Making a Prospectors trowel - digging tool for metal detecting

Рет қаралды 18,275

4 жыл бұрын

This prospectors trowel doesn't involve much forge work but its an interesting project. I really like the way the turned apple handle looks on the digger. This will be used for metal detecting.
Black Bear Forge is a small one person blacksmith shop located in southern Colorado. My current focus is shifting away from commissions and customer orders and towards education through these videos on KZfaq. Thank you for watching
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Пікірлер: 127

@elmermainville4429 4 жыл бұрын

It's an honor to watch heirlooms being created. It will be priceless to your grandson. Thanks for sharing this on your channel!!

@grandadz_forge 4 жыл бұрын

It's so refreshing to see a bandsaw blade being used without the word "Damascus" popping up. Oh crap, I just did it

@heatshield 4 жыл бұрын

that has to be the most love I've ever seen put into a diggy thing.

@michaelhayes1678 3 жыл бұрын

I sure hope your grandson loved it, such beautiful work there sir!

@jeffsuper1025 4 жыл бұрын

Great project, not all blacksmithing is all blacksmithing!!!

@johnnybushman651 3 жыл бұрын

Very very nice , made with grandads loving hands. Thanks for the video

@waltparkhurst2494 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome video John I'm sure your grandson will love and be proud you. God bless

@Thebigmanmetaldetecting 4 жыл бұрын

That's a beautiful trowel John I've used several trowels since I started detecting and yours is excellent you should started making them to sell in your Etsy shop they can be quite expensive but I would recommend making the bar going up the handle a bit thicker as they can take a lot of punishment and it's usually the handle or the tip of the them that have a tendency to break keep up the good work Simon

@mitchelperkins6723 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice gift. Here is a little tip I learned dealing with epoxy in blind handle holes. I picked up a bunch of medicine syringes like you give liquid meds to kids with. You can draw the epoxy up in them, place a small brass tube, or plastic straw on the end and inject the epoxy Inside with little mess. Hope your Grandson enjoys using it. Never know when a treasure might be found!

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Good suggestion, thanks

@ericcartrette6118 4 жыл бұрын

Saw blade steel! I work with it every day. I sharpen them for a living. It will ruin tools. I like it better as a trowel. Nice job.

@billofalltrades1468 4 жыл бұрын

That was awesome! I am a metal detector, I will say that is the best looking digger I've ever seen!

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@BB_46 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent job, I'm sure your grandson will love it. 👍

@tobyjo57 4 жыл бұрын

What a super Project John. Your innovative nature to re-purpose stuff into usefull items with ingenuity and creativity is TOP CLASS. You have wood turning skills too that we would love to see more of. Thanks for all you teach us guys out here in the world.

@michaelclark2840 4 жыл бұрын

That's one hell of a bandsaw blade!

@chux72vette 4 жыл бұрын

Great job John. I too enjoy making things rather than just buy/order them. They’re mostly appreciated more I believe but I get the satisfaction. Looking forward to more patiently. Cya soon~

@jefffarley9223 4 жыл бұрын

I for one enjoy your less blacksmithing videos as much as the heavy blacksmithing videos. You are an amazing teacher and I enjoy all of your content.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@tylerkrug7719 4 жыл бұрын

That's a hell of a bandsaw blade! Wow!

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

That they are

@ga5743 4 жыл бұрын

Hope he finds lots of treasures using his grandpa’s gift. Nice job John.

@steelpennyforge5152 4 жыл бұрын

wonderful gift! Very well done

@stationaryenginesworldwide 4 жыл бұрын

I do a little metal detecting myself and to have a digging tool that I personally made sounds like a great project I can see in my future.thank you John for your awesome talents and the great ideas you present to your viewers,you sir are truly gifted and talented..

@XavierFaelington 4 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed the change of pace with the wood working. I don't think I've ever thought of a ground digging tool as beautiful before but that is certainly a lovely tool. Those have to be the biggest and most insane wood working tools I've ever seen, I assume you make them yourself. As always John great video and I look forward to the next.

@jimhumphrey 4 жыл бұрын

It's always satisfying to know you have made something useful for the Grandkids. And your woodworking skills seem just fine.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@tomcarlson3244 4 жыл бұрын

Jim Humphrey John always says he is no expert but it always looks like he really knows what he is doing.

@jimhumphrey 4 жыл бұрын

@@tomcarlson3244 Yea and he also claims not to be a master Blacksmith too. 😊

@jeffgrier8488 4 жыл бұрын

Looks great John, he should many years of service from it, and the pride of knowing it is handmade.

@richardsolomon8076 4 жыл бұрын

Great gift grandpa John :) it didn't show in my inbox but showed in suggested viewing, so I can only guess that utube might let the cat out of the bag, either way that's a mighty fine tool may he find years of treasures with it :)

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

I think KZfaq had a hiccup

@jimtalbot3989 4 жыл бұрын

Its good how the two trades come together. I miss using a lathe, but there hasn't been much call for one in our shop in the last few years, too easy to buy premade stuff. Love the video, nice job!

