The Oars need some work

I bought some different sized clamps and made some more from PVC.  This oar was crushed when I was careless with it in the back of the Hee Hauler.  :(

Broken Oar Tip

It cracked along the original glue line and in a new place at the tip.

The PVC clamp does a nice job holding part of it together.

Some of the cheap clamps came from Harbor Frieght.  I really hate that place, but when I buy stuff I only expect to use once or twice, I give in to their cheap products. Given enough clamps, I'll be able to epoxy the oar back together when it warms up and stays dry long enough for the epoxy to dry.  

The good news is that the break created it's own scarf joint.  Where it broke along an existing glue line, I need ideas about how to strengthen that.  I could put a layer of glass on both sides of the joint.  I could drill some holes and use some tiny dowels or finishing nails.  

The process is to first soak the wood with neat, or unthickened epoxy.  This will saturate the wood about 1/4 to 1/2 inch and make a chemical bond foundation with the next layer of epoxy, which will contain some colloidal silica making the epoxy stronger.  I expect the oar to be as good as new when finished.

Mock up of Oak

I have more clamps to use when I glue it, but you can get the idea from this mock up.








The tips of the oars will get some protection.  I just happened to have some Kevlar I could epoxy on them.   That ought to offer some protection!

Next, I will sand all the oars in preparation for new varnish.  This will give me a chance to inspect the glue of the laminated oars.  There are some obvious failures of the glue joints which need more epoxy work.   LOL... more clamps!  

Oar Delamination