:usaflag: Just Got In From The Beach!! :detecting:

[Cupajo]

For several days now as I could find the time I have been putting together a lightweight "sand scoop" for the beach.

I wanted to be able to dig wet sand with it so I made it sturdier than a scoop would have to be if it was just for dry sand.

It has a 1/2" welded stainless screen in the bottom and it can be "stood on" without collapsing the scoop.

[attachment 201738 Homemadesandscoop--thenextgeneration001Large.jpg]

The 40" handle is of heavy gage 3/4" aluminum electrical conduit that is threaded like plumbing pipe, but light weight for its size.

The bottom 6" is filled with epoxy for added strength and to keep water out as is the top 4".

The scoop is a 41/4" ID, 1/8" wall thickness, aluminum pipe from the local metal scrap yard. (An 8' long piece cost me $17.00!)

[attachment 201739 Homemadesandscoop--thenextgeneration004Large.jpg]

I played with this design for a while for ease of building and to get a tough scoop that does a good job without being too heavy.

[attachment 201741 Homemadesandscoop--thenextgeneration002Large.jpg]

The basket is 73/4" from lip to screen and 103/8" over-all.

[attachment 201742 Homemadesandscoop--thenextgeneration005Large.jpg]

The 1/2" screen is of heavy welded stainless wire and is secured by an aluminum split ring pop-rivited into place.

[attachment 201744 Homemadesandscoop--thenextgeneration008Large.jpg]

The two ears are bent in a way to provide clearance for sand removal and to act as a foot pad for pushing in wet sand.

It performed well this PM for an hour or so and should hold up well from what I can see so far.

It weighs in at 31/2Lbs!

I may build a 5" scoop along these same lines too, but so far this lttle one is doing just fine!!,

CJ

 

[Micheal_R]

n/t

 

[Cupajo]

The little unit is for sand, but may work for wet sand as well.

It is much stronger than it looks.

I have wanted to try making an aluminum scoop for a while.

The idea I had was for a small, light weight scoop that could be used above the water line.

So far it has been a performer, but I haven't tried wet sand yet.

Maybe later today--------,

CJ

 

[Cupajo]

Well Mikie I got my answer!

The scoop digs great in wet sand, but doesn't clear the wet sand load that well.

In dry sand it's not a problem but in wet sand/small gravel there needs to be larger holes or more screen to clear the scoop.

Back to the drawing board!

Actually it worked pretty good when I scattered the sand from the hole onto the surface near the hole, but the scoop takes too small a bite and the target needs to be removed from the hole with as few digs as possible or it gets lost!

The best results I've had in wet sand is with the smaller of my water scoops,

CJ