Digger info needed

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	Digger info needed « on: March 17, 2010, 12:44:01 pm »

The hunting knife i use bends at the handle when prying up the plug so i decided to make a digger. I was goning to make it a hunting Knife
style but decided not to after reading many post say how important it is to have the hand guard. so lesche style it is.

But i could use some dimensions and tips on what you like in a digger.I am using hardened steels 56-61 rockwell like A-2,D-2, M-2, CPM-15V, Vanadium4. it is not 5 Hour job.
It's not that i'm cheap, i just like the satisfaction of making my own tools especially if they come out better than one bought.
the fisrt try will probably be A-2 steel

1) need dimension (heigth) of center of handle from bottom of blade. Is handle better closer to blade or in middle of guard.
2) Demension of the handguard from bottom of blade and width.
3) best over all lenght and width of blade (connot be bent concave like other diggers due to it hardness). is longer better?
4) how about a magnet pressed or epoxyed an 1 1/4 up from tip? good yes or no? has any one tried this?
5) any suggestions appreciated

Thanks, Epi

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	Re: Digger info needed « Reply #1 on: March 17, 2010, 02:59:08 pm »

Hey Epi, these are personal preferences, but here goes:
1) I'm having problems picturing what you are talking about.
2) If your talking about how much I want the handguard to stick out past the blade, I'd go a minimum of 1/2 inch all around.
3) 8 to 10" blade length by 2 to 3" blade width. Longer is better only to a point...once you get past 14-18" overall length it will probably get unwieldy and you might be better off with a narrow bladed shovel.
4) It would probably make more sense to press or epoxy the magnet into either the blade side side of the hand guard or into the handle. Unless your magnet is really thin, putting the magnet on the blade will probably interfere with smooth digging/plug cutting.
5) if you make the blade guard large enough, you might want to consider a threaded handle so you can add an extension to the handle (allowing for use as a narrow bladed shovel in those really hard pack situations).

BA

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	Re: Digger info needed « Reply #2 on: March 18, 2010, 06:16:58 am »

Hi, BA thanks for your reply.would have thought there would have been more takers on this subject but i guess most
detectorist dig with their hands. LOL
To better clarify leshe diggers are a flat piece of metal bent on a 90 degree angle which becomes the guard and the handle is placed
somewhere on that handguard. Making the blade lower than handle.
I like it in the center like a knife but will be harder for me to make. The magnet will be recessed in the blade if i decide to use it
though it might be helpfull for small iron.

Thanks again, i appreciate any advice from an experienced TH
Epi

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	Re: Digger info needed « Reply #3 on: March 18, 2010, 07:27:34 am »

Hey Epi, I am not much of a coin shooter except on the beach so can not add anything. But back in the day I used old hickory butcher knifes, easy to keep sharp, easy to find cheap, and easy to magnetize if you wanted. If I ever go back to yard's and play grounds will want to upgrade so keep us informed on your project please.

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	Re: Digger info needed « Reply #4 on: March 18, 2010, 07:55:11 am »

Will do, but it will be a while took about 5 hours just to slice the blade of a block of steel.
Epi

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	Re: Digger info needed « Reply #5 on: March 18, 2010, 08:40:42 am »

BA what do you reccomend for someone that couldn't make his own tools if his life depended on it and wanted to get good digging tools and a good plug maker? Thanks

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	Re: Digger info needed « Reply #6 on: March 18, 2010, 10:10:44 am »

	Quote:	Posted by upsmanpa
BA what do you reccomend for someone that couldn't make his own tools if his life depended on it and wanted to get good digging tools and a good plug maker? Thanks

This is my current digger of choice........

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I picked mine up at my local Lowe's for under $13. It's not perfect, but it's the best I've found at a price I'm prepared to pay.

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	Re: Digger info needed « Reply #7 on: March 18, 2010, 12:16:48 pm »

I found your post very interesting, have you thought about forging a tool instead of cutting it out. I have alot of freinds that are blacksmiths and they make all there own tools.

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	Re: Digger info needed « Reply #8 on: March 18, 2010, 01:38:37 pm »

Don't have the facilty or knowledge to forge.but have access to steel that has already been heat treated.
And can work with it well enough, there are limitations of coarse.
I am next going to practice cutting a serated edge that will cut both on push and pull.It seems to me
the leshe will only cut on the push like a hacksaw.
I am not positive about that ,since i don't own one but will try this anyway.

Thanks, for your interest Epi

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