Jerry, here's a lead for your consideration.
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It's been about 2 yrs since we reached the apex of NEW digging tool designs. Even though our designs cover a wide range of soil conditions I keep looking for a new challege that might need a radical break in technology.
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I found one ;
Some sites have got a unique lower layer of 'paleo' soils that are very hard and doesn't easily break apart.
Such is the case at the Starr site. The wiggle picks wont wiggle, the foot pick knocks out a golf ball sized
morsel of dirt. The Terra Talon works GREAT but is
BRUTAL on the wrist bone...
Following pic is the prototype Mark 1 being tested.



It's just a 24 inch crow bar with a talon welded on.
It's a deliberatly heavy two handed gruncher.
First tests pretty good but might need a longer talon



The concept might be workable but I'm having trouble with a proper name. I'd thought of PALEO TALON or
BEDROCK FLOSS.
But while using it, all I can think of is Jack the RIPPER

Looks good Hal. I really like the concept. Another worthwhile addition to your collection of fine digging tools. I'm eager to see it in action. bringing it to digfest?

SH, Maybe you should call it th Raptor since it has a claw like the V. Raptor from the dino days.

I think you have a winner. May also work well to scrape the top foot or two from the ledge just prepared for digfest.

Another very specialised tool possibility...
Dig sites like C3 & Starr always seem to have a bit of fire rock & dirt that need to be moved before getting
started digging. A rake is the logical tool.



Big wide tines for rock, Standard garden rake welded on for what is left.

WOW. MONSTER TOOL. Im always looking around in old hardware stores for heavy duty garden tools but never have I seen a handle tool with tines like this. Where did you ever find.

AhHa You sharp eyed technical guru....Full details on Saturday

Gil, you wanted a pic of the umbrella stand. For some reason we never got around to it Sunday
Here's a shot.



And the closeup details;







I also did not get around to getting a pic of your tools with the new 2011 paint scheme..At you convienience, could you pls post us a pic..Tks.

Hal, thanks for the information and photographs. This has got to be one of your most ingenious inventions I've seen to date. Im definitely going to make a couple of these. I have a question on the holder for your large umbrella. What size reducer did you use and did it also have a coupling like the one in the picture? Thanks again. Good job.

All parts are just stock plumbing pieces. The O.D. on the drive pipe is about 7/8th inch.
A big factor is that various umbrellas have different diameter poles, a choice of prefered umbie is job one
before buying the rest of the hardware.
No rush, the need for shade season is over, you have all winter & spring to work on it........unless you find another use for a "stand". Like a holder for beverages or a coat hanger