:usaflag: Heavy Duty Scoop (Part--2)

[Cupajo]

The 4th version of the "Hoe" is as sturdy as I can make a scoop while keeping the weight practical.

At just over 7lbs it does a great job of digging among the stones and is easy to handle.

[attachment 199856 PoorMansBack-HoeScoop002Large.jpg]

The hours spent drilling 3/16" holes around the bucket and the 1/4" holes in the bottom (ruined and broke a dozen or so drill bits) have been worth it in that the thing drains fast and is very strong.

[attachment 199857 PoorMansBack-HoeScoop003Large.jpg]

[attachment 199858 PoorMansBack-HoeScoop004Large.jpg]

[attachment 199859 PoorMansBack-HoeScoop005Large.jpg]

It is 8"in diameter and 10" deep with a 1"diameter aluminum handle re-enforced for 20" with a 3/4" aluminum pipe inside at the fastening point.

It is sealed at both ends with epoxy and the glued on foam keeps the handle floating.

[attachment 199860 PoorMansBack-HoeScoop012Large.jpg]

Each of these scoops works well and has its own handling characteristics.

The origional was intended to be used with a sifter and the others are meant to be used without one, but of course would work well with one too.

The stainless all came from the local metal scrap yard at about a dollar a pound.

Nuts and bolts from our local hardware store.

The first two built years ago cost less than a hundred dollars for the pair including the welding etc.

Few scoops on today's market would have stood up to the hard use these endured.

The only change I would make in a future version would be a 7" diameter X 9" or 10" deep bucket with a 3/4" handle of aluminum.

GL&HH Friends,

CJ

PS I only installed the one kick brace as I dig with my left foot and the brace is exactly where it does the most good.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Awesome post and pics! Wish I had time (oh, and the skill) to build my own!

 

[w6pea]

Nice work.

 

[stpauli914]

"Heavy Duty" is an understatement. Very fine work Now go get to using them!!!!!

Aaron

 

[Cupajo]

Thanks for your replies Friends!

These projects are not for everyone I know.

I'm fortunate to have a few tools and the knowledge and experience to use them.

In fact If I was paid for the time I spent putting all these scoops together they would be very expensive indeed!!!!!!!

I've always preferred creating tools I use when possible, first because I rarely find one that meets my needs and secondly, I find many are too costly for what you get.

I already have a smaller version of this scoop in the planning stage that will be 7" Dia X 10" Deep. and a pound or two lighter.

CJ

 

[GaBeachsweeper]

I did basically the same thing about 16years ago. Took a piece of schedule 40 6 inch stainless pipe, angle cut it and drilled the living daylights out of the thing afterward welding a piece of 1 inch stainless tube on for a handle and a couple of 1/4inch (inside diameter) SS tubes for further support. It worked like a charm but was a beast to drag around the beach. Wish I still had it though.HH Jim

 

[ivanll]

love the self do innovations with a great mix of can do attitude ........and the wood stove is a beauty.

ivanll

 

[Cupajo]

Ivan it is always great to hear from you!!

As it turns out there may be better scoops available on the market than I am able to produce and I just today ordered one that looks promising.

It weighs less than half what my creation weighs, but still has to prove itself to me.

I'll keep you posted when I have some info to share.

Regards To You Fellow Hunter,

CJ

PS I'm not 100% certain, but I think that old stove is a coal stove! (I have two as lawn ornamants as they have somehow always appealed to me!!)