g741.org

Posted: **Thu Jul 16, 2015 8:06 am**

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.; 00 IMGA0096.jpg (28.3 KiB) Viewed 3676 times

: Linseed oiled before measuring. (duh); 01 IMGA0097.jpg (35.4 KiB) Viewed 3676 times

: Starting the new taper with belt sander.; 02 IMGA0153.jpg (39.29 KiB) Viewed 3676 times

Posted: **Thu Jul 16, 2015 8:12 am**

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.; 03 IMGA0155.jpg (21.6 KiB) Viewed 3674 times

: More stain & starting to dry.; 04 IMGA0156.jpg (23.67 KiB) Viewed 3674 times

: Handle assembled and final coat of stain. Then comes the steel wool!; 05 IMGA0157.jpg (29.68 KiB) Viewed 3674 times

Posted: **Thu Jul 16, 2015 1:17 pm**

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.

Posted: **Thu Jul 16, 2015 2:10 pm**

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

Posted: **Wed Jul 29, 2015 3:40 am**

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

Posted: **Thu Jul 30, 2015 3:46 am**

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

Posted: **Thu Jul 30, 2015 5:03 am**

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.

Posted: **Thu Jul 30, 2015 6:00 am**

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

Looking good guy....

Sal

Posted: **Thu Jul 30, 2015 7:01 am**

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!!

Posted: **Thu Jul 30, 2015 10:54 am**

Sal wrote: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.

Posted: **Thu Jul 30, 2015 2:44 pm**

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

Posted: **Thu Jul 30, 2015 4:24 pm**

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.