oar refurbishing

Chris Finch

Chris Finch

Well-known member
so while i wait to pick up the scull boat one of my projects is to refish the two oars i brought home. the homemade oar was already paintd gray so when i get the boat paint i will just repaint the oar.

the shaw&tenny oar is a little dirty(but basically brand new) so im going to wash it, give it a light sanding, and then oil it so i can see the wood grain.

i was thinking about using linseed oil on the oar but i dont know what kind of grease to put on the leather section that coushins the oar.

just wondering if anyone has a good system/products to protect the oar

Thanks Chris
 
Chris,

On my scull oar I drilled a hole in the handle end and stood it up on end. I then poured raw linseed oil in the hole and let it sit. The linseed oil penetrates through the oar. It takes a while for it to soak in. Then wipe it down and finish it with boiled linseed oil. My oar is 24 years old and is still in great shape.

Note: the linseed oil rags can spontaneously combust so dispose of properly.

Good luck
 
Chris~

I use lanolin on my oar leathers. You can get a tube at any drugstore.

It's also a great lubricant/anti-sieze because it's a lot cleaner than grease, etc.

All the best,

SJS
 
Chris:

Is the Shaw and Tenney oar ash or spruce?

I have a couple of their canoe paddles. The ash ones are fine with just linseed oil--as long as they get touched up frequently--but the spruce need varnish or they get beat up quickly. If you have any questions, I've always found the folks at Shaw and Tenney very helpful. (By the way, if anyone wants a nicely made and super light paddle, the spruce Shaw and Tenney's are awesome. They do require some TLC.)

I have used a mix of about 3/4 linseed oil and 1/4 spar poly on my canoe pole. This was recommended by a local guide who teaches poling clinics. It seems a little more durable than just linseed, and the grain is still visible. It darkens the wood up nicely, and no shine. It will stay a little tacky--which is a good thing in a canoe pole, but probably doesn't matter for an oar.

Jeff
 
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