S/Steel

slow_worm · « **on:** February 19, 2007, 13:57 »

I have just started an allotment. One of the older hands has recommended a stainless steel spade and even gave me a demo of his compared to mine! The clay soil sticks to regular steel spades but the stainless blade is fantastic and should make digging easier I hope!

muntjac · « **Reply #1 on:** February 19, 2007, 15:07 »

it does but they cost three times as much . if you rub yours down with cooking oil before and after use you will get the same results for a spade costing a £ 10

and a 3 litre cooking oil is only £ 1.50p ansd im still on the same one from 4 yrs back

fluffypebble · « **Reply #2 on:** February 19, 2007, 15:33 »

I got my stainless steel spade (and fork and rake and hoe) with ash handle from Wilco's it cost me £10. Used it for the first time yeaterday and it is quite good - kept chopping worms in half, by accident.

Bigbadfrankie · « **Reply #3 on:** February 19, 2007, 17:40 »

hi slow_worm.

I just dropped big hints and got the stainless for Christmas

I think it is better. But not essential. You will find that you can spend a fortune getting kitted up. Best to spread this over a few years. A new toy every few months. You might find a second hand greenhouse for the price or a SS spade and I know which I would have first.

shaun · « **Reply #4 on:** February 19, 2007, 18:21 »

stainless steel spades and forks are quite expensive for a decent one anyhow.if you know some one who does a bit of shot blasting (an industrial painter) get them to give the steel spade or fork a quick blast with plastic beads and that polishes it up no end after that keep it clean and oiled,never leave soil/clay to dry on it as that etches the face off and your back to square one with a not very slippy tool.

Eristic · « **Reply #5 on:** February 19, 2007, 18:55 »

Aquire yourself a paint stripper tool and keep it handy for a sneaky break at the end of each row while you clean the spade. Personally I think stainless steel spades are overrated and prone to snapping.

slow_worm · « **Reply #6 on:** February 20, 2007, 13:50 »

Thanks guys for your comments... already ordered one I'm afraid a spear & jackson one.
I saw some regular steel spades in the stores for the same price! so the decision was made!

Bigbadfrankie · « **Reply #7 on:** February 21, 2007, 18:18 »

Quote from: "Eristic"

Aquire yourself a paint stripper tool and keep it handy for a sneaky break at the end of each row while you clean the spade. Personally I think stainless steel spades are overrated and prone to snapping.

Crikey how strong are you :?:

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