Lightweight Kayak Paddle from a Reclaimed Wooden Board

[@NickSchade]

That yosegi is a great touch. Thanks for the links to my paddle making stuff.

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you like it Nick and thanks for sharing all your knowledge - it really is appreciated! :)

[@LostWhits]

So much asymmetry in the blade design. But rotational symmetry over the whole paddle. Looks awesome.

[@st170ish]

Nah yeah best paddle I've ever seen bloke, nice work Pask.

[@christopherpleb8693]

It’s satisfying how many times I just heard pask talk about his shaft. “It’s more satisfying than power carving my shaft” - pask 2022

[@johnsonhunglo1993]

So Neil, it is 'Winter there'!!! It is Summer here in the States. Come next Spring, you will have to take us kayaking!!!!

[@c.a.g.1977]

Right, now let's see you make a kayak and paddle out of scrapwood camphor laurel bits! Not to make it too hard on you, but just to hear that awesome intro again! "It's scrap, it's cr@p, it's firewood, but some of the wood is gooooood!!!"

[@TheSMEAC]

One of the prettiest pieces you’ve made.

[@AndiNewtonian]

That is gorgeous! The veneer is just the right touch.

[@corinkayaker]

agreed!

[@williamlott7612]

Well done Pask, well done. Darlington, South Carolina USA

[@notsonominal]

.. i missed the kayak at the start the first time I watched this ... deck*ng hell man, that, is, insane!

[@tonysutton6559]

The sort of great paddle that a kayak like yours deserves. As a belt and braces man I would have been tempted to give the shaft a layer of fibreglass to reinforce the joint but you know what you're doing better than me.

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you like it Tony - I did think about it but apparently there's no need, Nick Schade says he's never had one break. :)

[@BruceAUlrich]

Love the veneer you added! Looks great

[@BernardSandler]

Just gorgeous!!!! You have a beautiful craft and a simply lovely paddle. May you find yourself bobbing on still waters soon.

[@gothamantiquities2595]

My man!!! You have been a joy to follow while recovery from surgery!!!

[@rickmoore]

that trick with the weights and the flexible ruler is absolutely brilliant !!!

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you liked it Rick - those lead weights are one the handiest things in the workshop. :)

[@olafb.4749]

Hallo. Deine Videos schau ich sehr gerne und deine arbeiten finde ich alle super. Perfekt 👍👍👍

[@jarodmorris611]

Enjoy winter. It's 100, feels like 106 here in Oklahoma. I don't even want to look at my shop.

[@JDKempton]

Watching you hand carve the blades was extremely satisfying 👍

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you enjoyed it - I definitely enjoyed carving them. :)

[@katsbreez]

Gorgeous. And the inlays make it look so elegant.

[@oneshotme]

Very nice Neil!! Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@arnoldhmingsanga7279]

Neil is a master of his craft. Neil is soooo talented, he can make anything he can even make children out of wood..😀😀

[@misterscottintheway]

Commenting to feed the algorithm. As usual a great video. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@chiparooo]

Beautiful job. Love the accents. Thanks for sharing!

[@lcmmassa8571]

Absolutely wonderful! CHEERS!!

[@unolinea]

You are great! There is always something new to learn from your videos! Keep up good work! Greetings from Serbia!

[@genghisbunny]

Beautiful result. So much nicer than a commercial paddle.

[@RobMods]

I was nervous about the glad wrap. I believe you are on to the answer though. FWIW, in guitar repair, for regluing fretboards to necks, we often use tightly wrapped surgical tubing. Thanks again, for the marvelous content mate.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Rob and thanks for the tip, I'll definitely remember that one. The glad wrap actually does a great job of pulling the joint together but it also sealed everything up. :)

[@DugMcClure]

Not disappointed again! What a work of art!

[@The_Modeling_Underdog]

At this point, I can almost picture Pask building his own vintage glider out of wood and fiberglass. Impressive craftmanship.

