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From: Chuck Holst <CHUCK_at_multitech.com>
subject: [Paddlewise] FW: finishing a greenland p
Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999 15:18:23 -0600
>>
andHi everyone,
Just finished building another greenland paddle after breaking my last   one
after about 3 hours of use.  I fiberglassed the other one and figured   since it
didnt seem to help at all with strength why bother?  The wood is Teak (a   very
lucky driftwood find) and I was thinking linseed oil might be the way to   go to
give it a nice finish.  Anyone got any suggestions?  I'd kind of like to   keep
that natural look.
appreciate your time,
Robin Lovelock
>>

I have made Greenland paddles from both Ponderosa pine and western
red cedar. Before the final sanding, I always soak the paddle to raise   the
grain, then I sand it one last time, apply two to three coats of tung   oil,
and finish by rubbing it with 0000 grade steel wool. This produces a
paddle with a very smooth finish, and I have never had a subsequent
problem with raised grain. I have tried epoxy resin, but it is more of a
hassle than tung oil, doesn't protect the paddle appreciably better, and
feels like plastic. Also, I have never broken a Greenland paddle, though   I
have worn mine down a bit by resanding about once a year.

I have also paddled with unfinished Greenland paddles, but I find them a
bit rough for extended paddling with bare hands.

Chuck Holst

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