VERY Custom Mash Paddles

Systems, Gear, & DIY
1

I have two VERY cool hobbies.

The first, of course, is HomeBrewing.

The second - I am a professional Wood Worker.

I find the greatest thrill when my two hobbies come together - such is the case when I make Mash Paddles for my customers.  This particular customer is probably known by the vast majority of the AHA - HopUnion llc.

HopUnion approached me a couple of years ago.  They saw a Mash Paddle I designed a gave to Sam Calagione - owner of DogFish Head Brewery, http://lumberjocks.com/projects/57064 and wanted to know if I would be willing to work with them to design ten paddles - each with the carved logo of their craft brewery customers.

Here’s the results:

http://lumberjocks.com/projects/70485

The work was tricky and tiresome at times, but when all was done I was VERY happy with the outcome.  So was HopUnion - so much in fact that they have hired me since for three more very special paddles.  Two of which were used a prizes for the 2012 and 2013 AHA Homebrew competition!

http://lumberjocks.com/projects/65918

I have also had the fortune of building six-pack holders, beer crates as well as other brewing related objects for customers over the years.

Oh yeah - here’s a REALLY cool video of Sam @ Dogfish Head using one of my paddles to stir in:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdoFwQOc87A&list=PLBF0519879F384EEA

All-in-all, nothing compares to homebrewing though!

Bob Rhoades
Severn, MD
www.rhoadesclan.com
rrww@rhoadesclan.com

2

Nice. I’ve made my own canoe paddles so I have a pretty good idea about how much work goes into those things.

3

Amazing work!  I would be reluctant to use a paddle that beautiful.  It may need a spot of honor above the bar.

4

Wow, really nice work!

5

I have one of these paddles, the first I might add, and they are great to use.  Mine has about fifty brews on it and looks fantastic.  I’ll see if I can post a pic later on.

6

Way cool! Nice work…

7

Very nice indeed!

8

I’ve been using walnut oil on my paddles for years and it really does a good job.

9

amazing work, a true craft, good luck!