Harpoon Handles

Threemuch · 02-21-2004, 04:48 PM

For those of you who bought harpoon shafts and tips, I have a plan... :smile:

I am going to be getting a sample of solid fiberglass fence post, 1.75"x48, cheaper, heavier, and stronger than a shovel handle. Might be the best solution.

If it looks good, I will be ordering a bunch, since with an order over $50, it will be free shipping. These things weigh in at like 4 pounds each, so I won't be shipping them, but if it looks like a good solution straight and not splintery, I am going to order a bunch, and if you want one, I will get one for you. Cheap too, like $5. I will post pics when I get my sample. If you out of towners want to order your own, email me, I will send you contact info for the site and you can order yours, but you will have to pay shipping. :depressed:

Bluefinn · 02-26-2004, 12:46 PM

Threemuch If they look good I

Iam in for two. I ordered two posthole digger handles to use but the are hollow in the middle so I sent them back.let me know how those look when you get them.Thanks RR

corrirod · 02-26-2004, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Threemuch If they look good I Iam in for two.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Alright River Rick, is it all about "looking good"? :tongue:

Bluefinn · 02-26-2004, 03:25 PM

You funny guy Rod. I do not like fiberglass slivers.I think the solid handle would work better drill a hole through the side and then run the shaft up to the hole and double nut.?????

Threemuch · 02-27-2004, 07:49 AM

I agree about the fiberglass slivers. They are electric fence posts, so if they are splintery, I will try some coatings, but probably won't use them.

I also found a good handle in the concrete section at Home Depot. It's a wood concrete spreader handle, Marshalltown 828. Like 7 bucks.

My intention is just to drill a 3/8 hole down the center and coat the threads of the shaft with epoxy. There is never going to be a tremendous PULL on the shaft, just compressive load, so I figure You really just need a pretty good bond to keep it from falling out. The threads should give the epoxy enough to grab on the shaft, and the wood or glass should be porous enough to get it to grab that. Drilling a hole in the shaft big enough to put the nuts in would make it weak, IMHO. The nuts are good for mounting the shaft in a PVC pipe and cap, which is actually a pretty good handle, and cheap too.

Kurt

BUGLEMAN · 02-27-2004, 06:26 PM

Hey Kurt! You have 1000 posts. WOW!

As far as the wood handle to put the icing on the cake, I would wrap the end where the tip is to keep it from splitting.

Bait O' Eggs · 02-27-2004, 08:50 PM

Kurt
You have inspired me to get my harpoon completed. I found a piece of stainless pipe that was 6 feet long that the scrap yard charged me $3 for. :smile: I welded in the point and look forward to running it thru a big fish.

I like your tri-cut tips. Gonna have to sharpen my tips up.

Bluefinn · 03-04-2004, 02:17 PM

Hey Kurt did you find out anything on the handles yet?

Threemuch · 03-04-2004, 02:41 PM

I got my sample, plus and minus.

The sample I got was too big a diameter, 1 3/4". It weighs about 10 pounds in a four foot length. It is also quite splintery, and would require painting to be serviceable. However, it seems pretty much indestructable.

They make one that is 7/8" which is precoated with "sunguard", guaranteed not to splinter for 20 years. But that is the max size coated, and it is on the small side by my estimation, at least by feel in your hand. But I think 7/8" would be plenty strong.

I am thinking 1.25", 5' long, and then paint them myself. It will still weigh like 7-8 pounds or so. I tried some wood handles, and they work well, but too much side torque and they will split, unless you put hose clamps or somehow reinforce the head, like cloth tape under epoxy.

What do you guys think?

03-04-2004, 03:54 PM

There are lots of advantages to having a heavy harpoon.

edsr · 03-04-2004, 04:22 PM

I've never had to worry about too heavy a harpoon.
edsr

Ragnar · 03-05-2004, 05:52 AM

How well do those heavy harpoons float?
Or is that even a concern?
Just asking...
I agree on the tri cut tips, Them are really nice and "poiny."
Ragnar

03-05-2004, 06:06 AM

They float like a 12lb downrigger ball. I had mine attached to a cleat so if it got loose it wouldn't be lost. The heads were attached to an 18" ball (like I see used on anchor retrievers.

I like to hit a halibut in the hard part of the head and the inertia of the heavy harpoon helped to drive the harpoon head through. It would also stun the halibut most of the time. I really liked Popeye's heavy machined handle, "my" machinist has one back-ordered.

[ 03-05-2004, 07:11 AM: Message edited by: Keta ]