[@simeon7450]

Great video! And congrats on a million subscribers! I remember when this was a small channel. It is really your persistence in delivering quality content that got you here. well deserved.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Simeon! :)

[@StormTillman]

@@PaskMakes Hmmmm Jmjk M Jmjmjmjmjmj Mjmk Kk Kmjmj mmm mmm

[@ralphnorman4636]

Thought provoking and educational, 45/50 years ago I nailed a board to a stick and paddled a log across the lake. I was proud of my accomplishments but your project shows how much more could be done.

[@PaskMakes]

It got the job done though Ralph! :)

[@ralphnorman4636]

@@PaskMakes Fun also

[@notsonominal]

.. and here i thought Nick was a wizard with wood ..!

[@christopherbiomass7155]

I knew I'd like the video when I clicked on it. I just didn't know I'd like it this much! Well done. I want one now!

[@thomassiebenburgen6464]

super work! Greetings from Germany, Thomas

[@54mgtf22]

Hey Neil. Love your work 👍

[@OmnieStar]

TY for upload n_n happy to see the yosegi getting used again :D

[@xxPenjoxx]

Absolutely beautiful

[@wiggle_duck9063]

The accents work beautifully with the unusual angles, making the whole paddle rather elegant. Good work!

[@philkieran7521]

Awesome video Neil

[@Vickie-Bligh]

Woah. That was beautiful. A functional sculpture, Niel. The Yosegi was the perfect touch. Thanks for sharing.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Vickie - glad you liked it! It's been a while since I used any Yosegi and this seemed to be a perfect opportunity. :)

[@Vickie-Bligh]

@@PaskMakes And Neil, sorry for the misspelling of your name. I just saw it.🙄

[@sureshot311]

I never thought I would be amazed at a kayak paddle. You've proved me wrong. It's gorgeous and I love the details you put into it.

[@titosrevenger]

Kayak paddle. Canoe paddles look much different.

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you enjoyed it - it really was a fun project to make. :)

[@sureshot311]

@@titosrevenger fixed. You may stand down now.

[@matteoroncalli7907]

Great! Pask you are so perfect! I like your projects! Congratulations. Ciao from Italy 👍

[@alandrewgibson]

A beautiful thing FAB!

[@samburdge9948]

Love your work…….I got some ideas for you…….. could you do a series on proto industrial tools/machines……the first metal lathes…..the first engines……the first Benz motor vehicle……..et cetera……gods bless

[@nenaelliott8058]

Just amazing. You should have your own television show. This was awesome

[@loucinci3922]

Turned out real nice. Thanks for sharing

[@GeorgeCooper_LoneWolf]

As what you would call a weekend woodwork, myself it's a true pleasure watching a master at work. The Paddle looks so beautiful finished. 🚣‍♂️👍🚣‍♂️👍🚣‍♂️👍🚣‍♂️

[@tpledger100]

That paddle is a work of art. You are a fine craftsman! Happy Paddling!

[@ianvicedomini2648]

A super beautiful paddle there neil. Can't wait to see the finished kayak mate and see them on water doing their best. Great video Neil 👍🏻👍🏻

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Ian - hopefully I'll get the kayak finished soon! :)

[@peterzeller5736]

The way he talks so matter of factly of what he's doing I wonder if he even realizes how impressive what he does truly is. Incredible!

[@EngineerMikeF]

Outstanding idea with the shrink wrap as a clamp! Maybe strip off segments of the shrink plastic so it's in narrow stripes for better glue drying/cure?

[@PaskMakes]

It really does a great job of applying even pressure but as you say it needs re-thinking. :)

[@WSmogpule]

One of the most beautiful bits of woodwork I've ever seen!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much! :)

[@wolfman2878]

As always Neil, beautiful workmanship.

[@messmills1660]

Hey Pask, just want to say, you're probably one of the best woodworkers on youtube in terms of skills and you have a great sense of esthetics. I've always enjoyed your videos but man, you should wear a mask during your sanding sessions, those fine sanding dust will take a toll on your lung at some points.

[@titosrevenger]

He almost always wears a tight fitting mask in his videos. Not sure why he didn't in this video, but he's generally very good at wearing the appropriate PPE.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much! I usually wear a powered respirator and I really should've done here too. I think I thought it would be ok as I was only hand sanding. :)

[@lourias]

I agree that Pask is PRETTY AWESOME! The explanations he gives are typically enough to encourage the novice to use novice skills...

