Changing the length of a paddle

[chiang]

Hi all,

I have a question about changing the length of a paddle as well as adjusting the index.

I have been using a galasport paddle for a little more than a year now and have decided that I would like to adjust the length (i.e. cut it down) and also the index.

What I would really like to do is to remove the blades from the shaft and cut down the ends of the shaft and then rebuild the paddle to my liking. Has anyone any advice to offer so as to make this process as painless as possible? I have a heat gun, but I have been told that there is a good probability that the blades may crack during the process. Is there any way to lower the chances of this happening?

I am trying to avoid cutting the shaft down the middle because in the end, I would like to remove the blades if I decide to try a different (i.e. lighter) shaft.

Thanks,
--TC

[clyde]

Decide which end you want to cut - if you can get away with only one end.
If the shaft has reinforced ends like my H-Grade shafts of the Lendal 2F, then you should take some off each end.

Cut a doulbe spiral from the end of the shaft to the point you want to remove. Remember if you are taking some off each end, you will need to halve the total amount.

This method will only work if you take enough of the shaft off - around 4cm minimum or it will also require heating.
Don't heat them until the very last resort !

Once you have cut through the shaft in the spiral put pressure against the blade and it sould snap out of the shaft.
then just cut off the spiral bits.

Note, you only cut just through the shaft about 1-2mm, not into the blade. Takes practice and judgement to know how far, but you can probably see the glue come off the saw when you have gone too far.

Note. The spiral should not be tight. Over a 4cm length of shaft you shouldn't quite go around the whole shaft.
There should be two sprials opposite each other.

This takes me about 5 mins to do one end as an indication for how dificult this is, but then, I've had a bit of practice.

good luck,

Clyde

[Danny Bowles]

I always use boiling water to get broken ends out, find it doesn't over heat the shaft or paddle blade.

[Paddy W]

Cut the shaft into two pieces in the middle of the shaft.
Cut off the required amount from one of the shaft ends. (e.g 2cm)
Buy a 'spiggot' which is carbon tube (about 10 cm long) to insert into the shaft ends. They cost about £10 and come in different sizes (diameter) 28mm, 27mm etc. I got mine from Whitewater Canoe Centrein shepperton,UK.
Make sure you get the correct size!
Insert and glue the 'spiggot' into the two shaft ends.
You can also alter the blade offset as well as the overall paddle length in this fashion. Also useful for making one set of paddles from several broken paddles.
You can also create 'split's for whitewater touring use in this fashion.

[Craig]

I've A great idea. How about you get a canoe shop to do it for you cause thats what I always do and they normally do it for free. :silly: :withstp: