How to cut down a paddle

TonyB · Post by **TonyB** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 11:34 pm

So I need to cut down my fiberglass shaft paddle which I have no problem with. My question is how to remove the excess fiberglass from the T grip so I can reattatch it.

Nate · Post by **Nate** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 11:44 pm

Hey Tony, I've cut down a couple of paddles, so if you're not really anxious I can show you at the pool next weekend what I have done in the past and give you some tips.

Nate

TonyB · Post by **TonyB** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 12:08 am

If it's as nice as it was today I hope to be out on the river, Got the film fest. Of course there is the part where I already cut down the shaft.

philcanoe · Post by **philcanoe** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 2:35 am

not knowing what you've really got... but in a lot of cases, a wood chisel tapped lightly works well... from the direction where there once was a blade... a little more healthy, than sanding it away... just work your way round, taking off slivers

TonyB · Post by **TonyB** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 2:43 am

thanks for the input, chizel did wonders. I was thinking of weldwood epoxy to put it back in. anybody throwin their two cents.

gumpy · Post by **gumpy** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 3:28 am

I used regular 2-step epoxy on mine, seems to be holding.

philcanoe · Post by **philcanoe** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 4:39 am

have use all different kinds of epoxy , with good results.... if using a thin one (like west), then usually will thicken it... position/flip with tee grip down, to cure... and sometimes i'll wrap joint/crack with tape, until hardened

as a finishing touch - i usually drill thru shaft and t-grip, put in a stainless screw, and then grind off both ends flush... then I can trust using the t-grip as a hook, no matter how heavy the paddler or how full of water their boat - it'll hold... or trust using it to lower my boat, on a portage