canoe maker

Here's an update on the next paddle I was working on - the sassafras Northwoods style paddle modelled after the one in the Hudson Museum in Maine...

Took advantage of the cool down in the weather to finally get some carving done in the backyard. It's been scorching here in Toronto for what feels like forever! Progress on the blade was moving along nicely. Love the smell of those Sassafras shavings while you work...

Everything was going well, the grip was being rasped down to shape and then I had the urge to check the flex...SNAP!

I suppose this could've been avoided by using precision power tools but it just isn't my thing.  Still want to salvage what I  can from this project. Thought of continuing to work on the blade and rounding off the remaining shaft. Maybe my 4 yr old  can use it like a wooden tennis racket with a beach ball or something. Was thinking of carving some old school wooden tent stakes  from the left over handle part.

Any readers have some  creative ideas of what to do with these pieces?  I've already  posted a thread on BushcraftUSA asking folks the same question and some ideas are flowing in. Apparently my thread got removed because the mods think I'm a vendor trying to sell "a product". Oh well. In the meantime, if any readers here have suggestions of what to do with busted pieces, then feel free to leave a comment.