The origins of this project lay with a Review of the very light (5.15 ounces, 146 grams) ULA Helix Potty Trowel. The Review was based on experiences with the Potty Trowel during a three month walk in France in 2007 where it was used as a hill-walking axe (as well as digging cat-holes, as indicated by the name). UIAA-certification of an ice axe is entirely appropriate for the technical and safety requirements of snow and ice climbing, but the Potty Trowel does not have this certification, and it was not used for climbing in that Review.
However, it should be noted that the use of some sort of simple ice axe while walking in the hills has a long and honorable history, dating way back to long before the existence of UIAA Testing Standards. One could suggest that the existence of these Standards has effectively destroyed the market for such simple lightweight tools, which is a pity.
Following the Review, discussion in the MYOG section of the BPL Forum under DIY Walking axe showed that many readers felt there was a genuine need for a much lighter "ice axe" for use as a sort of upgraded winter trekking pole. The author Steven Evans set out to see what could be done with space-age carbon fiber and titanium, spurred on by advice and encouragement from other Forum readers.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Introduction
- Disclaimer
- Notes
- History
- Version Three
- Fabrication
- Assembly
- The Finished Weight
- Testing
- Test 1: Shaft Strength - Bending
- Test 2: Assembly Strength - Tension
- Test 3: Shaft Strength - Bending
- Test 4: Spike Cantilever
- Test 5: Head Side Load
- Test 6: Assembly Strength - Tension
- Assessment of Design
- Cost of the Project
# WORDS: 4440
# PHOTOS: 29
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Discussion
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Just wanted to let those waiting that I haven't forgot about you. I was having some problems sourcing someone to mahine the req'd Tiatanium…machine shops don't like this stuff – most places refuse to machine it. I finally found one and delivery was supposed to be July 9th…that has come and gone. I just talked with them last night on e-mail and his exact words were:
"I just wanted to give you an update. The parts will not be complete today. This material ended up being much more difficult to machine then previous Titanium that I have worked with and as a result has drastically increased my machining time. I am continuing with them and am hopeful of having all completed by Tuesday/Wednesday."
So. looks like I'll get the parts next week…weld and assy will take aprox 2 weeks…I think. Sorry for the delay.
Steve
Hi Steve
> This material ended up being much more difficult to machine then previous Titanium that I have worked with and as a result has drastically increased my machining time.
Meet the real world … :-)
Happens.
Cheers
take your time …. is summer anyway ;-)
.
Relax? But I want mine…. NOW! :o)
How's it going Steve? Am I still on the list?
I guess I should relax…as you said, it is summer. It's coming together though.
Rog, of course you are on the list!…:)
The parts are actaully ready for pickup tomorrow, but I'm away fo the weekend, so I won't be able to start things up until next week. But, with the machining done, the rest "shouldn't" take too much longer.
Steve
Steve,
I hope you're going off for fun this weekend. Relax, and have a good time. But do take care and drive safely.
#18
Fresh off the machine…
I counted the rows of tips. I can see #18. Third row, right end. I love it.
Sorry for the delay…I just recieved the welded heads today, but there are about 10 that have had the adze welded on very crooked. I'm heading back to the weld shop tomorrow to see what the options are. While I didn't expect the things to be straight as an arrow, I also didn't expect them to be that far off. I'll post some pics tomorrow when I get back. Thanks for the patience!
Steve
OK, here's the story. 11 of the heads are complete. The remaining heads are still at the welder. He is seeing if we can straighten the adze on them. I had a new batch of adzes cut on Saturday so we can swap them out. I had to build a fixture this time around to set the parts correctly – which also added to the delay.
The 11 heads just need to go to media blast and then I can assemble. I'll be contacting you for length requirements…
Complete welded heads.
Weld fixture pictured below.
Just returned from the welder, the crooked heads are scrap – we can't get the adze off without damaging the pick and ferrule. I'm cutting new pieces this week and will have them welded by next week. I realize the wait has been long, but I promise to have them ready by winter time…;)
Dropping the welded heads off at media blast tonight at 7pm…to be returned by the weekend.
Assembling this week – check your PM for length requirements. Media blastig didn't go well either. Used glass bead media and the finish was no good, had to send them back for steel shot…yes, I'm a perfectionist. :)
I went about 2.5 cm longer than my old BD axe. 67 cm overall height ~ which is about 26.5".
I'm 5'11" The heel of my palm is 31" high off the floor.
31 – 26.5 = 4.5" which is just above the bump of my ankle bone.
There must be some situations where the extra length is dragging in deep snow, but that will be rare for me.
Maybe stake plunging and self-belay on steeps would be harder?
I'm more thinking about descent, refrozen firm snow after the sun gets off it, or early morning crusty approach on 30 degree slopes in the trees. Hooking tree wells and roots.
This will be awesome with my Grivel Air Tech Light crampons too!
Can't wait! Thanks Steve – you are the Man!
The assembly line is open for business. These are drying in my garage right now – off to the post office as soon as I figure out how to package them. :)
Steve,
This is a great day. The Postman just delivered my Evans Ice Tool #18. It's a truly fine piece of work. Thank you Steve. And thanks to everyone whose input brought this project to fruition.
One Happy UL Camper.
Denis, glad you like it…the custom signature was with a paint marker and can be removed with a fingernail if one doesn't like it.
Be sure to read the warranty card before use ;o
and of course, report after field testing.
Gee, the warranty card seems to have been left out of the package.
I intend to use clear lacquer to preserve the custom signature. My Ti Ca is the real deal. This item is going in my will.
Just a little announcement – so it's on the record. :)
I have a few people that requested axes but have not replied to my PM's…however, several people have been telling me there may be PM issues…sooooo,
at this point, I have sent PM's to EVERYONE who ordered an axe, and 2 PM's to those that did not reply. If you were waiting for one and I haven't contacted you (ie. the PM did not work) then you should contact me.
If you do not want it anymore, that's not a problem, at end of week I will contact those on the waiting list.
Thanks!
Steve
Sharpened the pick and made a leash from a single draw. Little short.
It is so light it's crazy! Seems like it might even float if you plug both ends of the handle!!
My scale is not accurate, or I'd post the weight. Under 5 oz sounds right. The carbon reflects the light really cool, nice texture. I did a pull-up on it. Christmas came early this year! Thanks again Steve.
I weighed mine @ 5.16 ounces.
I didn't weigh them before I shipped!
Mine is 50cm @ 4.2 oz.
Denis, I believe yours is 68cm @ 5.16 oz
and Paul's is 68 aswell…I think.
Nice sharpening job!!
My TiCa volume is conseratively =~ 3/8"^2 * pi * 24" =~ 10.60286625 cubic inches
Water weighs 0.036127 pounds per cubic inch.
10.60286625 * 0.036127 =~ 0.383 lbs of water to displace in order for it to sink.
TiCa weight of 5.16 oz = 0.3225 lb which means more flotation than, um.. sinkation.
This assumes weightless plugs of the tube, ie tape.
It is hard to test in the tub since it floats head down.
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