IS 6729:1972 outlines the criteria for wooden paddles designed for canoe and small boat propulsion, detailing required dimensions, materials, and testing protocols. This standard ensures manufacturers and users obtain paddles that are durable, dimensionally accurate, and resistant to typical wear and damage.
Overview
IS 6729:1972 outlines the criteria for wooden paddles designed for canoe and small boat propulsion, detailing required dimensions, materials, and testing protocols. This standard ensures manufacturers and users obtain paddles that are durable, dimensionally accurate, and resistant to typical wear and damage.
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Contents
Structure
IS 6729 defines the dimensions, tolerances, and material specifications for wooden paddles intended for general use in canoes and small boats. Typical paddle lengths are either 1200 mm or 800 mm, with a permissible length variation of ±20 mm. The standard includes detailed cross-sectional dimensions and spacing between paddle sections to ensure consistency and structural adequacy.
Terminology used in this standard aligns primarily with IS 707:1968, the glossary for timber and timber products. Measurement values must be rounded according to IS 2:1960, maintaining the number of significant figures as specified. Dimensions and tolerances for paddle components are clearly specified to guarantee uniformity.
The materials for paddle construction must be ordinary quality structural steel conforming to IS 1977:1969 for mild steel, applied especially for chain components. Length tolerances of ±20 mm apply, and cross-sectional dimensions are detailed for each paddle section to maintain mechanical integrity.
Paddle blanks must be made from mild steel conforming to IS 1977 and be dimensioned to allow shaping into a single-piece paddle. Moisture content should not exceed 15%, grain deviation must be within 1 in 20, and the blanks should be free from defects such as pinholes, pith, sapwood, rot, insect damage, or unacceptable splits.
Paddle length is typically 1200 mm with ±20 mm tolerance. Detailed cross-section sizes and distances between sections are specified in two examples to accommodate different design needs. Handles are generally 775 mm long with a 33 mm diameter, fabricated from mild steel tubes. The standard allows single or two-piece paddle configurations.
Tolerances for length are ±20 mm, and shaft diameter tolerances are ±3 mm to ensure proper fit and function. Cross-section dimensions are specified for each section, with all values rounded per IS 2:1960. These tolerances ensure manufacturing precision and functional reliability.
Only defects detailed in Clauses 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 are permitted, with strict prohibition against chipping or delamination. Defect measurements follow IS 3364:1965. Moisture content must be ≤15% and grain inclination ≤1 in 20. Other defects like pinholes, rot, insect damage, or large splits are not allowed to maintain safety and durability.
Final paddle finishing must adhere to dimensional tolerances and permit only minor surface imperfections as per Clause 1.6. Blanks should permit typical woodworking to attain the final shape in one piece. All dimensions and test results must be rounded according to IS 2:1960, ensuring consistent quality control.
Testing includes drop, immersion, strength, vibration, and impact tests. Test results must be rounded per IS 2:1960 and recorded using standardized forms found in Appendix B. Suitable timber species include Teak, Sissoo, Ash, Gurjan, and Benteak, ensuring durability and performance.
Each paddle must carry the manufacturer’s identification, the month and year of production, and a timber species symbol as listed in Appendix A. The ISI certification mark may be applied subject to licensing. Markings must be clear and permanent to assure traceability and quality compliance.
Suitable timber species possess high strength, shock resistance, light weight, low moisture absorption, and buoyancy. Moisture content must be ≤15%, grain inclination ≤1 in 20, and timber must be free from defects such as pinholes, decay, or cracks. Common species include Teak, Sal, Mango, and Shisham.
Appendix B provides a detailed test sheet for documenting paddle dimensions, moisture content, manufacturer details, and results for various mechanical tests including drop, immersion, strength, vibration, and impact. This standardized form ensures comprehensive quality assessment.
Frequently Asked
IS 6729 recommends timber species exhibiting high strength, shock resistance, lightness, low moisture absorption, and buoyancy. Commonly approved species include Teak (Tectona grandis), Sal (Shorea robusta), Mango (Mangifera indica), and Jackwood (Artocarpus heterophyllus). These ensure paddles are durable, effective, and comfortable for water use.
The standard specifies paddle lengths typically around 1200 mm with a tolerance of ±20 mm. Cross-sectional dimensions vary along the paddle length, with detailed sizes and spacing for each section. Thickness and width tolerances are generally ±2 mm, and diameter tolerances for shafts are ±3 mm, ensuring the paddles meet strength and usability criteria.
IS 6729 mandates several mechanical tests including drop, immersion, strength, vibration, and impact assessments. The impact test involves dropping a 500 g sand-filled leather bag or wooden roller three times from a height of one meter onto the paddle blade held as a cantilever. These tests confirm the paddle’s resistance to damage and durability.
Only defects permitted explicitly in Clauses 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 are acceptable, with strict prohibition on chipping and delamination. The paddle must be free from pinholes, pith, sapwood, rot, insect damage, major splits (except minor hair splits), cracks, hollow-heart, and unapproved knots. Moisture content must be ≤15%, and grain inclination ≤1 in 20 to ensure quality and safety.
The ISI mark on wooden paddles indicates compliance with Indian Standards and guarantees that the product has been manufactured under rigorous quality control and inspection by the Indian Standards Institution. It provides assurance of consistent quality, safety, and performance. Use of the ISI mark requires licensing and adherence to continuous surveillance.
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