The Annual Probe Search

[diggermeister]

Time once again for my annual probe search.
First; I know I could make my own IF I had a welder, I don't. I do have about fifteen 4 and 5 foot lengths of spring steel from automobile trunks found at a local boneyard. There's plenty more where they came from. And I have good pipe for handles. But again I am sans welder.
Does anyone know someone who makes GOOD Probes for sale?
FYI: Bongo's web page is no more. I have one now. It's ok
Jaken, whom I like the best, won't answer my eMails
http://jaken.tripod.com/probe.html
I also like these very much but he won't eMail me back either
http://bottleanddumpdiggingprobes.freehomepage.com/index.html
And then there are these, not too thrilled with the handle
http://www.cowboyblacksmith.com/probe.htm
and you guessed it; he won't responed either

Is there anyone out there who'll sell me a couple of good probes?
THANKS,

 

[crozet86]

Ive got all my probes from Jaken here in Virginia but it has been awhile and last i tried to email him got no response either. I am also looking for a 6 footer.

 

[cyberdigger]

I hear Sam aka ATHOMETOO makes a good probe..

 

[athometoo]

guess im not the only one to use pipe fittings for a handle . sure makes it easier to ship it to someone . i would offer you one but i have given away 5 out of the six i made and getting to the wrecking yard for a trunk rod is not in my time budget . try your local muffler shop they should be able to braze or weld one for you if you supply the material . only a 5 minute job . good luck sam

 

[athometoo]

hey charlie , seeing as how i dont have any bottles worthy of auctioning for the forum . i was thinking of doing a 4 ft probe plus shipping . what does everybody think ,good or bad idea? sam

 

[cyberdigger]

I think you should sleep it off [] They don't deserve an original Samometer..

 

[acoleg]

You can put me down for one Samometer!

 

[athometoo]

sleep is dream of mine . dang bottle images keep getting in my way . that and work[]

 

[crozet86]

I bought a probe last year at a flea market a guy made and it looked good until i used it the 2nd or third time and the weld broke on the rod and it almost stabbed me.I f i were to make one now i would drill the pipe so the spring steel rod were inside the pipe and then weld it on outside. That way there is no way even if the weld broke it could hurt you.

 

[diggermeister]

ORIGINAL: crozet86

I bought a probe last year at a flea market a guy made and it looked good until i used it the 2nd or third time and the weld broke on the rod and it almost stabbed me.

I f i were to make one now i would drill the pipe so the spring steel rod were inside the pipe and then weld it on outside. That way there is no way even if the weld broke it could hurt you.

That's the way jaken does his. Check out the workmanship here:
http://jaken.tripod.com/probe.html

These seem to be about the best I've seen. I just wish I could get one.