sounds like a good plan KK! you know, we're finding that a handle replacement costs almost as much as a new shovel here! course, the quality of the 'new' shovels isn't what the old ones used to be....unless you find a place like the one sjoerd posted.
DROOPY, BUNKIE and KK-- I have another week's vacation coming up in May and I will look into the possibility of getting out to their forge in Bovenkarspel for the interview and tour. I have tried before but either their schedule wasn't good or mine wasn't. I will see how it goes. Although Bovenkarspel is very close by, I can't just drop in because they apparently have lots of foreign visitors (business people) that want a guided tour and they only work with fire on certain days. This means that I have to sort of talk with Wilma and find out when the conditions will be right. I will promise to get out there and do a little story at the first opportunity. I like it that they make their own tools by hand and they use stainless steel, which is so good to work with in the garden. The soil doesn't stick and they don't rust. The owner once told me when I commented about the high cost of their tools, "They aren't just plain old tools, they're heirlooms"! I had to chuckle. He has confidence in his products alright, I'll say that for him.
I looked today at Home Depot at shovels and although the prices were slightly less than expected the quality was terrible. I would seriously be finding a new handle for that age old friend you have and getting many more years out of it.
Oh yes, the handle replacements here cost as much as the inferior quality shovels... who knew.... I wonder if I could send one to you?
I hope your new one holds up as well as your old one.The last shovel I bought was $9.95 at walmarts and is holding up well.That was 4 or 5 years ago.
Today did some material searching in the garage to replace the handle of the old shovel. 8) I am lucky and found a partially broken hoe handle which is still long enough for the shovel :-D . Still need to get some long solid rivets to secure the shovel pan and the handle end to the shaft. Felt lethargic so just left it to continue tomorrow when I am feeling more up to it. Thanks Bunkie, I will definately work on it. Thanks Sojerd, will be looking forward to your posting on the Tool Making Shop. :-D Fish_4_all, you are right and I will do just that. Thanks for the thought Daisybeans Glendann, the new one is so flimsy and I'll be happy if it can last me a year!!
