Excal Shaft Question

[adamBomb]

So I was planning out building my straight shaft and pricing it out. As I was doing that I had an idea. I know I want the unit behind my arm, like this anderson shaft:



So, my question is, Can I just add a bottom piece like that to my stock shaft? Why make a straight one when I can use the stock and put the unit on the bottom? Or am I not considering something? My unit came with a waist mount, so I already have a bar and I have some 1/2 PVC that appears to be the right size too so I could use either. The MD would look like a cross between the top image and this:





I already use a Whites DF and its comfortable. So I assume the Minelab could work like this too. There are 5.5 inches of space and that should be enough for stability. If it doesn't work, I was going to make a straight shaft from PVC but I am not sure its sturdy enough. Either way I need to make that bottom piece so I will try on my stock first and see how it looks/feels. I will post pics later today when I have it done.

[Treasure_Hunter]

So I was planning out building my straight shaft and pricing it out. As I was doing that I had an idea. I know I want the unit behind my arm, like this anderson shaft:



So, my question is, Can I just add a bottom piece like that to my stock shaft? Why make a straight one when I can use the stock and put the unit on the bottom? Or am I not considering something? My unit came with a waist mount, so I already have a bar and I have some 1/2 PVC that appears to be the right size too so I could use either. The MD would look like a cross between the top image and this:



I already use a Whites DF and its comfortable. So I assume the Minelab could work like this too. There are 5.5 inches of space and that should be enough for stability. If it doesn't work, I was going to make a straight shaft from PVC but I am not sure its sturdy enough. Either way I need to make that bottom piece so I will try on my stock first and see how it looks/feels. I will post pics later today when I have it done.

The Anderson shaft you have posted isn't behind you arm, it is called the Anderson over under shaft, the controls are below your forearm..... They make extensions you can add to the back of the stock shaft but they are not as comfortable as a straight shaft.. Purpose of the straight shaft is to counter balance the coil, the more weight and length behind your elbow the lighter the front of the shaft is...

Here is the Anderson straight shaft..

[adamBomb]

Do you think that behind the elbow is better than the over under? I like the idea of the over under and that was what I was planning to make. I feel like the behind the elbow one you posted might get in the way of me swinging but IDK I have never tried it.

["Carolina"]

I am confused as normal. Is your question about the stock "S" shaft that comes with the Excal.? If so I see no reason why you could not modify to over under as the Anderson shaft but you will need to mod. parts as well to space the detector from the shaft and I guess PVC 1/2" would work. My suggestion though would be to take one of your expensive detectors listed to the beach and pull a couple gold rings, scrap the rings and contact Pete Anderson and buy the over under shaft made for the Excal. It can be modified to behind the shoulder later if over under is not your cup of tea.

[DeepseekerADS]

Do you think that behind the elbow is better than the over under? I like the idea of the over under and that was what I was planning to make. I feel like the behind the elbow one you posted might get in the way of me swinging but IDK I have never tried it.

I'd just replaced the S shaft with a Plugger straight shaft, with controls behind my elbow.

It does NOT interfere with my swing, and my elbow sure feels a lot better with weight re-distribution.

[Treasure_Hunter]

Do you think that behind the elbow is better than the over under? I like the idea of the over under and that was what I was planning to make. I feel like the behind the elbow one you posted might get in the way of me swinging but IDK I have never tried it.

It has never interfered with my swinging, I have tried both and I prefer the behind the elbow, of course both of my excals have the remote pinpoint switch so I don't have to reach anywhere to switch back and forth..... For me the counter balance is much better behind the elbow, I have used the straight shaft for 10", 12', 15" and 12x15" coils.... I prefer hunting with 15" coils as I get more depth and coverage.....

[toasted]

Why cant Minelab just build these the way users want them? By the time you spend the extra money, you would be better served buying a ctx. Then you would have a good sea AND land machine

[Treasure_Hunter]

Why cant Minelab just build these the way users want them? By the time you spend the extra money, you would be better served buying a ctx. Then you would have a good sea AND land machine

It cost me $25 to make my on straight shaft, a 3030 is $1000 more......

[adamBomb]

I do wish they would just come with a straight shaft and they could engineer a way to allow you swap out coils. I bought one that looks brand new for $800 and it came with hip mount, bag, and original box. I couldn't of gotten a CTX for anywhere near that and I wouldn't want a used one unless it has the new seals and stuff.

I am confused as normal. Is your question about the stock "S" shaft that comes with the Excal.? If so I see no reason why you could not modify to over under as the Anderson shaft but you will need to mod. parts as well to space the detector from the shaft and I guess PVC 1/2" would work.

Yes this is exactly what I am talking about. I want to try it because it will literally cost me $5 to try out. 1/2 pvc + fence clamp.

[toasted]

It cost me $25 to make my on straight shaft, a 3030 is $1000 more......

Well most people end up spending more then that but you still have to buy a different machine if you do any land hunting

[Treasure_Hunter]

Well most people end up spending more then that but you still have to buy a different machine if you do any land hunting

But you don't "have to" is my point..... I bought 2 aluminum deck boom handles from a marine store for $20 each, a pair of handle bar extensions from a bike shop for $10 a pair, drilled holes and that was it, $25 each for my straight shafts....

[Fletch88]

Do you think that behind the elbow is better than the over under? I like the idea of the over under and that was what I was planning to make. I feel like the behind the elbow one you posted might get in the way of me swinging but IDK I have never tried it.

Absolutely the only way to run an Excal! I made mine from aluminum tubing and handlebar extensions (Joe Beechnut design) and plugger heavy duty armcuff. . Attachment 1315899dAttachment 1315902Attachment 1315903

[Fletch88]

I tried a buddy's O/U shaft for about an hour and it is better than stock but nowhere nearly as balanced as rear mounting the control pods. The curved handlebar extension with diamondback grip is also the key to making it neutrally balanced.

[adamBomb]

Well I had an aluminum broom handle in my garage with no broom so I am just making a straight shaft. So far I have spent $16 on screws, pvc, and a bike handle bar but need 2 more parts - ...the arm cuff and the little spring locks for the battery/casing unless I should just use stainless steel screws?. Any good places to get them? I searched ebay but the cuffs were around $30 and spring locks were all in china.

I may also get some marine paint and paint it when its done because the aluminum shaft is bright red lol

[Fletch88]

You can pull the spring locks out of stock shaft with a clothes hanger or piece of tig wire with a little J hook bent on the end. If you can find a welding supply store most of them have some steel, stainless and aluminum tubing/pipe.