DIY "Sampson" digger

Damn nice work! Looks very sturdy! I don't worry about weight so much, I use my shovel as a walking stick.
 
Make it your colors ! I think the factory models are some kind of grey (?). I sprayed mine "rain slicker" yellow, which makes it very easy to spot, late in the evening :yes: I wish I could have powder coated it, but not really available to me.

You are really doing some amazing work, and before you know it, you will have three great shovels. I admire your work!

It's a tossup of colors. I was thinking about hazard orange or goal post yellow for visibility, but I'm worried about walking around in public with a grave digging slasher shovel.:D I have access to all kinds of colors. I just have to barter with the powder guys to get it done for me quickly. It's worth buying a lunch or two.
 
I'm going to be bringing these back to work tomorrow to see if I can get the handles figured out. I saw NCtoad's mod on his post and will probably add that to mine. To anyone who has one of these diggers, Is there any other improvements I can add before the paint stage? I love suggestions.
 
Nice job! I would keep your Powder Coat off the blade except for the top inch or less. Raw scoured metal is the best for sliding through soil.
 
Thank you all for checking this out so far. Been busy and also having trouble with my camera, so sorry in advance for the crappy phone pics. I got the T handles coped, welded and attached finally. I welded the short one at home with my junky home welder. Terrible. Time for an upgrade there. The little guy insisted on color, so I rattle canned the short one with Engine paint. Ford blue, and black on the blade. Hey, it's his. he gets paint on the blade if he wants.:p The short one is 26". The other 2 are at 33", and :shock:4 lbs. More than I was hoping, but bulletproof and I'm sure will outlast me. I may need to make the serrations wider, but I can always do that later. That's the beauty in metalwork. Cut,grind,weld,add,subtract... melt it down and start over if you want. Anyway... here's what I have so far...
 

Attachments

  • imageedit_2_3925305087.jpg
    imageedit_2_3925305087.jpg
    35.6 KB · Views: 838
  • imageedit_3_4728204820.jpg
    imageedit_3_4728204820.jpg
    42.8 KB · Views: 838
  • imageedit_5_7664852626.jpg
    imageedit_5_7664852626.jpg
    47.3 KB · Views: 822
  • imageedit_6_4703061476.jpg
    imageedit_6_4703061476.jpg
    32.1 KB · Views: 839
Couple more...
 

Attachments

  • imageedit_7_5346223659.jpg
    imageedit_7_5346223659.jpg
    38.7 KB · Views: 817
  • imageedit_8_8564020745.jpg
    imageedit_8_8564020745.jpg
    31.4 KB · Views: 836
  • imageedit_9_6180226158.jpg
    imageedit_9_6180226158.jpg
    35.6 KB · Views: 843
I hope to get the handles on the 2 long ones powder coated tomorrow. This has been a fun project and know it will be worth the time and enjoyment put into it, and the anticipation for what's coming when the ground thaws is what I'm all about. When the guys at work saw them i got some funny looks and questions about the serrations. :?: I told them, "They're made for recovery purposes. Only disposal if you ask any more questions, and don't leave me alone if I show up on your sidewalk". I might have gotten a couple permissions for the spring.:laughing: The kids think they are perfect. I can't wait...
 
Back
Top Bottom