Sunday 25 September 2011

Ottertail - Walnut


Sorry for the delay, i hurt my arm and because of it the next post may take a bit as well.

I finally got a day off and decided to take a crack at the Ottertail walnut. I posted before about the importance of proper set up on tools and knowing how to sharpen your tools. I bought a Japanese combo water stone and touch up my tool only to find out they were super blunt. Using them now makes for easy work that is much more enjoyable. I also bought a new blade (better steel) for my spokeshave.

When i was canoeing a feel weekend ago i notice my normal paddle was a bit short when in the canoe alone. So  I focused on creating the perfect solo paddle; light, oiled, and a long paddle.

I also created a different grip, i don't know what kind of grip it just something i came up with. I also spent a lot more time on thinning out the blade. I found the last one i made, to heavy for long trips.

When i was thinning out the blade i found an old knot that was right in the center of the blade. Since i had planned to oil this one i wasn't sure what i was going to do. I decided that i would use the two part epoxy i bought for a future project and would fill the hole. I added some of the sawdust from the paddle into the mix and it made it look almost natural ( take a look at it in the final picture).

After some the regular sanding ( 60 grit, 90 grit, 120 grit), i cleaned up my workspace of shaving and dust and started the oiling process. Look great to me, i will have to try that new paddle oil that Murat posted about when i run out of the Tung oil that i bought.

If you ever want me to expanded on anything in my posts, throw me a quick comment and i will tell you what i know. I'm no expert but i have learned a few things along the way. 

5 comments:

  1. Hi Paul,

    Walnut is one of my favorite woods to work with, it's like carving in chocolate.

    A balanced paddle is equally important as a light one. The balance point should be at the shoulder, where the blade meets the shaft. An unbalanced paddle will feel awkward in the hand.

    Looking good

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  2. Hi Mark,

    Couldn't agree with you more on both comments. Chocolate, both look and feel when caving are a perfect comparison. Funny you mention balance, cause all my other paddle balance at the neck. However this one is a bit off balance but it still feel super nice in the hand.Bout and 2 inches above the shoulder. Nice paddle on your site too ! The ones your make are pieces of art ! how do you put your logo on ?

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  3. Logos are painted on by hand using a stencil.

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  4. What diameter are you making the shafts? I make mine one inch.

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  5. Hey Mark,

    Sorry i meant to send this along time ago. The shafts are an inch and as large as and inch and 1/2

    generally an inch and 1/4

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