> Another idea would be to use lo temp pvc tubing. I tried using some for a
> steam bender - worked great for 10 minutes and then the pvc became
> diseased. So stretch some of this stuff, glass it and connect up to the
> kettle, then scrape out.

> (pvc, mach, water hose or whatever - mache tube prob is best as it can
> permanently deform) around a curved surface that would match the eventual
> paddle profile.

Hi Mick:

I have been thinking of a way to make a hollow core _crank_ shafted paddle. Your comment about the pvc reminded me of a project my Boy scout troop undertook one fall. The goal was to outfit the entire troop with snowshoes for a winter hike. When the time came to make the frames, we had an external mold in the shape of the shoe's frame, and an 8 foot section of 1" pvc. Hot (reeeeaaally hot) sand was poured into the pipe and allowed to bake the pipe to the consistency of cooked spaghetti. It was then pressed into the mold and allowed to cool. The sand was poured out and the pipe remained in the shape of the shoe. I see no reason this could not be adapted to the paddle shaft project. But how to remove it? Reheating to the softening point would probably make it less durable under tension to draw it out of the cured tube.

Ed Valley