Author Topic: Sand Scoops (Read 3100 times)

Davidt24 · « **on:** April 12, 2011, 21:14 »

Does anyone have any tips or recommendations around sand scoops?

I went out last week with a $8 Bunnings soil sieve that I think I saw recommended on this forum but it didn't really perform as I was hoping. Not sure if it was my technique, or if I should have just lashed out for a proper sand scoop.

Thoughts greatly appreciated.

Snoopy36 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 12, 2011, 21:21 »

Lots of terrific sand scoops but most are in the US and due to the length of these, they can't ship to Oz.

OzScoop is there with two types (long and medium handle). I think the long handled OzScoop retails for about $200.

I use a $15 short spade from bunnings (see my gold sovereign video). I'd prefer a proper scoop but this does the job.... for now.... - once the sand has been dug out, i use the pinpointer to locate the target.

Davidt24 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 12, 2011, 23:15 »

Thanks Snoopy. Have seen a hand held one on eBay for around AUD $40, and probably wouldn't want to pay too much more than that.

I found that the sieve didn't really clear the sand very effectively. I was expecting to thrown a couple of spades full of sand in there, give it a few shakes, and be left with just the finds. But had to get in there with my hand pushing sand through. Unless the sand scoops a lot more effective than that, I reeckon I'd be better off using your technique and saving my money.

Shilo · « **Reply #3 on:** April 13, 2011, 04:48 »

Long handed scoops are more effective then using a sieve. Even wet sand can be shaken out of the scoop I use and dry sand is very easy. I got it so I could hunt in the water but now use it on the beach sand as well. The main advantage over any other method is that you don't have to bend or kneel down at all. Also one dig with the scoop goes deep enough to get most targets. Because I'm not constantly bobbing up and down and searching through the sand with a pin pointer, it speeds up target retrieving considerably which means more beach covered.

I brought a Evroexcavator from http://www.stavrscoop.com/ and had very good service. Its well made and the cheapest I could find to get to NZ.

mossie · « **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2011, 09:40 »

A Kiwi! If you go into Forum Profile you can add your location and add NZ then whenever you post we'll all see. Also if you search Sand scoop in the search box there are a number of threads on the topic.

Which part of NZ are you living?

cheers, Mossie

Red · « **Reply #5 on:** April 13, 2011, 13:08 »

Quote from: Davidt24 on April 12, 2011, 23:15

Thanks Snoopy. Have seen a hand held one on eBay for around AUD $40, and probably wouldn't want to pay too much more than that.

I found that the sieve didn't really clear the sand very effectively. I was expecting to thrown a couple of spades full of sand in there, give it a few shakes, and be left with just the finds. But had to get in there with my hand pushing sand through. Unless the sand scoops a lot more effective than that, I reeckon I'd be better off using your technique and saving my money.

Some beaches are easier to work than others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGK7EK1ctj0&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNLFJ_tJeIM

Cheers

Rwork · « **Reply #6 on:** April 13, 2011, 14:34 »

Have a look in the resource section above the forum section.One there from Oz scoop,they may have hand scoops.

Davidt24 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 13, 2011, 19:17 »

Thanks for the info, Shilo and Rwork. And the video's Red. Your handy work? Seems like it is worth further considerations.

Shilo, where on Waiheke are you living? That is where I grew up, and most my family still live so I know it well!

You'd probably be interested in this site if you've not seen it already. The guy seems to do a bit of hunting on Waiheke

http://metaldetectingnz.blogspot.com/

I am assuming it's not you as he uses different detectors from what you have listed!

Shilo · « **Reply #8 on:** April 13, 2011, 20:03 »

Hi David,
I live and work at Surfdale, great to be able to zip home for lunch! Been here 17 years now so am almost considered a local

I kept bumping into Brett of Metaldetectingnz during the holiday season when he was here. He has just got a E-trac so the competition has increased a notch! Nah, it is good there is another person that hunts here as we can give each other hints and tips about the place.

Just been working on a blog myself to keep track of my finds. Only a few posts on it at the moment but somebody might find it interesting: http://islanddetecting.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-hobby.html

Back to the subject, before I got the "real" sand scoop I used one of these cheap scoops which I picked up from the local hardware store: http://www.kellycodetectors.com/accessories/index.php?model=1490-5396 I drilled as many 3/8" holes in it as I could to help shift the sand. It worked very well in the dry sand and Ok in the wet.

Davidt24 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 13, 2011, 21:19 »

Nice site. The Gold Sov and token are fantastic finds! Have you been getting out to many of the historic settlements dwon the "bottom end"?

Shilo · « **Reply #10 on:** April 14, 2011, 04:44 »

Quote from: Davidt24 on April 13, 2011, 21:19

Have you been getting out to many of the historic settlements dwon the "bottom end"?

