Workshop · WS-060
Smooth hand-laundry stirring paddle
Move small fabric items in a separate wash basin without a powered agitator.
Editorial construction draft. Original digital diagrams; no physical build or load certification. Read dimensions, fit and use limits before making changes. US customary dimensions control; metric values are references.
Before marking and cutting
- US inches; feet where appropriate. Metric values are rounded references. Written inch values control.
- 3/4 in means measured 0.750 in actual thickness wherever used. Recalculate mating lengths for other sheet thicknesses; do not substitute nominal stock blindly.
Use limits
- No disinfection, detergent-mixing, scald-protection or stain-removal guarantee.
Materials and cuts
| Part | Qty | Size to cut | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Paddle blank | 1 | 18 × 3 × 3/4 in 457.2 × 76.2 × 19.05 mm | Clear solid hard maple, straight grain along the listed length. Measured actual thickness 3/4 in. |
Tools
- Rule with fractional inches
- Pencil or appropriate material marker
- Reliable square
- Saw suited to the specified stock
- Clamps
- Abrasive and dust-removal brush
- Hand rasp
Assembly
- Choose straight sound untreated hardwood suitable for repeated wet household contact. This paddle is for laundry, never food.
- Cut A 18 × 3 × 3/4 in and mark its long centerline.
- From X = 0–6 in retain a 3 in-wide blade. From X = 8–18 in mark a centered 1 1/4 in-wide handle, with a smooth 2 in transition between them.
- Draw a 1 1/2 in-radius rounded blade end and a 5/8 in-radius rounded handle end, avoiding a sharp point.
- Clamp the blank and saw outside the shape with a hand saw; reposition clamps rather than holding close to the cut.
- Rasp and sand the transition smoothly, keeping the handle full thickness and no narrow neck.
- Round all wet-contact edges to about 1/8 in radius and remove dust. Do not apply a finish that can transfer to wash water.
- Label LAUNDRY ONLY on the handle away from the water-contact zone. Use a separate basin with cool or comfortably warm water.
- Move the paddle slowly with both hands clear of the basin rim; do not plunge forcefully or splash chemicals. Follow detergent instructions independently.
- Rinse and hang or stand to air-dry away from heat. Inspect for splinters before each use.
Checks
- Overall 18 in; handle 1 1/4 in wide over its 10 in straight section.
- Transition remains at least full 3/4 in thick with rounded edges.
- No sharp edge snags a test cloth.
Cleaning and maintenance
- Rinse after use and dry fully.
- Replace splintered, cracked or contaminated wood.
Primary context
These sources inform the context and do not endorse the original construction design.