: Brian,
: THanks, that's a good idea. I didnt have any trouble finding clear 2x4's at
: this place, but finding 10 or 15 in the right grain orientation might be a
: bit of a problem.

Exactly. My experience is that only 2-3% of the 2x4's I look through are suitable for paddle making. Granted, I'm picky, but I haven't had any paddles, break, either (knock on cedar).

: BTW, I cut up one of the two I bought yesterday. I'll get three hollow cores
: out of one 2x4. The wood is so wet you could practically wring water out
: of it.

That's been my experience, too. Is cedar typically kiln dried or just shipped as-is from the mill? It seems as if they don't do much to protect it in transit, perhaps because it's so rot resistant.

: For my own use that isnt so much of a problem, as I simply put the
: cut strips into my little oven and they'll be dry in a day or two. But for
: carving solid paddles, wouldnt that be an issue?

Yeah, it can be. That's why I suggested letting them dry for a few days ofter resawing. I love the smell of wet cedar!!!

BTW, I've had a couple of 2x4s split on the ends while drying, so I've taken to painting the end grain, just in case..