I want to get started on making a couple of paddles. I don't need a bent shaft and I don't need to bend any wood to make curved designs for my first ones. I just want to build a sturdy, as light as possible paddle. I would however like some color variation (stripes).

What is a good combination of wood for lightweight but also strength? I'd like some nice contrasting colors. Does anyone have a list? What do you use to laminate the strips? I've got some system III lying around. Is that the best bonding agent?

Do you glass layup the whole blade or just the tip?

Post your hints and suggestions please! :) Thank you in advance.

For light and strong, with stripes etc., use spruce for the shaft and cedar for the blade and grip. You can get many various shades of cedar. you can also create a laminated shaft with cedar on inside and spruce or a hardwood on outside. Check the wieght of many boards, as weight can vary quite a bit among boards of the same species. You definitely have to ensure you create a spine of spruce about a third of the way down into the blade for strength. Also moves through the water better. You can use epoxy, titebond 3 or gorilla glue. I have used all three and now prefer titebond three. I glass the entire blade, up an inch or so up the shaft. Pay attention to grain direction. Be aware of the limitations of the woods you use....you can make a very light, strong paddle, but it will not be as strong as an ash or maple paddle.....

If you dont have it, the Graham Warren/David Gidmark Canoe Paddles book is an awesome resource. Dont worry about mistakes, thats how you learn!

Good luck,

Moonman.

quote Moonman: "For light and strong, with stripes etc., use spruce for the shaft and cedar for the blade and grip. You can get many various shades of cedar. you can also create a laminated shaft with cedar on inside and spruce or a hardwood on outside. Check the wieght of many boards, as weight can vary quite a bit among boards of the same species. You definitely have to ensure you create a spine of spruce about a third of the way down into the blade for strength. Also moves through the water better. You can use epoxy, titebond 3 or gorilla glue. I have used all three and now prefer titebond three. I glass the entire blade, up an inch or so up the shaft. Pay attention to grain direction. Be aware of the limitations of the woods you use....you can make a very light, strong paddle, but it will not be as strong as an ash or maple paddle.....


If you dont have it, the Graham Warren/David Gidmark Canoe Paddles book is an awesome resource. Dont worry about mistakes, thats how you learn!


Good luck,


Moonman."

Thats one solid response and exactly what I was looking for. Thank you very much!