the problem i see with both tools is the apparent(visual)imbalance of weight on both sides of these striking related tools. having done a lot of trailwork i enjoy(kinda) using macleods, shovels, mattocks, picks, etc. but a long day of swinging a tool that is imbalanced does not improve the activity. if its custom tools you are looking to explore then you would do well to find something that no one else has done before. folding aluminum shovel? just a bit ubiquitous. but one digging tool that has versatility- more then one striking point, removable shovel, pick, sledge hammer, hoe, etc. might be an angle to take.
Tig weld the alumin or some cromoly and use set screws and tube clamps to put toghter. If something holds up like this in SOCALS clay and granit trails then it will deffentilly hold up in canadas soil. Theses are strong they are ment to hold a cross member toghter on a engine cage.
finally got a pic of the mcleod / mcloed we made. couldn't find anywhere in the uk that sold them so a look at some on here and american sites and out with the tools and welder. aint used it yet cos i have only just found a place in the uk that sells shovel handles that are long enough but stronger than the bendy broom handle's that are stocked in b&q etc... the uk sucks for proper tools lol
tis about 10" across and is made from 6mm stainless steel. so i nice and strong but light... bring on the building[/Quote]
if you keep having probs with the handle you might consider some tube steel for the handle as well.. good job on the macleod tool. we call it the "oprah" out here. (big heavy ass hoe).
will see how it looks.. might have to modify the bracket that holds the handle encase its to tight etc... maybe so it accepts the taper of the handle...
the problem i see with both tools is the apparent(visual)imbalance of weight on both sides of these striking related tools. having done a lot of trailwork i enjoy(kinda) using macleods, shovels, mattocks, picks, etc. but a long day of swinging a tool that is imbalanced does not improve the activity. if its custom tools you are looking to explore then you would do well to find something that no one else has done before. folding aluminum shovel? just a bit ubiquitous. but one digging tool that has versatility- more then one striking point, removable shovel, pick, sledge hammer, hoe, etc. might be an angle to take.
My shovel would thread toghter not fold. Folding shovels break under heavy loads.
Here in Switzerland the army sells used spades,....small, cheap and not that heavy you can use them as a mattock too. It costs 14$ including a leather shelter.
Post Message
Quote
