MysterG
Member
- Messages
- 1,102
- Location
- Wiltshire, UK
My wife has wanted one of these spades for a while. Less than 2ft long and apparently easier to use when kneeling. She already has a long handled trowel but it just bends to easily with the extra leverage and just a 1/4" bar between metal and handle.
Looking around these things are not cheap, especially for something that she might not get on with, so I decided "how hard could it be?"
Bought a handle as I'm no carpenter and it was only a few pounds. Welded the rest up from 2mm mild steel plate.
Now I know carbon steel would be better etc. but it is not for digging big holes and levering out rocks, just planting in reasonably friable soil.
Wanted a blackish finish, but not sure how to achieve it. Tried paint but that was bad, was actually happier with the finish after I tried removing most of the paint, so that's how it will stay.
Waxed the handle and attached it with 2 makeshift rivets (cut down nails).
Had a try in the garden and it appears to work well.
Will have to see if MrsG likes it, but it's a Christmas pressie so will have to wait.
Would love to have a go at forging a decent one.
Looking around these things are not cheap, especially for something that she might not get on with, so I decided "how hard could it be?"
Bought a handle as I'm no carpenter and it was only a few pounds. Welded the rest up from 2mm mild steel plate.
Now I know carbon steel would be better etc. but it is not for digging big holes and levering out rocks, just planting in reasonably friable soil.
Wanted a blackish finish, but not sure how to achieve it. Tried paint but that was bad, was actually happier with the finish after I tried removing most of the paint, so that's how it will stay.
Waxed the handle and attached it with 2 makeshift rivets (cut down nails).
Had a try in the garden and it appears to work well.
Will have to see if MrsG likes it, but it's a Christmas pressie so will have to wait.
Would love to have a go at forging a decent one.