: Good morning everyone, I hope all is well.

: I just finished the aluiet paddle I taked about the other day, it
: came out pretty good its much bigger and heavier than My GPs . I
: built this for big river and fast cruising. the paddle is 3
: layer laminate consisting of a ripped cedar 2x 4 with a very
: dark poplar 1 x 2 in the middle.

: the blades look pretty darn close But one blade (the thinner
: looking one) is a bit heavier. My balance point is 2" from
: center of loom.

: should I correct the Imbalance or not worth it?

: if yes

: 1) take more material off heavier blade (funny the heavier blade
: measures as the slightly smaller one ) blades will look slightly
: different after the correction Im sure

: 2) add wt to the lighter side ??

: FINISH

: I sanded down to 220 grit , all was nice and smooth I finished with
: Watco natural oil (5 coats) the grain came up a bit, though not
: much . should I re sand or just throw on a few more coats of oil
: and use it?

: many thanks

: "John"

After you finish sanding the paddle with the 220, take it for a paddle or run it under the shower for a bit. The grain will raise and after it dries you sand it again. It's just oil; I would sand it down again and re-oil it.
I saw something on youtube and I'm not sure if it's true but supposedly if you finish sanding with 320 or whatever they use for plumbing it will stengthen the paddle. Don't remember the theory (something about closing up the spores?) entirely but it seemed to make sense.