Homemade Lower Shaft

[TURNMASTER]

Well sort of, I made it a t work. but, I only used a manual mill and lathe, no CNC. Turned out all right and cost me about 3 to 31/2 hours total.. The plastic clevis is longer and heavier than factory to make up for the slightly shorter aluminum shaft. Total weight though ends up being about 15 grams (just under half an ounce) heavier than factory . I may go back and try to shave a little more weight. I could have thinned out the wall thickness a bit more, I am not sure if the taper is really noticeable i the pic. I hunted with it and the 6" DD coil today for about 5 hours and it is not noticeable. The next one (?) I am going to shoot for a lighter shaft for my heavier coil.

The aluminum shaft is the lower shaft out of an adjustable cane (I had), and is the same diameter as the factory Minelab unit. Spring button is from an extra Garrett shaft, I will replace it later. Plastic for the clevis came from the excess/discarded materials at work. All free. I did have to purchase 2 rubber washers and epoxy.

Total cost about $8 (I bought a couple extra washers). Considerably less than the $27 + tax local or $42 Anderson from Kellyco. Actually if my local guy would have had one in stock I would just have bought one.

Now I can attach the coil wire to the lower in a semi permanent way.

[attachment 227653 shaft1.jpg][attachment 227654 DSC03393.jpg]
[attachment 227655 shaft2.jpg][attachment 227656 shaft3.jpg]


Jeff

 

[C&RHunter]

The aluminum shaft isn't pickup by this coil? I would think a coil that will get the depth equal to the length of the plastic clevis would pick up the aluminum, especially a larger coil.

 

[TURNMASTER]

All of the Xterra factory shafts have an aluminum section that is similar. I was thinking of coming up with a source of fiberglass or carbon fiber that would match weight and strength.

Jeff