Over twenty five years ago I started metal detecting on the local beaches and ultimately in the water lapping on these beaches.
I have tried a few different scoops, but decided I could make them based on my ideas and save money by not buying different ones that were a disappointment.
The water was my primary hunting ground thus the first scoops I made were designed for the hard digging we have locally. (My Poor Man’s Backhoe mentioned in previous posts.)
Recently I decided to return to dry/wet sand hunting during those times when the water wasn’t co-operating.
I wanted stainless and durability and something that was a joy to use. (As a mechanically inclined person, I know when a tool is right for the job)
It had to be sturdy enough for wet/dry sand digging.
I played around with different ideas until I settled on this design.
These are the resulting scoops and they are a joy to use.
The small one on the right was finished yesterday and given a trial run this AM.
It works far better than the other two and I am going to re-build them to a size very close to the new one.
The largest is 71/2" in diameter and the smallest 5".
I thought a smaller screen basket would make it easier to remove items and by making the stainless sheet metal part smaller handling should be improved. (Both are much better now in the smaller version.)
Now a look at how they were made.
A close look at the screen will reveal the ends of the wire are cut long and wrapped around the adjacent wires when bent into a tube shape of the chosen dimension.
Also the long ends are bent outward to cause them to press hard against the inside of the stainless sheet metal tube when it is squeezed down over the basket. I used a couple of nylon ratchet type tie down straps (Without hooks) to draw the metal tube tight onto the wire basket and then bolted through the overlap with two stainless 1/4" bolts, fender washers, nuts and anchored the flattened and drilled bent tubular handle on.
A close look in the basket will reveal the large stainless fender washers.
The materials I used are what I was able buy at the local scrap yard for scrap prices!
I searched the local metal recycling company for 1/2" stainless (welded) screen and found it in the laboratory animal cages (such as used for lab rats, all stainless) they had for scrap prices. (Enough for 1 scoop---all the materials ---about $5.00 locally!!!)
Also there are other sorts of scrap metal in other forms that are useful such as aluminum tubing already bent for handles! (I used shower seats such as are used for folks that can't stand and take a shower) (Enough for four scoops, you cut out the part you need and scrap the rest!) (Bicycle grips--rubber/plastic are a good way to finish the job!! A little liquid soap helps to slip the grip over the handle!!)
All I have to do is cut to fit and the tubing is easily cut with any kind of cheap copper tubing cutter!! (Available in the plumbing department of your favorite hardware store!!)
Using a 4" high speed grinder and a Dremel tool with abrasive cutting wheels I cut the bottom and top lip off the stainless container such as used in labs for storage etc.
I then sliced enough of a piece away to allow the tube to be formed to the pre-determined diameter.
Vice grip pliers, quick clamps and the ratchet straps make working with the parts much easier.
A word of caution!!!!!!!!!! The metal has very sharp edges and must be handled with extreme care to avoid serious cuts, also when the container is split down the side it will spring apart with some force as the shape opens up from the tension created when it was manufactured!!!!
A good half round course file will quickly remove the sharp burrs left by the cutting wheels.
The project has made me realize that you don't have to spend a fortune on a good dry sand scoop if you have a little mechanical savvy and the tools to do the job.
I was sure that if it worked very well for me then others would be able to have the same results!!
I would like to mention that the resulting scoops are very light weight and sturdy!!
They will not withstand heavy abuse, but will last a lifetime if used like a valued tool!!
There are other odd bits of information that may be helpful to you in "building your own" so please ask if you run into a problem!! (I specialize in problems!!)
One thing I forgot to mention is that sand flows through these scoops far better than anything I have ever seen!!
Wet sand takes a little shaking, but dry sand just disappears!!
I took the little sweetie out for a spin this AM after a night of hard rain and stormy weather and she (I must say with all sincerity) the best I have ever used!!
An understanding of the tool needed, a bit of creativity in dreaming up a version that makes use of the available materials and the mechanical skills and tools to fabricate said tool (scoop) are all that's needed!
I realize not everyone has the skill, tools or raw materials for such a project and I am glad I am one of the fortunate few.
I mentioned that the scoops are not for water hunting as they will not withstand really hard use as is common in water hunting (i.e.---standing on the scoop!).
They are great for their designed purpose which is searching wet/dry sand on the beach!
One can control the amount of force needed to scoop sand in such digging, more often than not a gentle nudge is enough to fill the scoop.
The wires are welded where they touch one another except where I assembled the pieces and there it is bent around the part where contact is made (See adjoining picture).
It is fairly heavy gage wire, but exactly what gage I don't know.
