Re: [baidarka] I finally made a Greenland paddle!

Subject: Re: [baidarka] I finally made a Greenland paddle!
From: Brian Nystrom (brian.nystrom@att.net)
Date: Fri Oct 26 2001 - 06:42:05 EDT

Paul Raymond wrote:

> Using a rat tail file we filed the edge of the blade, making a slight
> depression (looking on edge it was concave in the center). Then using some
> coarse fiberglass mat about 10 inches square, pulled out 8 strands. Gave
> these a slight twist and taped to one side of the blade, then pulled tight
> around the hollowed out area and taped on the other side, then applied
> epoxy.

> After this was dry, remove tape as best we could, then filed off loose
> strands with a rasp. Then sand to shape, and remove all traces of epoxy from
> blade in order to apply boiled linseed oil.

This sounds similar to what I've been doing, except that I just build up a few
layers of 1/4" wide strips of 'glass matt or Dynel. I also epoxy coat the last
3" of the blade, where it takes the most abuse.

> > Can't believe it looks so good. Could have done better in the shoulder
> >area, but maybe next time!

That always seems to be the toughest area to shape and smooth.>

> >Well, now you can make all you want for 20 bucks each. ;-)
>
> Got that right. We rough shaped with a bandsaw, and I would never have
> imagined how much shaping can be done with just a block plane.

A trick I got from Gabriel Romeu is to use a jointer to taper the flats of the
blade. It saves a lot of time, but you still get to make plenty of shavings
while tapering the edges and shaping the loom.

If you plan to make a few more paddles, you may want to invest in a spokeshave.
I find it to be superior to a block plane for cutting the rolling bevels on the
blades. 

--
Regards

Brian

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