digging trenches

joshi · Post by **joshi** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 5:53 pm

This is obviously a solved problem, so rather than try to experiment with solutions, I thought I'd put it out into the ether and see how the big boys do it.

Basically I just need to dig a bunch (maybe seventy feet or so) of wire trenches for this computer-controlled LED thing I'm doing. A shovel (at least a big one) seems like a bad plan. Last year I used a piece of candycane rebar for my wire trenches and that kind of sucked too. What's the best tool (non-motorized, unless you're offering to dig my trenches for me) to do the job?

Thanks!

JSP/joshi/Squigglechmp

RebeccaRiyana · Post by **RebeccaRiyana** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 12:29 am

I know that the cafe peeps use a trencher to dig those power line trenches (cuz my partner is the one that does it!). I can't think of HOW you might do it without one, but I'm sure someone around here will have some good ideas.

Token · Post by **Token** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 12:57 am

A wireless micro transceiver.

joshi · Post by **joshi** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 5:07 am

Token wrote:A wireless micro transceiver.

Despite being by far the most elegant solution to the problem, this is, unfortunately, impractical for my ends...

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 5:00 pm

Joshi, Just use a Pick. You know the kind you use to dig hole and such??

I always bring one, I'm sure I'm not the only one, Just ask around your camp area, or come find me... I have a idea where I'm camped this year. I'm sure you can find one.. Just drag the sharp end and you'll have a 3-4 inch trench.. Send me a PM and I'll give you more info on how to find me..

joshi · Post by **joshi** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 7:41 pm

that seems good, yeah... And thanks for the offer, but I think I'll just go buy one for myself. If anyone wants to offer me use of a trencher for an hour (?), though, I'm totally down, would even barter something cool (I'd have to figure out what) for it.

FWIW I think this piece is going to be pretty cool (look for the pillars outside of Black Rock Housing Authority, a dance camp on the 10 o'clock side)

Token · Post by **Token** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 8:29 pm

Too bad motorized is out. You could have much fun with an old chainsaw or skill saw.

Driving a spike through an old snowboard then towing it behind a truck would also be cool, provided you find a volunteer or two to stand on the board.

If you have a hitch receiver on your vehicle you can run a plow.

Come to think of it, if you remove a rear tire from your vehicle and let the disk brake plow...

joshi · Post by **joshi** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 9:00 pm

A trailer hitch plow sounds very interesting, though it also sounds like it might end up being one of those "it seemed like a good idea the time" things. (as opposed the disc brake idea, which doesn't even seem like a good idea :) ) Any particular advice on setting this up? Have you done it?

Token · Post by **Token** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 10:14 pm

Unintentionally, yes. Disconnected trailers make great plows.

If I had to build one...

Weld a T out of 2" square for the receiver and a 2 1/2" U iron.
Drill holes for receiver and at both ends of the U.
Weld old axe head to a 2" square. Make sure the length is sufficient to actually plow when attached to truck.
Drill holes in Axe square iron such that it can be slid into the U iron of the T.
Use 1/2" solid pins to hold it together.
You may want to weld some plate triangles to the T for strength.

You would then line up the truck, install the axe rail into the U channel with help of a mallet to embed it into the soil. Adjust depth by piling friends into truck bed.

digging trenches

digging trenches

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