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2001

Make a Fireplace or Forge Shovel

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LAMA Info

This method of making a shovel was shown to me by Vance Baker and Doug Merkel. Some of you probably know Vance and Doug as instructors at the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina.

Begin with a piece of 14 to 18 gage sheet steel (0.05 to 0.075”) thick that is large enough to match the shovel blank pattern. This pattern makes a pretty nice fireplace shovel. Layout all the lines as shown; note which are bend lines and which are cut lines. The 2.0” corner radius is easily done by using a 1-pound coffee can as a pattern. The blank is easily cut with a shear, band saw, or jig saw. Center punch and drill the holes.

Cut the two horizontal bend relief slots into the ¼” diameter holes.

Make the first bend at the back of the shovel (Photo 1). This is a bend of 65 degrees outside angle – 115 degrees inside. Next bend one of the edges (Photo 2) over 90 degrees. I use my vise and a heavy bar to support the bending. Bend the second edge to match the first. A small flatter will finish up these bends nicely.

As shown in Photo 3, rotate the shovel on the bending bar so that the back tab bend will be square with the back of the shovel. Bend the tab over onto the side – Photo 4.

Rivet the tabs to the sides and make a handle of you choice.

Photo 5 shows a smaller version -- ¾ of the printed pattern size – used for a forge shovel. A dust pan can be made by using a much a wider pattern. The simple twist handle, as shown here, came from instructions in “A Blacksmithing Primer” by Randy McDaniel. “Foxfire Vol. 5” also has good notes on making a shovel and a handle.

Jim Carothers Perry, OK

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