gregn wrote:
6. tape metal parts with masking tape
7. apply two or more coats of varnish.
Like something terrible would happen to metal parts not covered with masking tape... As to the paddles - they are just paddles... Varnish will be gone on half the surface in a couple of seasons. And then a practical way to minimize water absorption in paddles (you can never eliminate it completely) is treating it with Deftoil once a season. On the shaft Deft will be gone pretty soon too, but shaft is normally dry, unless it's a submarine paddling.
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In 50 years, or so wooden paddles by Klepper will become collectors items.
Nah... Too many of them, too simple product. Not more collectors item than those 50-yrs old reed snowshoes displayed over fireplaces in some homes and skiing lodges. And the owner, if a showshoer himself, uses metal and composite snowshoes. (Most Klepper boaters use composite paddles too, these days, - more efficient gear). I've heard some showshoes found in Siberia were carbon-dated to 2500 B.C., but those were in a condition not suitable for displaying over a fireplace.
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After treatment, I'd store them in the attic for the future generations (within my family). One day they may decide to use them to decorate country cottage on the lake. It would also become the only thing that they will know about their great grandpa
You've got it right. They won't know a sh.t.
"There is no remembrance of the former generations ; neither shall there be any remembrance of the latter generations that are to come, among those that shall come after." (Ecclesiastes 1:11)
You're also right that storing them in attic for future generations is the best one can do with this item.... Buying a decent pair of composite paddles meanwhile, and using them for the purpose that they were made for.