Fixing rot on the end of oar handles?

[bark-eater]

Someone left a nice set of oars leaning against the boat house with the handles in the dirt for too many years. I'm sure this question has been asked before, and I'm probably just going to goop and schmeer epoxy and sawdust into an end cap, and hope that I don't get blisters. But, I was wondering if there was any other clever solutions, short of tenoning on a new handle? Thanks, Woody

[long time lurker]

Re: Fixing rot on the end of oar handles?

Cut it off and bring it to a VEE shape at 12:1. Sandwich the VEE with 2 pieces with the ends cut to a 12:1 chisel shape. Use Titebond 3 if the joinery is perfect, epoxy otherwise. Shape it. The rest of the oar may be compromised so sand down to wood and lay a layer of 6oz. cloth around it for it's full length. Paint or many many coats of varnish to protect from UV.

[Brian Palmer]

Re: Fixing rot on the end of oar handles?

A tenon to hold a new handle will work fine. I did basically that when I made thicker handles for my oars when I decided the originals were too thin. It worked perfectly and I have rowed them many miles.

[johngsandusky]

Re: Fixing rot on the end of oar handles?

How much of the end? I've cut an inch off an oar handle without any problems. Even if it's more, you can shape the end of the loom to make the new handle. A few inches off the length won't matter much.

[Yeadon]

Re: Fixing rot on the end of oar handles?

I'd be tempted to just chop off the rot and make them into a pair of shorter oars. Fun project.