine Loctite available at big
: box stores work? I don't have secondary uses for stuff like West
: Systems right now, so I'd just as soon not invest in that.

That should work fine. I would pre-coat the end grain on the paddle with epoxy to seal it. Otherwise, it will draw the glue from the joint, resulting in a weak bond. Allow the first coat to cure to the point that it's no longer tacky, then glue the tips on. A couple of alternatives to clamps are:

- Adhesive tape (masking tape, packing tape, strapping tape) - Since the paddle is still rough, you don't have to worry about tape damaging or contaminating the surface. You'll probably have to apply long strips, then wrap them to keep them in place
- Stand the paddle on end and allow its weight to act as a clamp. Do one tip at a time. A little tape to hold the tip in position would probably be a good idea.

If you're using epoxy or woodworker's glue, either of these should work fine. They won't provide sufficient clamping force for use with polyurethane glue.