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All Forums >> [Bottle Forums] >> Digging and Finding >> Permission Granted! First dig

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Permission Granted! First dig - 10/23/2003 1:54:27 PM    pvg_320   Posts: 19 Joined: 8/12/2003 From: Olathe, Kansas USA Status: offline From many prospects on an 1874 map of my town, I chose a now-vacant lot that shows a residence on the old map. It's in a part of town that dates back to late 1850s, but no idea on the original date of construction (and first pit). The owner was interested and happy to let me dig whenever I wanted, and mentioned that he bulldozed an old house on the lot 30+ years ago. The lot is next to modern railroad tracks, and has several depressions that I cannot wait to probe. Assuming we'll need to get out of the hole when a train approaches... Since this is my first dig (all of my other finds have been surface on old farmsteads), what advice would you all offer regarding first timer mistakes? I have Digger O Dell's 'secrets' book, and have almost memorized it...but I know there is much more field knowledge to be had. Please unleash the anecdotes, re: simple mistakes that are easy to avoid. 1) How long does an average (midwestern) pit take to dig and fill in? I'll have three diggers with me, one with some experience. Soil is clay, but fairly soft this time of year. I plan on finding the pit from probing and test hole digging the weekend before the dig, so am interested in just the excavation, extraction, and fill in time 2) We have free access to a miniature Kubota backhoe - is this more trouble than it's worth? Am I right in thinking hand shoveling is better b/c there's less chance of damaging things in the upper layers? Opinions please on this - would hate to destroy any of the glass. Will update the board as this progresses. Thanks much- PVG Post #: 1

RE: Permission Granted! First dig - 10/23/2003 2:24:39 PM    Guest i know a few people who dig the tops out with a backhoe. and yes they do break stuff. most pits i dig in central ill. are 4-5' sq. and 6-9 feet deep. with lots of practice and no goofing off i and a friend can dig one and have it filled in 2-3 hours. now this all depends on soil type, and providing there are not any tree roots. diggerodells book is a great start, i bought it about 7 years ago after about my 300TH pit. i thought it was right on. wear gloves ! i cant tell you how many times i have been cut without gloves. dig straight down dont cone the hole. never undercut at the bottom!!! if you find a need to widen the hole start at the top and work your way down. dig after the rainy season to avoid water holes. never dig deep alone!!!!! place old tarps around the hole ,this makes it alot easier to fill them in and keeps the yard clean. if you take lots of stuff out you will have to replace dirt so you will not have a sink hole. you will be building a reputation so dont leave a mess. diggerjeff what state do you live in?? (in reply to pvg_320)   Post #: 2

RE: Permission Granted! First dig - 10/23/2003 3:07:18 PM    pvg_320   Posts: 19 Joined: 8/12/2003 From: Olathe, Kansas USA Status: offline Kansas - near Kansas City Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. (in reply to pvg_320) Post #: 3

RE: Permission Granted! First dig - 11/5/2003 7:31:31 PM    BottleDawg   Posts: 12 Joined: 7/29/2003 From: CO Springs CO Status: offline well haveing dug by "active" railroad tracks before (for work) i know the railroad owns a easement or so many feet on each side of the tracks . it might be a good idea to check into that. they tend to get upset when you dig near their tracks. im in colorado an i would think, but not forsure its the same everywhere with the railroad. an i would have to go with jeff on the backhoe idea, i would use it only to scratch the surface, not much more. ( if it was on site i might use it to backfill ) good luck an happy digging, an by all means show us what you find. _____________________________ Just a PackRatt (in reply to pvg_320) Post #: 4

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