[@DickvanZanten]

@@PaskMakes especially that red cedar is harmfll stuff, it has some components that even make the mould puke.

[@JimG31547]

Great job and a great paddle for the kayak.

[@52memor]

FANTASTIC !!!!!!! Thanks Pask

[@StephenBoyd21]

I want to see some more of that Kayak, it looked amazing. Not that paddle looked half bad either :)

[@negotiableaffections]

Perfection*, as usual Neil. And the inlay looks superb too! (* for a given amount of perfection) lol

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Keith! :)

[@antonreyment8945]

That looks fantastic.

[@Zogg1281]

That paddle is gorgeous. Looking forward to the final reveal of the finished kayak 😊👍👍👍👍👍

[@groreistad5234]

Never thought I’d call a paddle beautiful, but I do now. It’s beautiful.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Gro - glad you like it! :)

[@corinkayaker]

That is the most amazing paddle! I look forward to seeing it propel your kayak!

[@PaskMakes]

Not sure about that but I'm definitely happy with it and I can't wait to put it to use! :)

[@tech99070]

Looks sweet and along with the hand made kayak such a head turner, you must be so proud to take it out! Hey just for clarity, stretch wrap is what you used, shrink wrap is the stuff you put on windows or boats where you heat gun to make it shrink.

[@fynbo1007]

Very beautiful paddle, love your creativity. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you and your family.

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you enjoyed it Carsten! :)

[@johnsrabe]

As always, thanks for showing your mistakes along with your successful work. My jaw dropped when you made that veneer.

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you enjoyed it Angelino - I really should make some more Yosegi blocks with different patterns. :)

[@thepleyadian6559]

Great, Great, Great Job!!! Your patience is infinite, like your talent. Congratulations Master!

[@dragade101]

Do wear a respirator rated for organics when you are making and working with most two part compounds. The SDS sheets for the particular product may highlight why you want to shield your lungs from the specific organic.

[@JesperMakes]

That's amazing Niel. Building boats and their appliances are some of the toughest stuff to build. Cheers from Denmark

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Jesper - I'm really enjoying these projects at the moment! :)

[@atchjs]

The paddle I made was the one with the blades that look like feathers. It ended up looking great but because I’m a total novice and didn’t have proper tools, it was very difficult to put together. And I’m glad to see your scarf joint looked exactly like mine as you glued it.

[@mikecolo2158]

When the kayak is finished, you will riding in, and paddling with, stunning works of art. Fantastic as always.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Mike - hopefully I'll be finished soon and I can go for that paddle. :)

[@f.s.863]

Your skills are impressive and even if you say "something is not perfect", it is far better than anyone else could possibly do it better.

[@tummy_fritters]

Something about this project really shows how a piece of wood can become anything. Lovely work.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Cody - I love using old boards and turning them into a finished product, it's pretty satisfying. :)

[@rondavis191]

ok, you just went up from tinkerer to , dare i say, master sawdust maker. very good job.

[@nobuckle40]

Looks great Niel. Looking forward to the finished kayak.

[@tophlaw4274]

Always amazing how you transform a piece of old unloved wood into a functional work of art!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks - it really is enjoyable making something decent from an old board. :)

[@tophlaw4274]

@@PaskMakes it was truely a beautiful piece. Although you mentioned you were going to be using your paddle for leisurely rides, I'm curious though why you didn't reinforce the joint with glass matting (to keep it from splitting apart)... in case the urge to go white water kayaking bites you. ;)

[@robgetzschman]

Thanks for showing the clamps failing on the glueup - it's nice to see an expert try a solution that fails every once in awhile, and to see how you pivoted back to the shrink wrap.

[@vksubra1953]

Absolutely fantastic. I do not know any one who takes so much effort to make things functional and beautiful. Keep them coming. 🇮🇳

[@petehafner1659]

That looks great! I'm hoping you don't need it for the flooding that's going on.

[@sustainable7865]

Love your work Pask. You seem to be the unique combination of a perfectionist with a set of matching skills AND a pragmatic/realistic way of approaching things. "How hard can it be?" "It's not perfect but it's finished, it works an it looks great". Keep up the good work!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much! :)

[@salvatorecaramico7104]

Thank you for showing the work being done by hand. Beautiful job! Loved the veneer application.

