shovel project

[wyn]

It's looking good.

I'd bend the handles closer together so when the shovel is closed you just have enough room so they don't smash your hands. This should let you dig deeper.

 

[marky2222]

It's looking good.

I'd bend the handles closer together so when the shovel is closed you just have enough room so they don't smash your hands. This should let you dig deeper.

thanks for responce
yeah i was thinking about that as when there closed the handles are still wide
how would i go about bending the tubing without taking the hammer to it and squashing the tubing like a pancake

cheers

 

[wyn]

Maybe just above where the handles are welded on ( in the new thicker tube)cut part way through with a cutting disc, on the side you want to bend it towards, then bend it and weld back up.

 

[Prodigalson]

Bending

If you wanted to use a bit of heat on the handles, (iffy, I know with Galv), then just pack the handles really well with VERY dry sand. The kids play stuff is best,as it's very fine. The sand will stop the walls collapsing.

If you want to do it cold. You can get some stuff called "sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate"(think that's how you spell it). Comes in crystal form. Once an indirect heat is applied, it liquifies. Pour it into the handles, let it cool. Once it has turned back into a now solid crystal structure. Bend away. Then apply a small amount of heat and it liquifies again. Pour it out, and Bob's yer Auntie's wife.
I know that all sounds long winded for a set of shovel handles, but I thought it may come in for other projects.

 

[gordon stephenson]

Definitely bend the handles as Wyn suggests or make a Mk2 version as per style D, there will be a lot more control and increased digging force with your hands closer together.

 

[marky2222]

thanks for advice guys but i have dug the 20 holes i wanted now and got my posts in mebey get round to sorting the handles out if i ever use them again but i have to day there were very effective not sign of breaking and the clay was very soild
i ove loosended it up with trence shovel first then just use the shove holers to remove the loose and i have to say it was a hell of alot quicker than having to neel down and remove it by hand spesh when you get to 2 ft deep lol
cheers
mark

 

[chunkolini]

sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate?
That does sound interesting.
My what big words granny.

 

[strube1369]

sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate?
That does sound interesting.
My what big words granny.

Hey Chunk, I love them big words. In fact, I have a few myself but, much like my welders, I really don't know how to use them all that good...

 

[Prodigalson]

Many years ago, in a land far far away. Granny worked as a pipe bender. She always called the chemical "Hypo" (no idea why). Stops the pipe walls collapsing a treat, but if you get a flame on it, it stinks like a b****r because of the sulphur content.