Punt pole paddle shoe

C

Coach Dauber

Member
I want to build a punt paddle. My neighbor has a nice one. It is about 12' long and, I think, made of ash or ? It also has a neat looking shoe made of brass with what appears to be a carbide pick on each end. Any ideas on wood, design, or a source for a shoe would be appreciated. Thanks, Coach
 
I think ash is a good choice for the wood. I've wanted to make one too and ash would be the wood I would use. As far as the ice shoe, I don't know where you would find one out of brass. I seem to remember someone on here makeing one out of copper sheet that he formed to fit. Maybe that person will see this and help you out.
 
Twelve feet is about the traditional length for a canoe pole in Maine. You can start a good debate about whether ash (stronger, heavier, more available from lumber suppliers in longer lengths) or black spruce (lighter, springier, more available for cut-your-own in the bog) is the appropriate wood.

Several styles of shoe used to be available from Peavey Manufacturing in Milford, ME. They provided poles and various kinds of shoes and tips during the log drive days. Sadly, they went out of business a few years ago.

I have a 12 foot ash pole with a metal sleeve on one end from Peavey that I use in my canoe and to pole both my sculling boat and my tin boat. It works just fine.

If the shoe ever wears out, I've considered replacing it from one of these sources, but haven't bought from them so can't vouch for quality or service:

http://www.bghooke.com/canoepole.htm

http://poleandpaddle.com/products/pole_shoes

I know other people who have bought paddles and gear from Pole and Paddle and were pleased. Their "point with hardened tip" may be what you described.

http://nwwoodsman.com/Product/Tools/TrailTools/PolingShoe.html

I'd also suggest posting on the web forum for the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association. I'm sure you'd find lots of suggestions on poles and shoes there.
http://www.wcha.org/
 
Red Magnus from original Southbay duckboats made them from ash. Haven't seen him foe awhile, haven't been to the duckboat show. Maybe one of the Southshore Waterfowlers will post apic.
 
The guides I know in New Brunswick use Black Spruce for their canoe poles. They seek out the slowest growing (therefore tightest, smallest growth rings) they can find. A good friend made me one that I treasure. They often hang them vertically over a winter, weighted on the bottom end, to ensure that they dry as straight as possible. Then boiled linseed oil to seal.
Gary
 
Yes, all brass except for the two carbide "bullets" which appear to be blazed in place. If I do end up having to make one, I will make extras for others that may be interested.
 
Where is a good source for black spruce, ash, ect in the 12-14 ft lengths? SE Mi location due to local pu. I used to deal with Public Lumber on 7 mile rd for longer wood on my boat repair projects. I will give them a call Monday.
 
Used the paddle again today. I can see the wood between the sides. I thought it was a casting but appears to be sheet or plate that is formed and then the tips grazed in place.
 
Would quarter sawn spruce work? I can get it in any lengths up to 20 ft. Or so. The guy explained that the grain runs perpedicular to the length. I am a newbie to wood so is that what 1/4 sawn means? He said it is used for airplanes and sailboat masts.
 
Lou Tisch may have some information, he builds sculling boats, I'm not sure who builds his oars. Quite awhile back, I did a Branding Iron for a local guy that was doing punt paddles out of Hickory, he seemed pleased with them. Give me a call/email, I have info on a company that might be able to cast the piece. I was looking around for custom Brass decoy anchors and found a company in Tacoma, Washington.

Google "quarter sawn" and you'll get diagrams and an explanation of the advantages and expense.
 
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