@beni2094 4 жыл бұрын

Cool gift! Accompanied with the video of grandpa making it. Priceless

@thijs3514 4 жыл бұрын

Missed this video somehow, it was super nice with all other handcrafting!

@shortfuse43 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice job on the trowel. Nice to see some O/A welding (or brazing as it appeared to me). Not many people are doing it these days except brazing on cast iron.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

It was welding, brazing would use a softer rod such as brass. I use iron based welding rod

@shortfuse43 4 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge OK, thanks for the clarification.

@priority2 4 жыл бұрын

Found your channel today thanks to Randy Richard’s recommendation. Very happy I did! Subscribed and looking forward to more of your excellent videos👍😊

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the family

@tinkmarshino 4 жыл бұрын

Hey John.. I never got an update on my notifications today.. I found you this time buy just hitting the youtube button to see what was there.. and there you were 8 hours ago..ooooo the squeak of the file gets me..and now the original tig welding.. Nice job John.. your the man that can do anything...;-)

@garethbaus5471 4 жыл бұрын

KZfaq doesn't seem believe you actually want to see the content from a content creator when you go through the trouble of clicking subscribe.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Seems like a glitch in the system on this one. Hopefully its all back to normal for tomorrows video

@tinkmarshino 4 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge yeah.. I just found some comments and a new video in my upload bell that it didn't tell me was here.. KZfaq has made some changes that have not exactly had the bugs out yet I think.. But soon I am sure!

@BrianClunie 4 жыл бұрын

That's a beast of a digger; it's awesome to see how things are made, I just subscribed!

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the sub!

@kam70111 4 жыл бұрын

Reminds me of a foldable tool I carry in my jeep for emergencies. The Himalayas, riverine area, muddy. I use the tooth end to cut roots of river grass in order to lay out a mat in front of the tyres. Except it has a pick at the other end.

@TheRustyGarageandHomestead 4 жыл бұрын

That's an awsome versatile tool John great job great video. Thanks again

@maknifeandrods7701 4 жыл бұрын

very nice job I'm sure he will love it

@HWPcville 4 жыл бұрын

Good looking shovel and handle. For mixing epoxy I use Great Value 2 oz plastic water cups and popsicle sticks. Its easy to vigorously stir and less likely to make a mess.

@brysonalden5414 4 жыл бұрын

Inspiring, as always! Next, forging a hori hori trowel? Similar, but lots more forging.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thats not something I am familiar with, I will have to look it up.

@giancarlocipolla4416 3 жыл бұрын

You are definitely an artist, I wish we were closer, I would have asked and paid you to make one for me.

@johnsine7154 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent job!!! I have made similar tools for use and drilled my hole through the wooden handle just small-town for the threads to bite into the wood and epoxy resin,nor glue was even needed~ Merry CHRISTMAS!

@bobvines00 4 жыл бұрын

John, your Grandson ought to get good use from this trowel! I got my first metal detector in the early-to-mid '70s and still have it -- it still works fine. If i was going to change anything, I'd make the "saw" teeth finer for sawing roots rather than hanging up on them. But the design really depends on the type of soil he will be digging in. Thank you for sharing.

@danojames8329 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome work saweet

@paradisefalls37 4 жыл бұрын

I Blacksmith and metal detect! That trowel is spot on! Fantastic craftsmanship , very impressive!!

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. You would probably know what the purpose behind the flat back is then. Just a hand guard or is it something more?

@paradisefalls37 4 жыл бұрын

Yes the flat back is a hand guard, I feel that it also adds extra strength; it allows the treasure hunter to better position their body & arms over the top of the plug/hole they are digging. Thank you for all the amazing Blacksmith videos over the years. Huge inspiration!!

@Redneckemtb 4 жыл бұрын

Another cool video John. Love all the different camera angles at the lathe.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@josephmaschari1073 4 жыл бұрын

Nice trowel,

@marty01957 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome job, John! I think he will love it!

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@heatshield 4 жыл бұрын

this looks awesome. I can hardly wait.

@lorenyoung7320 4 жыл бұрын

Your friend is very lucky to have someone as skilled as yourself for a friend. Great job. If only off-the-shelf products were made with the same care and pride in a job well done. Merry X-mas to you and yours.

@rockycarr395 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video and product as always. My only addition would be to tell you that turning wood on the lathe shares the same steps as blacksmithing in ways. First square, then octagon, then round. As you demonstrated square corners can be cut round. It is however easier and faster if you cut 45 degree angels on the squares first via table saw or band saw. This makes the square an octagon, then the lathe makes it round. I love the comparisons. Please keep up the videos as I learn a lot from them. Perhaps my next trip to Colorado I could see your shop in person.

@frankgaletzka8477 4 жыл бұрын

Hello John Thats a very niche Video Your Grandson can be proud to have such a Granddad👍👍 Making this tool Shows very good Your skills in metal and wood 👍 Work. Go on with your work its very inspiriering and usefull Good bless you Yours Frank

@petepeterson4540 4 жыл бұрын

sod yes and small roots

@mikesellers8007 4 жыл бұрын

Great handle from a guy who is not an expert with the wood lathe! Great video.

