: 2x4s are not a reliable source of paddle making wood. They are cut
: from small diameter trees, prone to knots and deformities and
: are notorious for twisting and bending out of shape later. When
: people talk about using 2x4s for anything other than house
: construction, it always reminds me of a high school friend who
: built an end table from 2x4s.

: It warped so badly only two legs ever touched the floor.

: You can find clear more stable wood for paddles and strips in
: spruce 2x10s and 12s. These are cut from larger diameter trees,
: are more stable, with long clear sections possible, and are
: usually stored in dry locations in the lumber yard, because they
: are more expensive than 2x4s.

: Having said that, and having used this wood source, northern white
: spruce 2x (here in the northeast US) are much heavier than
: cedar.

: I glue up my paddles with epoxy and use lower cost 1x western red
: cedar stock along with hardwood pin stripes. This allows me to
: ensure I use only sound wood and the contrasting wood stripes
: make it easier shape the paddle because they act as guides for
: paddle width and straightness.

: I don't joint glue edges, they get used right off the saw.

: Just make certain the annual rings in the wood of the paddle shaft
: are perpendicular to the blade faces for
: stiffness.

: Rob

2x4's indeed don't make for a perfect paddle, but they work fine for those temporary ones when you're trying to refine the shape you're after.

Bill H.