[@jamesa7506]

Looks GREAT sir. A fine addition to the already gorgeous kayak.

[@marcusretaken72]

Wow... Love this!

[@SiTengoTiempo]

Great work.

[@terristroh3965]

That’s a beautiful paddle!

[@onlineda1]

Beautiful work Neil. Mastery woodworking and finishing. I have to settle with my fibreglass paddle.

[@joshuahasson9687]

Looks fantastic. I’m surprised you didn’t fiberglass the scarf joint but you’re far more knowledgeable than me on this topic. I would be paranoid after it failed & at least added some dowels across that joint. Looking forward to seeing it in action!

[@DanKoning777]

That same thought crossed my mind even before it separated; and possibly using 2 different, yet specific colors of wood for dowels. That would provide highlights to accent that area while giving added strength at the same time; especially if they were set in at an angle.

[@joshuahasson9687]

@@DanKoning777 couldn’t agree more!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Joshua! I definitely thought about it but Nick Schade says he's never had one break and he knows far more than me. It's not that the scarf joint is weak, it's just that my first attempt hadn't set properly. :)

[@ChadHadsell]

Acoustic guitar heads are usually attached to the neck with a scarf joint similar to that, with no reinforcement at all. The strings put around 200lbs (90kg) of constant force on that joint. It's surprisingly strong.

[@DanKoning777]

@@ChadHadsell // The fact is, most guitars including acoustic guitars will have a metal rod running down the center of the neck; a "truss rod." Typically the only ones w/o that needed support are the classical acoustics b/c they use nylon strings vs metal, so as a rule all guitars with metal strings will have a truss rod. If not you'd have a lot of "broken necks" out there. :)

[@pumbaplaysdrums]

A very ambitious build. Very cool. Always enjoy your content. 😎

[@smsucks7174]

Good to see you back 👍🏻

[@Karleum]

Awesome, I'm a carver and learnt some great lessons, loved the fibre glass strengthening wood, well done sir

[@jpkalishek4586]

I just came across my shrink wrap roll with its handle covered in Titebond III from when I made a few Penobscot bows back in the late aughts. It was the kind with a cardboard tube and a slip on rubber handle you squeeze to manage tension, but the handle kept falling off, so it got tossed. The Paddle look brilliant!

[@aserta]

I keep looking at it and think it's too thin, but then i stop and realize this is a paddle, not a batting bat. Goes to show how perfectly balanced these things are between looking just petite enough and being strong enough to work as paddles. Neat. Edit: Just noticed you passed one million! Congratulations, highly deserved milestone for one of the hardest working woodworkers on YT. Always a delight and a pleasure to see your videos pop in the subs.

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

The knowledge I have gained from watching your channel is crazy. Your a natural with what you can do with wood and metal while staying humble is a beautiful trait to have.Thanks for sharing what you do and can’t wait to see this amazing kayak hit the water.

[@bearshield7138]

sweet job

[@zlatimirivanov3615]

Amazing work!

[@xylonguitars]

Neil, this is one of the most beautiful objects that I've seen in my life. Mate, you are a legend. Thank you so much for sharing your work. Best wishes, Evangelos

[@VanDerPol]

And somehow his skills still improve further and further... just amazing!

[@robertbamford8266]

A masterpiece accessory. It is much more suited to your Kumiko Kayak!I wondered about the veneer on the blade - until you started fiberglassing. Very useful observation about the shrink wrap affecting glue curing. I use the shrink wrap (called flat twine for whatever reason at the hardware store) for all kinds of irregular and delicate glue ups. I guess I have been lucky because I have also used cauls which elevate the wrap and let in air.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Robert! Maybe I could've put a series of sticks/dowels around the joint before shrink wrapping it, to let some air in. :)

[@genericuserid7283391]

Damn! What a glow-up at the end. Absolutely love the fiber glassing process, so cool

[@Pirate-Pierre]

Lovely, demonstration of great craftsmanship. Paired with brilliant voice over. Top work all round

[@damienbrand9422]

Beautiful work as always Neil!!