A Simple Pair of Seven-Foot Oars

[Bob Smalser]

Where did you get the patterns for cutting out the shape of the oar?

Since the oars that I would be making will be eight feet long, are there any changes in the construction method that you outlined?

Woodenboat mag has published several patterns over the decades for the price of the issue. Glen-L and other have them for sale. Google will obtain several free patterns in pdf format. Pete Culler and others have books out on oars with patterns and instructions.

Most involve plotting offsets from a centerline. Fold craft paper down the center, plot your offsets using an awl that pierces the paper, then fold your paper, connect the dots using scissors and you have a perfectly symetrical pattern that can then be stapled to and transferred to posterboard or doorskin.

Oar length is easily adjusted by drawing the blade and handle seperately along a centerline of any length and connecting/fairing the lines. Scantlings are determined by the pattern and wood species used. Most builders make them too heavy.

More oars....these are 8 and 9-footers made in one long day after glueup:

[Michael Peet]

Beautiful work, Bob! Loved the pictorial.

One question for you - I make kayak paddles from WRC and many of the tools and procedures are very similar to those you described here. I also add a hardwood spline at the tips, but it's always been a pain in the neck to do. May I ask how you cut the slot for the spline on these long awkward sticks?

Best regards!

Mike

[Bob Smalser]

May I ask how you cut the slot for the spline on these long awkward sticks?

While the stock is still full-thickness with square edges, I use a quarter-inch slotting cutter in the router. Make one pass from each of both faces, and obtaining a slot dead center in the stock is guaranteed. Thickened spoxy fixes any sloppiness in the resulting joint.

[Michael Peet]

Thanks Bob. I ended up making a jig for my circular saw -

Mike