Been busy and lazy the past while, so I didn't around to doing a whole lot. I had some free time yesterday afternoon, so thought I'd get started on one of the greenland paddles. 7 hours later I realized I was still in the garage, and almost had one paddle down! Before heading to St. Phillips for practice I managed to finish off the last bit of planing, and a quick sanding. I followed the directions on the internet for the most part, and advice from other paddlers. I was a little surpised by the total weight of the paddle (44oz) knowing their being made at low 30's, even some high 20's.
Once on the water I found out why the extra weight. Most of the paddles being made by others thin the blades more then the interenet directions provide. So I'm hoping to shave a couple more 0zs off. Which should also, according to Sean, give a better cut into the water. All in all, i really liked the feel of the paddle, and I see myself using a greenland paddle alot from here on end. I havent noticed any reduction (or incress) in speed, and it actually made my high brace much more effective. Have to see now how it holds up on a real paddle.
On to the pics.
Once on the water I found out why the extra weight. Most of the paddles being made by others thin the blades more then the interenet directions provide. So I'm hoping to shave a couple more 0zs off. Which should also, according to Sean, give a better cut into the water. All in all, i really liked the feel of the paddle, and I see myself using a greenland paddle alot from here on end. I havent noticed any reduction (or incress) in speed, and it actually made my high brace much more effective. Have to see now how it holds up on a real paddle.
On to the pics.
Above- a small knott that appeared after some planing on the blade tip. So I trimmed the blad lenghts back a little to cut it out.
Bellow - the start of my wood shaving pile. Its about twice the size now. Thought it was be interesting to see how much was cut of the paddle when finished.
Bellow - the start of my wood shaving pile. Its about twice the size now. Thought it was be interesting to see how much was cut of the paddle when finished.
Above - the first shaping of the blades
Bellow - After trimming the edges on the bansaw
Bellow - After trimming the edges on the bansaw
Above - The finished paddle. well.... I thought almost finished.
Bellow - Close up
Bellow - Close up
So next is to plane a little more off the blades, give it a sanding, wet it down, sand again then oil er up!
I'll be honest and say, I really enjoy the experience of making this paddle. I wouldnt want to be at it every day, but when you have the time, it can very relaixing. lol, thus the 7 hour time warp forgetting the bbq I was ment to be doing. Its not hard to figure out why most people end up making alot of these. I just hope I enjoy making the boat as much. Tash might not, if I keep going MIA for days on end! But hey, I can think of much worse things to be wasting my time at!
Cheers!
I'll be honest and say, I really enjoy the experience of making this paddle. I wouldnt want to be at it every day, but when you have the time, it can very relaixing. lol, thus the 7 hour time warp forgetting the bbq I was ment to be doing. Its not hard to figure out why most people end up making alot of these. I just hope I enjoy making the boat as much. Tash might not, if I keep going MIA for days on end! But hey, I can think of much worse things to be wasting my time at!
Cheers!