help a student writer about digging techniques!

[trickster]

I'm writing a story about these two guys that dig a hole inside a house, through the floor and ten feet underground. (this is not the whole story, but part of it involves treasure hunting) I need to know what would be the proper excavation/digging method to dig this hole. I'm interested to know any specifics, type of tools, any techniques to support the ground, beams, how to avoid the hole to collapse, or water to fill in. How would you do it, from beginnign to end. It would need to be methods that two people could use with normal tools, not big expensive piece of machinery. Any information you have would help me, or if you can redirect me to a page about digging techniques and jargon or even a book...

thanks
A student

[stoney56]

I think I saw that episode on "CHIPS" about ten years ago. You might check the Hollywood Archives.

[trickster]

Funny... but I'm looking for accurate techinques - not Hollywood-made.

[weldermark]

you need to contact a reputable excavating company.


Mark

[jeff of pa]

well, most would use 2 tools, a spade shovel & a pick. Being 2 people 2 spade shovels & one pic. only one pic because if 2 then theres a chance of someone getting hurt.
as far a support, that would depend on the situation. not all holes collapse, not all diggers even prepair for it
and water ? a sump Pump if necessary.
you can find out what each of these items look like on EBay or by searching the web
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? I don't think you need specifics on how to use a Pick & shovel, & any sight that sells Sump Pumps, Should have Owners Manuals on how to use them. Shoring sides of a hole, should also be fairly simple. just build a frame using 2 X 4's I shore it up as necessary. & of course a Ladder to get in & out

[jeff of pa]

Spellcheck is another very useful tool.

Whos spell Check FREE Mine or his ?

[stoney56]

Ifs ya rote gud elglsh, u woodent kneed spelczk.

[jeff of pa]

Ifs ya rote gud elglsh, u woodent kneed spelczk.

NO OFENZE TAKIN HEAR. jUSS pESTIN'

[stoney56]

None given. If someone turns on the burner, gotta stir the pot.

[stoney56]

No worries, but ya left the oven and and I thought I smelled something burnin'