Standup Paddleboard Paddles #2: Shaping the blade

Impressive, even in its unfinished state… thanks for the update.

-- Rob (A) Waxahachie,TX

It is coming along great. Thanks for sharing this.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

Man Bob, what a pretty thing you have done. I can hardly wait now myself!

Bob

-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner

waiting with bated breathe!!!

-- Thos. Angle

Bummer about the rain. Can’t wait to see it done. I like the gradations on the back in the handle. That’s my favorite part about paddles.

-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN

From the pics, it looks like you were up all night and into the morning working on this! Fun shots…

Hey, what’s that Transformer (robot) looking thing in the last picture? Sander of some sort?

-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA

Sleepless on the east coast….sigh.

Thanks all…I’m having some fun with this. Very enjoyable project.

Doesn’t look like the rain did any damage thankfully.

The contrasts and especially the gradations are really what makes the paddle come alive. I’m anxious for the finish but have decided to take some more material off. It’s still too heavy. I’d like to get it down to 3 – 3.5 lbs. I’m going to thin the shaft slightly the whole length, lighten the blade some and cut out some of the beef in the handle. I need about a 15% weight reduction at minimum.

The transformer thing is a new sandpaper and sanding pad from 3M. Really works well. The sandpaper has a different kind of grit. I saw it written up somewhere with good results and decided to get some. It actually lives up to the marketing hype. I was using 80 grit. It really removes material faster and leaves a smoother finish than regular paper.

No…not up all night…an hour last night and another at lunch today. The work really flies. It tonight that I’m awake all night….heads spinning…..I was actually working but decided to take a break…..reaching the point of diminishing return.

How’s your hand Dorje?

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

you work late, skip lunch.. and then have to leave it for a day… grumble grumble!

is that Grandpa’s tool that you are using??

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Yeah…I know…I was grumbling too!

Yes it is Deb. Such a great old tool. Very versatile.

I wish I could see some of the things he built. I have a couple of pictures of old theatres in Boston that he worked on but that’s it. He wasn’t so much a woodworker as a carpenter. No furniture or anything left….:(

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

Hand’s healing up – a bit sore – but I did get out to the shop yesterday to continue on my table (working slowly).

Thanks for asking!

-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA

That is a great looking paddle you have there. I am just getting into woodworking and plan on making a Greenland Kayak Paddle my first project, i think. Any pointers you can lend to a newbie? I am ordering a drawknife (Iltis & Oxhead 9’’ curved, I have heard this a decent one for me to get, do you agree?) because I know how valuable it can be in most any situation.

-- Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive.

Man, you are working outside in December….that must be real nice. A great looking paddle.

-- ...it's rennovation time!!!