Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Do It Yourself Gear :: Western Red Cedar- Paddles
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wingnut |
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THEGrandRapids |
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THEGrandRapids |
chessie: "I have a slab of Cherry from a tree I had to take down - and want to make a paddle from it. I know it'll be a bit on the heavy side -- in any event: any tips for carving such? Thanks! (also in GR area, btw)" Practice on a 2 x 8 piece of cedar (can get real nice ones from a menards- sometimes Home Depot). Maybe they are 2x10 rough cut While I have only done laminated paddles, single tree paddles have been created since the dawn of time. Lots of youtube videos out there to watch. My biggest challenge was and still is, shaping for symmetry. I'll master that someday. I'd also make sure it's had more than adequate time to dry, otherwise the paddle may curl on you, and if it does, no big deal. Lots of patterns available online. Finally my biggest advice, Use the darn thing! No matter what! (My long term goal is to create a new paddle every year, use it and abuse it, then hang on the wall with names of places its been). A paddle on the wall that never hit the water might as well be made into a candle holder. |
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muddyfeet |
This guy Has a pretty well documented build of a foam core kayak paddle. |
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muddyfeet |
wingnut: " Sounds like an interesting build. I for one would be riveted to a composite paddle building thread. Divinycell foam might be a lightweight substitute for some of the wood. Carbon and foam driving the price up is the downside. " A paddle wouldn’t take much of either material. I can’t help you in Michigan, but if you are near Minneapolis I can recommend Express Composites. They are mostly internet sales, but they will sell retail out of their shop. Ive found them to be very helpful and friendly, and for samples or small projects they sometimes have off-cuts of material they will deeply discount. |
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BobDobbs |
These places HATE it when you show up unannounced and expect them to babysit you while you cherry pick through their stock. Takes up too much of their time and leaves them with a worse looking stockpile to sell to contractors. I've done this for small projects and had pretty good luck. |
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Grandma L |
THEGrandRapids: "wingnut- you were right. I decided to just ask Sanborn and they said they just work extra hard to cut down boards so they have a variety of color, even though its all from western red cedar. Their paddles seem like a bargain now knowing how much effort goes into them. Hey THE Grand Rapids - where you located. There are a few of us up your way. I spend a good share of my time up there - east of Marcell. |
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THEGrandRapids |
Pokegama Lake! |
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THEGrandRapids |
After looking at Sanborn paddles, specifically the Nessmuk paddle, how do they get three different distinct colors to their cedar? No way could they stain the strips prior, during or after and have it look that nice. I think Bending Branches had a "roasted" paddle at one point. I've roasted maple rolling pins for the kitchen, but didn't have that great of results. I also can't fit a paddle into my oven. Anyone have any idea? I have reached out to them directly about how they get a bent shaft paddle with their laminate layers stacked- and they emailed me back with detail, but feel another email would be bad taste to ask. |
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chessie |
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wingnut |
I think My BB Espresso is made with black willow if your looking for the darker brown shade. If you don't mind, post some pics of your paddle making progress. It would be interesting to see how it's done. |
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THEGrandRapids |
I'll try to post some picures on my next one. I tend to forget to take progress pictures. My next goal is to make a sub 16 oz paddle with basically a wood skeleton and carbon fiber/ fiberglass reinforcement where it's needed. I'll try to document that build and post here. Not sure if it will work or not- but I guess that is the point. I have a lot of wall space to hang one use paddles. |
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chessie |
I made one from basswood years ago - and yes, I DO use it!!! |
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wingnut |
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