[krs2fer]

I have a new ceder kayak paddle that has been finished in a Teak oil rub.
Is it safe to burn on it?

[pallin]

I think it would be safe. Use a well-ventilated place or outside. Stop if you feel woozy.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Does that mean you are "up a kayak" without a paddle?

[Lindy]

I would be quite concerned about it already having been oiled. I don't believe it would be safe and I wouldn't recommend doing it. If you could find a kayak builder in your area and ask them to sell you kayak paddles that are ready to be oiled I would buy that, do your burning and then it back for them to put the final finish on it. You never know, they could ask you to start doing more on a commission basis.

Good Luck
Linda

[Thomp]

If you set up outside and get a fan to pull the smoke off and blow away from you burning through the oil might not effect you, but a balance of the cool air cooling your nib and the fan blowing the smoke away from you would have to be experimented with
the crusted carbon from the burned oil will probobaly build up on your burner tip and require lots of extra cleaning of the nib,

after you finish burning the wood be sure to reseal it again

[Pyrographer]

A couple of concerns. First cedar is on the list of woods that is toxic. Second you should never burn on anything but BARE, raw wood.

Nedra

[squbrigg]

I would not recommend burning that paddle at this stage. The fumes will be toxic and no matter how much ventilation you use, I wouldn't recommend taking the chance. Also, the finish will react to the heat and you may end up with a mess that will be difficult or next to impossible to salvage. Cedar is difficult enough to work bare, but burning already finished Cedar would be more trouble than it's worth.

Bob

[Irishman]

Lately I've been scanning the postings as I'm been too busy kayaking and making Greenland kayak paddles...and carving when I have time. I couldn't pass on commenting on your post as I'm an avid kayaker and paddle maker. You've received some good feedback here, and of course safety first with what ever you decide. I use the expensive western red cedar for kayak paddles and it takes burning very well, however, not very well when you have the oil already applied. A number of kayakers bring me their paddles at the first of the season to sand them down, reburn the patterns on them and reapply the oil. One thing about burning the wood with fresh oil, as Thomas said - the tip gets gummed up very quickly...and of course it turns the oil into a vapor so take precautions you read in the earlier post. If you have already oiled the carving, I would suggest carving down the wood slightly (relief it) and resand that area (wear a mask). You'll find the burning will stand out much more rather than trying to burn an area already treated with oil. The reliefing gives it a 3D look. Good luck with your burning...and enjoy your kayaking.
Patrick