Paddle making part#3 Finishing

[@teejay3510]

I just finished my first two paddles. As they say, many ways to skin a cat. I did one similar to your way (epoxy painted on the outside of the wood tip) but wasn't really happy with it. More robust than just spar varnish, but is there a better way? The second paddle I made some cuts while the wood was still square and flat (before cutting out the paddle shape or doing any thinning) with my table saw to make a "form" of sorts for the epoxy to fill. Inside this form I put a piece of fiberglass trimmed to fit, taped up the sides of the cuts, then filled it with deep pour epoxy (longest time for set and also very thin and runny, to let bubbles escape). I then cut out the shape of my paddle and then thinned it down to where the epoxy was. I am much happier with this way. You did well - that is a nice paddle.

[@Norwegianwoodpaddles]

oh yes, fiberglass is very tough ideed. a lot of extra work, though :) Happy paddling

[@jonathanappleyard1471]

Thank you. Great video My 25 year old paddle had been touched up many times, but this fall I took the plunge and took the finish off down to the wood. I am going to use boiled linseed oil instead of spar varnish (its original finish). After the two or three coats (drying, lightly sanding, re-applying as you suggest), what do I need to do to maintain the paddle? Is the oiling enough to protect the wood for a summer of paddling fun. And you are right, it's all about getting out onto the water and looking around at this amazing miracle of life.

[@Norwegianwoodpaddles]

Thanks. It will remain protected for years that way. Just touch up the worn spots now and then. Actually once you have applied some good coats of oil, maintenance is not a big deal for years to come.

[@Markku963]

So meny good tips for me, thaks 😊

[@Norwegianwoodpaddles]

I guess you know all this already, Markku :)

[@Markku963]

@@Norwegianwoodpaddles I got some good tips 👍

[@uwewessels3306]

Very nice - Can you give me some more specific info about the white tips ? - The white epoxy , you use there - is it very thin epoxy with whit colou mixed in ? - And then just dip in the tip ?

[@Norwegianwoodpaddles]

many epoxies have color pigment you can add. I use a brush to apply. that means I can mix only 4 g. of epoxy, and it's enough for the paddle. dipping would mean a huge batch and lots of waste. you can also coat with clear epoxy and then paint it white. Floor paint or boat paint for instance.

[@ДмитрийГлущенко-к5ц]

Дуже гарна робота! У Вас можливо замовити і відправити в Україну?

[@Norwegianwoodpaddles]

adsolutely, just drop me an e-mail. www.kajakkspesialisten.no holds my contact info. cheers!