The Annual Probe Search

[CALDIGR2]

Nice rig, Chris. Some of my buds run around with stuff piled in the back of their PUs or crammed into a small car, but I'm too fussy for that. We used to put the tips up the shaft like yours, but with CA soft soil it's not necessary. One in a while we have to use a pounder to get started, but not too often. Gravel lots do require a pounder to start the probe holes at all times.

 

[lexdigger]

We use a Spike and a Sledge to get probe holes started in gravel here. Sometimes we can use the spud bar, depending on how deep it is. I CANNOT STAND probing a gravel lot, but you gotta do what you gotta do to get them goodies!!! One of these days I'm gonna have a privy digging mobile all set up and ready to go on the drop of a dime!!!

 

[CALDIGR2]

ORIGINAL: baltbottles

If there is enough interest at $40 I will make up some 5 foot probes and bring them to the Baltimore show. I may also have a spare Tri-pod for sale these are a must have for anyone digging deep privies on a regular basis. They save time and your back.

Chris

I sure could use a tripod but the cost to ship one to CA would be prohibitive.

 

[diggermeister]

A little more research and I find that the price of a low end mapp/oxy torch is between $60 & $100. When I purchase the one I have now about six years ago it was around $30. Inflation I suppose...
I started work last evening on a probe but couldn't finish. It got too cold for my torch to work properly. I will finish it today and post the results later.
I love all the photos of peoples different tool set ups. I say keep 'em coming.

 

[diggermeister]

All right, here are my first couple of attempts at probe making.
Here is the prototype: Not bad if I say so myself...

 

[diggermeister]

This is the second in progress. I tapered the spring steel at the handle end to be sure it won't come through the handle...

 

[diggermeister]

The handle ready to drill...

 

[diggermeister]

The top of the handle brazing...

 

[diggermeister]

The handle braze...

 

[diggermeister]

The tip...