OSS oars in the building/plytard build here.

[switters]

Ugly oars built in a hurry.From the one sheet skiff site. I owe Herb M. so much.

http://www3.sympatico.ca/herbert.mcleod/plans.htm

the plans for 5'-6" oars of pine and plywood.

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk221/switters_bucket/DSC01829.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk221/switters_bucket/DSC01830.jpg

I used a table saw to rip out the ends or groove for the plywood blades. Terrible idea, but I was in a hurry as I would like to use these on Saturday morning. The next set will have a jig set-up and a router used or ???, taking suggestions here.

Tonight/afternoon I will go after it with the plane and belt sander for the taper and handles, then paint. I have never rowed before so i wont know if these are really any good or not. They are considered at this point practice oars, like the boat they will be used with.

on the flip side, I have 30 dollars into this project for the pine rods/plywood, a bit of epoxy and paint, for 4 oars. And an hour of time so far.

So I have read all of the threads with oar in them (Thanks Skuthorp) and have not seen any that involve this method. They are all centered around glueing up laminations and what not. Is this because the method in the pictures above is just a terrible idea? I need to build another set for a 12' skiff and like the simplicty of the process, no artist here, but wonder if they will just break or what.

thanks,

[Thorne]

I need to build another set for a 12' skiff and like the simplicty of the process, no artist here, but wonder if they will just break or what.


My bet is on "break" if the oar looms are what they appear to be - pine closet rod doweling. Much better to make 'em out of DF 2x4's, still quick 'n dirty but a lot stronger...

[pandelume]

I agree with Thorne about the closet rod, assuming that's what you used. I've never used it for anything, but that stuff doesn't seem very strong.

Something similar might work, though. Below is a link to David Goodchild's quick-n-dirty oars, which use plywood blades and pvc tube. You don't need 2-part oars, so I'd say that if you laminated two 1 x 2 pieces of fir (or something) on either side of a ply blade, you'd have a more durable oar for about as much investment in time and money.

Quick-n-dirty oars. (http://www.diybob.com/oars.htm)

[switters]

it was pine, but since it was for an 8-foot boat I doubt we will be pulling hard. I will use the DF the next time, I saw some last night in 1.5 x 1.5 that comes in 8' lengths. I wont put much more into these.
In the event that one breaks we are on a tiny lake (20 acres maybe) with a canoe on stand by.
Thanks,