For the bottom end, I have managed to find and hunt the old Te Matuku school site which is now just a pile of bricks in the bush. Have only found a stoneware ink bottle so far but there is more to do there. Also have got permission to hunt around a WW2 military camp and am working on permission for a couple of other places that are on private property.

For a small island it has a lot of potential, but I think that may be true for any location that has been settled.

Red · « **Reply #11 on:** April 14, 2011, 09:11 »

Quote from: Davidt24 on April 13, 2011, 19:17

And the video's Red. Your handy work?

No, but just like Supersnoopy36, IrocOn2 's videos are well put together, always fun to watch.

A couple of favorites from NZ to watch on youtube, xaalaax and Kramer3278 . My what black sand they have!

Cheers

Wombatzj · « **Reply #12 on:** April 25, 2011, 14:40 »

Hey guys, I picked up a feed scoop from the Horse Supply Shops for around $10. Just drill a heap of 5/8th holes and presto

one cheap and sturdy scoop.
Oh yeah, might be a good idea to heat the plastic just a bit as found the plastic tended to crack a few times during the drilling process, still a heat gun melted all the cracks back together.

loujim · « **Reply #13 on:** April 28, 2011, 16:31 »

Hi Wombatzj,
I posted a thread earlier about my diy scoop. Easy to build and works well. I used a cutlery holder and aluminium rod. Have a look at the thread below.
cheers

http://forum.kimbucktwo.com/index.php/topic,3752.msg28191.html#msg28191

stavr · « **Reply #14 on:** August 22, 2011, 01:10 »

Good day.
I updated my website www.stavrscoop.com and added information, advice and video.
You can ask questions here or in the mail-I will answer.

Ruslan.

Rwork · « **Reply #15 on:** August 22, 2011, 10:29 »

I had a look at the website and found that it didnt have prices next to the pictures. maybe you use the check out? New posters are not supposed to put in adds in the for sale section but i suppose notifying of a website is a little different.
looks like no handle supplied ? Wonder what the freight from Ukraine is.
Ruslan the new poster may not know we have two members building Scoops and
a lot of other handy members.

stavr · « **Reply #16 on:** August 28, 2011, 05:40 »

Rwork. the price is near the scoop.
When you add product to cart calculated shipping by mail.
handle in the complex is not included.
postal delivery time 10-14days (to New Zealand came within 12 days).

Ruslan.

ivanll · « **Reply #17 on:** August 28, 2011, 08:52 »

Ruslan.

Two things that would make it easy and convenient to obtain your scoop from Australia.
1=A shipping carrier.
2=A PayPal account.

ivanll

stavr · « **Reply #18 on:** September 07, 2011, 00:46 »

Do not pay attention to the site to debug .... or incorrectly filled address.
I send anywhere in the world where the postal service.
one parcel is on the way to Australia.
if you have any questions or concerns please contact me at e-mail

stavr · « **Reply #19 on:** September 12, 2011, 05:43 »

bug on the site removed, everything works fine.

ivanll · « **Reply #20 on:** September 12, 2011, 14:17 »

Order made..................... and it appears to have been accepted.

So now we sit back and wait to see if there will be some action.

The post/pay method is unlike any I've seen before, it'll be just sweet if it works.

ivanll

stavr · « **Reply #21 on:** September 16, 2011, 04:52 »

I live in Ukraine and I can not accept Paypal, I can just pay for it.
I will accept any other payment methods ...

5granik-2 did not itself demand model, I make her less often and longer than other models.
now in stock in the presence of a model M-10.
If you are satisfied, I'll post within a day after the payment.

Ruslan.

Adrian ss · « **Reply #22 on:** September 16, 2011, 08:28 »

Got tired of making my own.
I now use an 8 inch Sunspot Stealth Scoop from the States.
It is stainles steel, built like a tank and is scoop only , you put your own handle on it.
A bit pricy but works well.

http://www.gold-scoop.com/thescoop.html

ivanll · « **Reply #23 on:** September 18, 2011, 12:58 »

It's a good looking scoop I just find the holes to big for the small lead pellets we have on our beaches and I dislike having to re dig for a target which sounds good but keep falling through the holes especially when in chest deep water with a few waves that try to lift you off the bottom.

My new order, with 6mm holes.............if it comes.
http://stavrscoop.com/en/16-sand-scoop-monstrik-6.html

ivanll

Adrian ss · « **Reply #24 on:** September 18, 2011, 21:16 »

That would be my only gripe about this scoop, I have had to chase a few items that have got through the holes.
one thing that did fail was the plastic saddle clamp that stabilizes the handle to the scoop; It snapped in half after the first use and I replaced it with a metal clamp. Pretty silly supplying a plastic clamp that takes almost full pressure when hauling back on the handle. With the metal clamp fitted it is like having a front end loader attached to my arm.