. . . . . . . . . . . . Are you still there Jer

hey Hal, I'm still here. Whats up?

Hi Jer, I had given up on designing new dig tools after we pushed the limits of technology as far as it could go a couple of years ago.
But to kill a couple of rainy days and relive the "good old days " I put together a couple of different screening tools. Might be of some interest to
active screeners.

Two concept prototypes worked good.
This is the "Barksdale"..good for sandy soil,



The "Juno", features long thin tines for dealing with massive amounts of fire rock



The final models. note tines on the Juno is beefed up

Very good job Hal, Two good functional designs. Looks strong but light. Im assuming the smaller short spines between the longer ones in the rake are for grabbing roots and such. The spine on the end for breaking up clods maybe?

Hal, are you going to donate that knife to the Smithsonian upon your demise? That has to be one of the most famous knives in Texas, next to the Bowie knife. Nice looking tools you manufactured there.

Ach, highly technical manufacturing details. ..just like the good old days.

That spur indeed is for a try at a clod cracker... The small teeth ( cut on a diagonal ) was done with just a 6 inch chop saw blade, close tolerance.
I would have prefered they not be there, just for appearance. With great effort I managed to cut & grind out 2 of them...such a lot of tedious work not worth it for the others.

That knife has served the flint world well for 12 years. No plans for retirement but it could find a lifetime home in a display case with the Paleo
material.
I have been musing on a digital watch that in addition to time & date would have an inch scale on the side..for use of documenting static flint ( not for insitu's )

Speaking of homemade tools to cover an individuals needs... . . . >

Check this swing pick that Chuck made...
It's a 10 pound sledge head with a giant chisel welded on...AND ,,,the handle is steel square stock..



When we talk about the "foot pick " that I use, I refer to it as an implement for old people...

I would describe Chuck's invention as being for someone not over 19 in SUPREME shape...( preferably an Ex navy seal )

Still on tools

Probably the most widely used screening tool is the super light weight shrimp croupier.. After years of brutal use ( like this one of Corner tang Ed's )
cracks can occur near the weld



A good easy fix is to put an aluminum backup plate on, rivet or nut & bolt

The new "Juno" screening tool really did a super job On the Juno #2 dig site which is REALLY dense with fire rock that needs sorting.







I like it

With all the high powered "new design " tools and wiggle picks the darling of the landscapers grabing attention :::....Travis demonstrates a golden oldie !!!!

The venerable SWING PICK