To begin this project, you’ll need a handful of basic tools.

Tools:
Handsaw
Coping Saw
Wood rasp or file
Clamps
Scissors
Marker

Materials:
12”x12” sheet of ¼” Plywood
Sandpaper (Medium grits such as 120 or 220 work best)
A fallen branch about the size of the paddle handle from the template
Wood Glue
Spray-On Adhesive
Ping Pong Paddle Template (Link)

In order to cut the paddle, you will need a printed copy of the paddle template available above. Cut the template out using a pair of scissors, and then copy it on to your sheet of ¼” plywood (NOTE: I use a ½” sheet of plywood in the pictures because it was what I had in my shop, but that would be a little too thick for the paddle).

To cut the plywood template, you’ll need a coping saw and some way to hold the plywood in place. I used a vise, but clamping the workpiece to the side or top of a table could work as well.

Carefully cut along the lines of the template until all of the waste material is gone. Once you have the shape cut, use a wood file or rasp to clean up the saw marks and smooth the edges of your paddle.

Next, use your finished paddle blank as a template to draw 2 outlines on the back of a sheet of sandpaper. These round sandpaper sheets will act as the surface of your paddle. Using your spray adhesive, coat the faces of the paddle and the backs of the sandpaper sheets. Apply the sandpaper sheets to each side of the paddle, then apply pressure to the faces.

I did this with scraps of plywood and clamps, but it could also be accomplished with a heavy object such as a book. Allow the paddle to sit for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the adhesive to dry fully.

While the adhesive is drying, you can start working on the handle! There are a bunch of options for making a quality handle, but the easiest is to use a fallen branch. Start by cutting your branch to fit the handle, then remove the bark until you’re just left with wood.

With your debarked branch in a vise or otherwise clamped vertically, you’ll next need to cut it right down the middle (what woodworkers call a rip cut) so that you end up with two halves that can serve as your handle.

With your handle pieces cut, you’ll next need to apply wood glue to the back of each one. Apply the glue, and make sure to spread it evenly across the entire surface.

Using your clamps, apply the handle pieces to your dried paddle blank and clamp them in place. Dry times may differ depending on what glue you use, but typically most glues will recommend that you allow it to dry overnight.