Pioneer Tool Shovel Modification

[Tim Powell]

Was not sure if this should go in the builders blog since it's not about our truck.
Been modifying a new shovel brought home from Topeka. After prepping it with linseed oil I discovered it was 3" too long.
The pictures ain't the best but here is the way we went about redoing the handle.
I removed the handle and cut 3" off the end.
Using the piece I removed I marked the fresh cut end and then drew a circle on tip of the handle the diameter of the taper.
Gently clamped my belt sander in the vice and turned the handle slowly until the desired taper was reached. This was a long slow process!
Measure twice, sand a little at a time.
I'm trying to achieve a old used veteran-shovel look so I used some dark stain. I'll steel-wool the finish to the desired look.
To be continued,

New shovel in treasures from the convention in Topeka.

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Linseed oiled before measuring. (duh)

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Starting the new taper with belt sander.

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[Tim Powell]

Hope to finish before this Saturdays parade in Wapello Iowa.
Rain today so the drying is going to be slow.
To Be Continued!

First coat of stain.

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More stain & starting to dry.

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Handle assembled and final coat of stain. Then comes the steel wool!

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[Carter]

Good job Tim, I thought that you could make a proper looking shovel from what you started with. Your post might help other guys that want to try remaking one to complete their pioneer set. Thanks for posting this informative how-to dissertation my friend.

[Tim Powell]

Thank You Carter.
Will follow up with a few more shots mounted on the truck.

[Tim Powell]

Will someone give me the proper tool mounting procedure and which straps to use where.
I know 3 straps are required. I bought 5!

[T. Highway]

Here you go Tim, I think it was the 8th post and the picture is of Carters pioneer rack and strap configuration.

http://www.g741.org/PHPBB/viewtopic.php ... aps#p56485

Bert

[Carter]

The tool rack has 3 loupes for straps in these locations, these are the correct spots for hold down straps. I was using a 4th but have now remove that one and this shot I have incorrect straps, WWII ones because I like the look but the locations are correct.

[Sal]

Wow.. Thanks Carter for removing that 4th strap. I was loosing sleep over it
Looking good guy....

Sal

[Tim Powell]

Thanks Guys!!
Wow, that looks nice! I finally gave up on my handles last week.
All three looked to be a different type of wood and they didn't match worth a darn.
I got flustered and painted everything flat black. A carpenter I am not!
Pictures to follow a bit later. Thanks for all the help!!

[Carter]

Wow.. Thanks Carter for removing that 4th strap. I was loosing sleep over it
Looking good guy....

Sal

Loosing sleep will continue shortly for you Sal I removed the strap only for the shot AND have already replaced it.

[Tim Powell]

Hope Sal doesn't get too mad at my strap situation!
I'm thinking about duct-tape and tarp straps I brought home from my rig.
Maybe an old rusty log chain and boomer or two!
Sal wrote:
Wow.. "Thanks Carter for removing that 4th strap. I was loosing sleep over it, Sal"
Like Warren Zevon said, "I'll sleep when I'm dead!"


I'm drinking heartbreak motor oil and Bombay gin
I'll sleep when I'm dead
Straight from the bottle, twisted again
I'll sleep when I'm dead

[Tim Powell]

Trucker-Tim Not Happy.
Tools don't seem to fit right?
Straps don't seem to be long enough?
Is the ax sitting far enough into the slot?
I'll get some better shots tomorrow outside in the sunlight.

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