Results of the new scoop

[M_d_in_guy]

Hi, well I used the home made scoop yesterday for about 2 hours

overall findings

-it worked really good, just need to fine tune it a bit
-I'll probably drill the holes just a bit bigger
-the flotation on it is not needed, the abs and the plastic handle float it
-the bend in the shovel arm works great seems to be at a good angle
-I was able to retrieve items that would have to be re-found with a manufactured scoop(larger holes in them)
-the digging edge will have to be more tapered to a sharp to cut through the sand easier
-5 inch abs I think is the way to go, more in the scoop (this one is 4 inch)

The handle is off a broken snow shovel, I bought a one foot piece of abs, an end cap and some glue, 2 hose clamps
spent about an hour putting it together, about half an hour drilling the holes, presto it was done


Overall cost, some of my time and just over ten bucks.

Cheers everyone and happy hunting

Jon

 

[mudpuppy]

Man! looks good...its important to build a scoop just once so a fellow can appreciate what they cost new, way to go!...I'm still using my homemade scoop, so Hey, nice job!
Mud

 

[M_d_in_guy]

Thanks Mud, I'm pretty happy with it overall, my last year scoop was used so much that the galvanizing was worn right off lol. Good for you on the home made scoop as well. Cheers.

 

[John-Edmonton]

Just get one of those water flotation noodles And attach a piece to the stem....that will give you some flotation.

 

[M_d_in_guy]

Hi John, as in the pic I added about a foot of a noodle, the shovel handle has an airlock in it and plastic both ends, I'll probably have to get an extra weight belt to help keep it down lol, ty for the idea tho.

 

[fongu]

Glad it's working for you. Happy hunting.

 

[M_d_in_guy]

ty fongu, I'm pretty sure with some fine tuning it'll always be the design used for me.

 

[LabradorBob]

Awesome looks great!
Here is one i fabricated

 

[M_d_in_guy]

Hi LB, is that been plasma cut? Looks like a good build, how's it work for you? I had a brass one made last year but the fellow didn't follow my specs, nor design lol. Not to sure what he was thinking while making it.

Jon

 

[LabradorBob]

waterjet cut, works great.stole a handle from the swiffer we had,three section piece.
cut from aluminum.

 

[M_d_in_guy]

Well a little follow up on the scoop and I've used it now for about 10 water hunts. It works great, I step it into the sand and move the handle left and right, it cuts a core out of the sand and or clay and it stays in the scoop until I start the shake on it lol. Often it's a one scoop deal and the prize is in the bottom.

Cheers and HH ev1.

Jon

 

[Ytcoinshooter]

Nice going. I'm sure you'll think of other refinements the more you use it. I've ended up with a variety of mostly purchased scoops that I select based on the the conditions I'm hunting in. Don't forge a backup scoop in case of a failure or breakage while hunting.

 

[M_d_in_guy]

Ty ........YT, I'll definately have a small repair kit with me in the canoe for such emergencies, I look forward to posting when I get back. There are a couple of adjustments that I want to make on the scoop, one is a foot push pedal of sorts. The other being a 5 inch and also a floating sifter.

Cheers and HH

Jon