I believe one of these scoops can survive a lifetime of "normal" use!
CJ
I have tried a few different scoops, but decided I could make them based on my ideas and save money by not buying different ones that were a disappointment.
The water was my primary hunting ground thus the first scoops I made were designed for the hard digging we have locally. (My Poor Man’s Backhoe mentioned in previous posts.)
Recently I decided to return to dry/wet sand hunting during those times when the water wasn’t co-operating.
I wanted stainless and durability and something that was a joy to use. (As a mechanically inclined person, I know when a tool is right for the job)
It had to be sturdy enough for wet/dry sand digging.
I played around with different ideas until I settled on this design.
These are the resulting scoops and they are a joy to use.
The small one on the right was finished yesterday and given a trial run this AM.
It works far better than the other two and I am going to re-build them to a size very close to the new one.
The largest is 71/2" in diameter and the smallest 5".
I thought a smaller screen basket would make it easier to remove items and by making the stainless sheet metal part smaller handling should be improved. (Both are much better now in the smaller version.)
Now a look at how they were made.
A close look at the screen will reveal the ends of the wire are cut long and wrapped around the adjacent wires when bent into a tube shape of the chosen dimension.
Also the long ends are bent outward to cause them to press hard against the inside of the stainless sheet metal tube when it is squeezed down over the basket. I used a couple of nylon ratchet type tie down straps (Without hooks) to draw the metal tube tight onto the wire basket and then bolted through the overlap with two stainless 1/4" bolts, fender washers, nuts and anchored the flattened and drilled bent tubular handle on.
A close look in the basket will reveal the large stainless fender washers.
The materials I used are what I was able buy at the local scrap yard for scrap prices!
I searched the local metal recycling company for 1/2" stainless (welded) screen and found it in the laboratory animal cages (such as used for lab rats, all stainless) they had for scrap prices. (Enough for 1 scoop---all the materials ---about $5.00 locally!!!)
Also there are other sorts of scrap metal in other forms that are useful such as aluminum tubing already bent for handles! (I used shower seats such as are used for folks that can't stand and take a shower) (Enough for four scoops, you cut out the part you need and scrap the rest!) (Bicycle grips--rubber/plastic are a good way to finish the job!! A little liquid soap helps to slip the grip over the handle!!)
All I have to do is cut to fit and the tubing is easily cut with any kind of cheap copper tubing cutter!! (Available in the plumbing department of your favorite hardware store!!)
Using a 4" high speed grinder and a Dremel tool with abrasive cutting wheels I cut the bottom and top lip off the stainless container such as used in labs for storage etc.
I then sliced enough of a piece away to allow the tube to be formed to the pre-determined diameter.
Vice grip pliers, quick clamps and the ratchet straps make working with the parts much easier.
A word of caution!!!!!!!!!! The metal has very sharp edges and must be handled with extreme care to avoid serious cuts, also when the container is split down the side it will spring apart with some force as the shape opens up from the tension created when it was manufactured!!!!
A good half round course file will quickly remove the sharp burrs left by the cutting wheels.
The project has made me realize that you don't have to spend a fortune on a good dry sand scoop if you have a little mechanical savvy and the tools to do the job.
I was sure that if it worked very well for me then others would be able to have the same results!!
I would like to mention that the resulting scoops are very light weight and sturdy!!
They will not withstand heavy abuse, but will last a lifetime if used like a valued tool!!
There are other odd bits of information that may be helpful to you in "building your own" so please ask if you run into a problem!! (I specialize in problems!!)
One thing I forgot to mention is that sand flows through these scoops far better than anything I have ever seen!!
Wet sand takes a little shaking, but dry sand just disappears!!
I took the little sweetie out for a spin this AM after a night of hard rain and stormy weather and she (I must say with all sincerity) the best I have ever used!!
An understanding of the tool needed, a bit of creativity in dreaming up a version that makes use of the available materials and the mechanical skills and tools to fabricate said tool (scoop) are all that's needed!
I realize not everyone has the skill, tools or raw materials for such a project and I am glad I am one of the fortunate few.
I mentioned that the scoops are not for water hunting as they will not withstand really hard use as is common in water hunting (i.e.---standing on the scoop!).
They are great for their designed purpose which is searching wet/dry sand on the beach!
One can control the amount of force needed to scoop sand in such digging, more often than not a gentle nudge is enough to fill the scoop.
The wires are welded where they touch one another except where I assembled the pieces and there it is bent around the part where contact is made (See adjoining picture).
It is fairly heavy gage wire, but exactly what gage I don't know.
I believe one of these scoops can survive a lifetime of "normal" use!
CJ
