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Thread: Sandpit digger
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14th June 2014, 09:10 PM #1
Sandpit digger
Many years ago I saw one of these for sale at a market and thought it was a neat idea. A number of years later when our kids were young I thought I would make one for them to use in the sandpit. I had to scratch the head a lot to remember firstly the design, and then some appropriate dimensions. One got made and eventually outlived its welcome as the kids got older, so I passed it on to my niece for her kids.
I have made a number of these since to give away to charities etc. and always have to stop and think about the dimensions of the previous ones.
This time I decided that I would draw all the components up so that if I need to make another one, or someone else wants to know the details, I will have them for all time.
They are easy to make and don't cost very much as they are only made from 70 x 35 and 42 x 19 pine, and a little bit of 12mm ply. A few nuts and bolts and a couple of strips of 13 x 3mm aluminium round it out. The recipients are always excited.
I have also been having a go at learning to use Sketchup as some people struggle to understand 2D drawings, so Sketchup gives them a better picture of what the finished article will look like. Fair way to go on this journey yet.
Below is a bit of a WIP from today.
Digger.jpg Digger_1.jpg Digger_2.jpg Digger_4.jpg Digger_6.jpg Digger_5.jpg Digger_3.jpg Digger_7.jpg Digger_8.jpg Digger_9.jpgDigger_10.jpgDallas
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14th June 2014, 11:12 PM #2GOLD MEMBER
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Dallas,
Looks great. You have been busy today. My grandson would love one of them. I will keep a close eye on your build.
Regards Keith.
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15th June 2014, 12:23 AM #3
I can see kids really enjoying that. Fact I think I'd enjoy playing on that. Gat dimensions for a bigger on, say, adult size!
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15th June 2014, 07:06 AM #4
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15th June 2014, 09:50 AM #5
One can dig this build....
Looking good Dallas, There is going to one very happy little person soon digging up the whole sandpit....love it, well done.. Cheers crowie
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22nd June 2014, 12:12 AM #6
Finally the weekend is here and I get a chance to do a bit more.
Finished drilling the remaining holes and sanding. A quick test assembly to make sure everything fits, cut bolts to correct length, and then dismantle to start painting (the part I least like).
Some of today's short progress and now the parts are being painted. Could take forever with these cold conditions.
Digger_11.jpg Digger_12.jpgDallas
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22nd June 2014, 07:08 AM #7
That's a really neat piece of work mate.
Every sandpit in the country should have one!
Cheers
Trev.
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22nd June 2014, 08:05 AM #8
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22nd June 2014, 10:09 AM #9
G'Day Dallas, You've sure mastered this mechanical marvel, WELL DONE SIR.....
The little bloke will be digging his way to china sooner than you think, love it. Cheers crowie
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22nd June 2014, 10:54 AM #10GOLD MEMBER
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28th June 2014, 11:09 PM #11
Finally got the painting done. Only a small job, but slow going during the week. Only get to put one coat on one side each night. Surprising it even dries being so cold at the moment. Tomorrow is assembly time.
Digger_13.jpgDallas
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29th June 2014, 01:09 AM #12GOLD MEMBER
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29th June 2014, 12:47 PM #13
Sorry I go to see this thread a bit late.
I built several over the years out of steel for kids and grandkids....
They work a lot better however if you move the pivot for slewing about to where you have the levers fitted - maybe just a tad back toward the seat. That allows the operators' (kids') feet to brace it better, and their weight counterbalances them arm and bucket and sand and thereby reduces the force on the pivot and resulting wear.
Maybe you can have two pivot points to test and compare, given that you would already have drilled/fitted the one under the seat...Cheers,
Joe
9"thicknesser/planer, 12" bench saw, 2Hp Dusty, 5/8" Drill press, 10" Makita drop saw, 2Hp Makita outer, the usual power tools and carpentry hand tools...
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29th June 2014, 02:28 PM #14
Looks great Dallas, I'm sure the kids will enjoy that!
Cheers,
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29th June 2014, 08:29 PM #15
G'Day Dallas, The paint work looks great, well done....
May I suggest that you put a coat or two of clear lacquer over the top of the colour to both seal the paint & give a hard durable surface....
cheers, crowie
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