Testing the waters on custom digging tools

[iaddrummer]

Seriously thinking about building some custom shovels and possibly hand diggers and I am trying to gauge interest. I know I can build a great quality product that will compete with the big boys and for a lot less money. So first off how many would be interested and secondly show me some pics and ideas of what you would want. I will be building out of stainless steel and they will be a high quality tools

 

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[Fletch88]

Stainless really is not that strong. Beach scoops are mainly made out of SS for rust resistance not strength.
If you can build tools out of a good heat treated carbon steel and build it way cheaper by all means go for it.
I have been a machinist/ designer/ fabricator for over 28 years and I cannot build any tools cheaper that are as good of a quality as say Predator tools and make it worth my time to do it. Not in such a small scale for a very niche market.

 

[extractor]

Stainless really is not that strong. Beach scoops are mainly made out of SS for rust resistance not strength.
If you can build tools out of a good heat treated carbon steel and build it way cheaper by all means go for it.
I have been a machinist/ designer/ fabricator for over 28 years and I cannot build any tools cheaper that are as good of a quality as say Predator tools and make it worth my time to do it. Not in such a small scale for a very niche market.

Fletch88 - Ditto - you saved me a bunch of typing !

 

[ARC]

Not me... stainless or nothing...
Alum in some things.

 

[Fletch88]

Stainless is necessary for saltwater beach scoops so they do not rust to pieces but not the bests choice of material for dirt digging tools. A good chromoly steel that is properly heat treated is much tougher, harder and cheaper than stainless.

 

[iaddrummer]

i chose stainless because it is readily available for me and isnt expensive compared to buying steel i can get stainless at scrap weight price

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

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