@Zogg1281 4 жыл бұрын

Very cool!! Looks like you could also use it as a bayonet....... which is probably as close to knife making we will ever see on you channel! LOL I think your grandson is going to love it. Have a very happy Christmas 😊

@rjg3876 4 жыл бұрын

That original blade is scary big. impressive

@clifftonicstudios7469 3 жыл бұрын

Great skills

@oscarnotar400 4 жыл бұрын

Very good!!!!i like You work!!!!

@fxpestoperator5527 2 жыл бұрын

Very NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@NeilGraham.I.M.F 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice

@heatshield 4 жыл бұрын

actually cutting roots is quite often needed when swinging around the ole beepy gear.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Hopefully this will get the job done.

@heatshield 4 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge I'm sure it will. Hopefully the young man will find something that will just make his day, and he'll look at the thing you made, and the thing he found with it, and treasure them both. Thanks for taking the time to do this for all of us, and to talk with me today. 👊😎

@BCM1959 4 жыл бұрын

I was going to suggest this also. I think you did another quality item, no surprise there. Merry Christmas.

@42icee 4 жыл бұрын

Great handle for "not being qualified to tell anyone about lathe turning'. Love the video

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

I resort to sand paper to clean up the piece way more than a more skilled turner would.

@billyproctor9714 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing the making of this with us. As a user of these types of tools I would caution users when using these serrated type digging tools when digging artifacts or items of value as these teeth can soon change a $200. coin to a $2. by scratching items up or breaking glassware. Cheers, Billy in Canada

@ericdouglas9804 4 жыл бұрын

I was watching the Christmas festivities from Beulah this morning while waiting for the 6:00 a.m. notification and it didn’t come. So I watched all the holiday cheer and when it was over, here was the video: made my morning. BTW John, I really “dig” this one 😎👍👍

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

I wonder if KZfaq is having notification issues.

@ericdouglas9804 4 жыл бұрын

I don’t know. It hasn’t even shown up in my inbox

@groundskeeper5292 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job. I like the style of handle. Looks 18th century. I just finished a digging tool myself tonight but it's a bit more crude than yours!

@richardbradley961 4 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU , THAT WAZ A LOVLEY WATCH,. REGARDS RICHARD IN U.K.

@thomasarussellsr 4 жыл бұрын

Ahh, the hazards of posting Christmas gift videos before Christmas. Hope the surprise wasn't ruined for your grandson. Nice trowel.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

I don’t think he watches KZfaq, so hopefully he didn’t know

@TheOldaz1 4 жыл бұрын

Nice job John, although when you put the bolt in there I was expecting a recessed nut in the end of the handle. Would love to find some of that band saw blade.

@antoniobarquerohidalgo1094 3 жыл бұрын

buen trabajo MISTER

@SchysCraftCo. 4 жыл бұрын

It would be a pretty good beginner project

@stationaryenginesworldwide 4 жыл бұрын

ps ...Merry Christmas to you and yours.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas

@1924ab 4 жыл бұрын

Lucky boy your grandson!

@williamlott7612 11 ай бұрын

You need a bigger gouge John. Darlington, South Carolina

@PavlovsBob 4 жыл бұрын

I'm sure he'll treasure it.

@ganjalfcreamcorn8438 8 ай бұрын

that thing is fricking sweet, will you be my grandpa? haha

@petepeterson4540 4 жыл бұрын

a magnet as well rare earth magnet so that nail or any ferrous metal will stick that you keep missing the find

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Good sugestion

@65burnie 4 жыл бұрын

Was that cable you used to friction burn those lines in with ?

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Just a piece of wire

@65burnie 4 жыл бұрын

thanks

@Jeremy-se2de 4 жыл бұрын

This is probably an obvious n00b question, but what did you use to finish the blade/get that patina on there? Was that just as-is after the last wirebrushing?

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Johnsons paste wax applied just hot enough to melt

@Jeremy-se2de 4 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge Thanks!

@tomcarlson3244 4 жыл бұрын

He will cherish it. I hope he finds a gold coin or any pretty piece of jewelry.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

I'm guessing pennies and rusty nails. But one must hope for something really cool

@rbaker1423 4 жыл бұрын

Where in the world did you find that chunk of old bandsaw blade? (And how did the teeth on one side get that worn down before someone replaced it?) That is too cool to cut up for stock. You should just hang it on the wall.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

It came from a saw mill in the Pacific Northwest

@ranieriruscitti6551 2 жыл бұрын

Come si fa usare così il flex da incoscienti

@tomfarrow710 4 жыл бұрын

Started to look like a short sword breaker.

@MatthewBuntyn 4 жыл бұрын

This video showed up in "Recommended," but not in my subscription feed, even though I'm still subscribed. Strange

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

I wonder if thats why the views are down this morning.

@MatthewBuntyn 4 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge It's happened to me a couple of times before, but this is first time it's happened on your channel

@mandolinman2006 4 жыл бұрын

I had the same issue.

@robertwhitney2232 4 жыл бұрын

I never got a notice of this video, just found it by going to your web site and there it was. Was interesting that you have a wood shop in the basement, what else are you hiding from us?