Short shovel from scratch

[Sandskimmer]

Decided to take a stab at making my own detecting shovel. Didn't turn out too bad!



One is solid steel and the other has an aluminum handle. Both blades are 304 Stainless. The welds look like ass but are functional. Not bad for a desk jockey haha.

 

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[Charlie P. (NY)]

They look effective!

 

[Jeff In North Georgia]

Guessing you may have trouble with the Al. handle version bending unless you are in some really soft ground.
But they look good.

 

[Sandskimmer]

I used 1/8" wall thickness on the aluminum pipe. Hopefully that'll be enough to prevent bending. Plus the 3/4" round connecting the head to the shaft is stainless and there's about 4" inside each pipe.

 

[Pointman]

They look pretty good from where I sit.

 

[masterjedi]

Look like Lesche copies...

 

[Sandskimmer]

Masterjedi, I had inspiration to be sure haha. I just thought 70-90 each was a bit steep.

 

[victhedog]

So when does your production start?

 

[Gold Maven]

they look good.
I noticed on one of the TV detector shows, a shovel like that with a piece of handle welded to main handle at a right angle at the top of the blade. More foot room, looked like a good idea.....

 

[Baja]

Nice work! How much weight difference between them?

 

[Sandskimmer]

Baja, a crazy amount. The Aluminum handle weighs probably around 3-5 lbs. The steel one weighs about 10.

 

[extractor]

Good build !

 

[patiodadio]

Great job !!!!

 

[russau]

welds can be redone! over all you did a real nice job on these! to bad you didn't live closer to me! I love TIG welding S.S.!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Sandskimmer]

welds can be redone! over all you did a real nice job on these! to bad you didn't live closer to me! I love TIG welding S.S.!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Rus! I have a design for a shovel with a telescoping handle, but the added weight reduces the desirability lol.