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From: Mel Grindol <grindol_at_my-deja.com>
subject: [Paddlewise] Paddle surface coat
Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 07:54:03 -0700
I've decided to stay away from the Brit vs. American thread. To quote Heinlein, "I don't know the theories, I just push the buttons." _Have Spacesuit, Will Travel_, IIRC.  All I know is that I like the Romany enough to buy it.  I also like some American boats, and may buy some of them in the future. :)

On to my question.  While not technically sea kayaking I figure someone out there in PWland might know the answer.  My dad has recently gotten into canoeing (I'll get him into a sea kayak once the water temps go up).  And being a competent woodworker, he is intrigued by the wooden canoe paddles.  Putting one together doesn't look too complicated, his question comes at the end:

What is the finish they put on most wooden canoe paddles (Wenonah's or Bending Branches, for example)?  Is it a thin sheet of fiberglass/epoxy?  Is it just a real hard finish coat?  Any other info on making canoe paddles (like Chuck's "Making a West Greenland Paddle")?

BTW, we did all of the rough cut for my first greenland paddle, following Chuck's excellent directions Saturday.  I have completed the bevel cuts (I could have done that part better, but oh well).  I'm down to the planeing and sanding stage.  It's starting to look like a paddle.  :)

Mel
---
There are three types of people, those who can count and those who can't.


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Before you buy.
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From: Walt Chudleigh <wchudleigh_at_sisna.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle surface coat
Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 09:22:59 -0600
snip >What is the finish they put on most wooden canoe paddles (Wenonah's or
Bending Branches, for example)?  Is it a thin sheet of fiberglass/epoxy?  Is
it just a real hard finish coat?

I have a 20 year old Shaw&Tenney beavertail paddle which is still one of my
favorites.  It has a marine varnish except for the grip which I treat with
linseed oil.  I lightly sand and varnish the shaft and blade as needed.  The
oil treated grip is much better on the hands than varnish.
I've never tried making a paddle-  good luck.

Walt Chudleigh


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