Standard shop hoes are made of carbon steel, so they quickly rust and require frequent sharpening, which is further complicated by the rather thick blade. You can make an “eternal” and convenient hoe, and at the same time save money, by yourself from a circular saw blade that is unsuitable for further sharpening. This job can be done by anyone trained in simple plumbing skills and techniques.
Will need
If possible, it is better to choose a thinner disk. It is easier to process, but, what is much more important, the hoe will be light and working with it will be more efficient and less tiring, especially when the area is large. It will also make the process of sharpening and straightening this gardening tool easier and faster. In addition to the old disk, we need to prepare a piece of steel pipe of the appropriate diameter.
Of the tools and equipment we will need:- measuring tool and marker;
- grinder or metal saw;
- anvil and hammer;
- metal heating source;
- electric welding machine;
- mechanical or manual sharpener.
The process of making a hoe
First of all, we cut off all the teeth using a mechanical emery wheel or using a grinder. Then we mark the disk in the radial direction into three equal parts. This will give us the opportunity to make three identical tools for hilling plants, for example, potatoes or for weeding.
We cut the workpiece along the marked lines using a grinder or a mechanical metal saw. In principle, this can be done with a hand hacksaw, but given the strength of the alloy steel from which the disk is made, it will require a lot of time, effort and the availability of several high-quality blades.
To ensure that the soil does not move to the sides when hilling, starting from the center of the cutting edge and to the edges, we make symmetrical bends using a hammer and anvil. The crescent shape, in addition to performance and ease of use, provides greater reliability of the tool due to the appearance of a stiffening rib.
The hoe element (let's call it a bracket), which is welded to the blade, and a handle is inserted into it from the other end, is made from a piece of pipe of the appropriate length. To do this, heat one side, flatten it and bend it at an angle slightly greater than straight.
We weld the bent part of the bracket from the outside and on top to the hoe blade in the center. All that remains is to sharpen the cutting edge from the outside, insert the handle into the bracket, securely fasten it, and our homemade tool is completely ready for work.
Experts say that a hoe made from a circular disk can last at least 40 years.
