Beach / sand scoop / low cost

[Jim Walker]

I have a nice stainless steel scoop. I paid over $100 for it. But I got to thinking about if someone
wanted an idea about a low cost scoop, what could be done. So I stopped by a 2nd hand store.
I found some parts I thought would be ok. 1 large aluminum grain scoop, an a pair of aluminum
crutches. So I took to cutting and playing around. I took a plumbers torch from walmart and some
Aluminum with HTS-2000 Brazing rods. An presto ..... I now have a extra beach scoop with adjustable
handle. I tested it in the yard , I worked well . I know if it can dig dirt in the yard the sand will be no problem.
The only thing left to do on it is fill the extra holes here and their to keep it from filling with water.
Total cost $ 8.00 , not counting the torch which I already had. I brazed the parts together.
Just thought I would share an idea.

 

[Dig]

This is what happens when a metal detectorist breaks their leg.....Nice Job

 

[Jim Walker]

Thanks. I sure hope no broken bones. But if something happens I can always use my scoop to get back to shore
I just got back. I had to go to a local lake and give it a try. With the hand hold on it, it is easy to lift out of the water. An I
think I like it better then a single handle. It is like I have more lifting power and control of the scoop coming out of the water.

 

[Dancer]

Hey, J-W I thing you got something there.

 

[downeaster]

And you can still use it as a crutch when your back goes out from carrying all that gold you found!! Congrats, nice job..

 

[deepseeker442]

wow:

 

[deerman]

nice mod,you may want to put a strap from the crutch to the edge on the cover part of the scoop as it will break at the tip of the crutch were its bolted/welded to the scoop as it flex's at that point and will fail if you don't stop the flexing so a brace will do that for you

 

[Jim Walker]

There is a gusset plate on the front of the scoop at the base of the crutch. The top of the scoop,
I also drilled a hole in the top added plate. An brazed both top and bottom of the crutch to the crutch.
An with the HTS-2000 Brazing rods it will not break. I tested it several times. The HTS-2000 are amazing
rods and easy to use. As you can see in the video, they are strong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSzpmP_vCE4

 

[mudpuppy]

I had some of that rod sitting around, and I had some 1/4" plate, but I had to buy the scoop..@12 bucks, I got 2 with freight it was @35 bucks...everything is keyholed and dovetailed to each other, so even before welding it up it was pretty tight..I tinned the front lip too..the hardest part id drilling all those holes! Thanks Jim!

 

[OldBeechnut]

Nice looking scoops guys, good looking craftsmanship ............. be careful with the HTS-2000 Aluminum Brazing rods, fresh water the braze will hold up fine, saltwater will weaken it at the contact points of the flow and eventually the braze will separate if under stress. Made a scoop 4 years ago, using the rods, 1 year later 20 saltwater hunts stressed joints started to let go...........keep us up on how well they hold up.......Joe