Jack and I have been talking about joining paddles. Here are some instrukctions based on what I have done with these.
OK......figure you need a 1:8 to a 1:12 scarf
angle......i.e., if the shaft is 1" in diameter, and
yu go for 1:8., then, the scarf joint will run back
8"......and the total length of the shafts you started
with will be shortened 8"......or 4" each shaft.
Yes, the center of the graft is the center of the
paddle......if you set up and cut and fit carefully.
1. hold, then clamp the paddle shafts side by side
with the two faces of the blades together that you
want on the same side when you are done.
2. if you want a 90 degree offset......you are in for
lots more work.
3. With the blades perfectly in alignment......and
the clamps secure, and padded so they don't mark the
shafts........mark the scarf cut line.
4. Take a deep breath and saw them off in the
bandsaw BUT LEAVE THE CLAMPS ON.
5. On a 6 x 48 or larger, TRUED , belt sander, grind
a face on both the shafts together......any small
angular inaccuracy will take care of itself when you
line up and glue the sanded faces......these sanded
faces must be TRUE, FLAT faces.
6. Align the shafts with the sanded faces
touching......like laid out on a flat floor. Lightly
clamp them near the very center......and do your final
line-up.....with two more clamps, put more pressure on
the scarf joint, check the alignment.......loosen the
clamps one at a time, if needed, to tap the shafts one
way or another, till the scarf is RIGHT.
7. Make sure things are where you want, make sure the
clamps are firm or very firm......and nothing is
moving. Drill a 1/8" hole near the end of the scarf
at each end. Have handy a length of 1/8" wooden
dowel, cut two lengths longer than what you need and
push them through the holes.
8. Forget epoxy in the joint.....use Gorilla
Glue.......dampen one face of the scarf, apply the
Gorilla to the other face. Lay the joint together,
push the pins in, apply the clamps (with pads) and go
drink coffee.
9. Scrape with a scraper or bit of fresh-cut glass
(broken is best) , sand, glass or wrap as you wish.
10. Go Paddling
NOW.........this applies mostly to 0-degree
offset........let me think for a minute and I'll
develp a SOP for cutting scarfs at an angle......and
email it next.