Homemade Cardboard Tube Paddle

Hi, I am 3DWilliam2010, and I Designed this Cardboard Tube Paddle for this huge pool float I have, Using Tinkercad I designed the Paddle and end caps, then using a Sturdy Cardboard Tube that usually can be found in Aluminum Foil and Wax Paper boxes, I made the handle and main part of the paddle. The paddle should last for a few days as long as it doesn’t get soaked or stays in water for a long time, if it does get wet lay it out in the sun and it should dry in a few hours. I hope you like my design and have fun!

1. Sturdy Cardboard Tube Found in Aluminum Foil and Wax Paper Boxes.
2. Paddle(3D File Below)
3. Paddle Cap(3D File Below
4. End Cap(3D File Below

All the 3D Printed parts are in one File.

For the First step we need to Print the Paddle and End caps. Using the File below upload them to your Slicing Software, I use FlashForge. I would recommend the following settings,

1. Normal Quality
2. 25% Infill
3. Raft(Optional)
4. Supports(Optional)

After you print and clean out the supports the larger end cap should fit into the paddle, you might want to use a little glue so it stays in.

Next get the cardboard tube and all the 3D Printed parts. Put the smaller end cap on one side of the Tube and the larger one with the Paddle attached on the other side. The caps should fit inside the tube nicely. If it is too big sand it down until it fits or if it’s too small try wrapping tape firmly around it until the cap fits into the tube. Now you have your own Cardboard Tube Paddle that should last a few days and best thing is when the cardboard is destroyed all you have to do is pop out the 3D Printed pieces and put them into another cardboard tube!

This is an extra step that you dont need to do but can do if u want your paddle to last longer. There are multiple ways to waterproof cardboard, I would recommend just covering the entire thing in a tape such as Duct Tape or another heavy duty tape. You can also use polyurethane coating, or clear acrylic paint or lacquer spray sealer spray to form cardboard waterproof. These protective coatings are themselves harmless but must always be kept in a well-ventilated space. The coatings are flammable so the space for ventilation is absolutely necessary. The last one is the hardest to do with common house hold items so I recommend doing the first one. I hope you Enjoy and Have Fun