Evan has asked about another Greenland paddle, this time longer and with slightly different dimensions. So, a trip over to Condon Lumber brought home a couple of pieces of lumber. Condon keeps a large stack of cedar at one end of their yard, fully exposed to our wonderful 4 season weather. A yard worker there opened the stack with a fork lift, helping me find a suitable flitch, 8/4s thick, about 8 inches wide, 12 feet long.
Atlantic White Cedar and some sort of very heavy, dense, dark wood (Mora?). Rough cuts defined by red chalk lines, the magic 12 foot long straight edge. Quick rip with my favorite 4 TPI frame saw.
Update: July 14
Two solid 2x4s (real 2″, real 4″), then cut to approximate length. It’s always interesting to see how wood moves. After cutting, one piece developed a slight bow: 1/8 ” over a 7 foot length. The other piece did not. We’ll see what they look like tomorrow. 3-4 days in the shop after years sitting outside in a stack.
Update: July 15
The ideal grain orientation for almost any project is “vertical.” None of the lumber available provided a way to get there directly. (i.e. no pieces 3+ inches thick, none from the absolute center of the tree) So, let’s tilt our object within the board to get closer.
The desired finished dimensions are ~ near / within ~ 1.5 inches by 3.25 inches. Layout some more guide lines and start reducing. The drawknife makes for quick waste removal.
…and that 12 foot long workbench makes the work easier.
P.S. that little bow noted earlier isn’t going to make a difference. Just a curious observation.
Update: July 17
After grain reorientation, I have a board that is 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches, ready for final layout. The angled edges won’t matter, as they were always going to be cut away.
Update: July 21
Moving slowly … cautious of wood movement as bulk of waste is removed. Best news: no twist!
