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What to do with a rusty hoe...

(Alright all you smarty-pantses and dirty minds, I mean the garden variety hoe, not the other kind!)

So, at a community yard sale last Saturday I bought this really cool-lookin' hoe ($1, bargained down from $2). I figured I'd either use the handle for a diddley bow or the whole thing for a guit of some kind. I need some help with just what to do with it:

1.) I think I'll make a diddley bow or guit using the rusty hoe blade. I figured I'd make a hole(s) in the blade and run the string(s) through that, and put the nut and tuning machine up the neck/handle.

2.) How many strings should I plan on? 1 = diddley bow? 2-3 = slide guit? Justin Johnson plays a really cool 3-string shovel guit. Would that work?

3.) What should I do with the surface of the handle/neck? Leave it as is (I don't think splinters are a danger) which would look cool and aged and distressed but be a bit rough? Sand it down like some do with barn wood? And the finish--should I coat it with poly? Linseed oil? Tung oil? Leave it bare?

4.) If I run the string(s) through holes in the hoe blade, how would I anchor them on the wood?

5.) Should I cut the handle/neck down to size, say, 25"-32", or leave it the way it is and put the nut and tuner(s) where I want for scale? (I kinda already know what I want to do there. It would look MUCH cooler if I don't cut the handle.)

5.) Where would I put the pickup?

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on May 14, 2018 at 7:23am

what you need to do is , go to ebay . and get this ...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Dirty-Hoe-Garden-Supply-metal-sign-8x1...

or this

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dirty-Hoe-Happy-Hoe-Metal-Sign-Vintage-Loo...

build a box around it , and incorporate it all together ,

;-)

easiest is a one string (a suitable "G" string maybe :-} ) use a hose clamp for the nut and a flat head screw for the bridge .

if you go 3 string , you can make an adapter like so for the nut.

leaving the neck as is should be fine for slide .

instead of holes n the blade , maybe cut slots instead . the ball ends will be the anchors .

most of all .... have fun . ;-)

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Permalink Reply by Andy Busch on May 14, 2018 at 8:11am

I love the signs. Gotta get me both! Slots instead of holes, huh? Interesting! Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Grandpa on May 14, 2018 at 7:31am

1 string diddley bow - straight easy. 3 string git - imo much more playable, slightly more planning. Leave the neck long, for now. You can cut it back later if it proves to be unwieldy to play. Oil the neck, leaving a more natural finish is my vote. Cut and file a flat notch to install your tuners. Three-in-a-line might be best for space, or just one, of course for a diddley bow. Cut and file a notch for the bridge in the vicinity of the handle/steel joint. Probably have to install p'up at an angle (6 pole p'up) or use a 3 string p'up, a little forward of the bridge. Install jack and pots in the steel hoe. Bone nut in appropriate position. This should get 'er done. At least a dozen more ways to approach this build, I reckon. Could be a way cool $1 start to a build. Just do it.

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Permalink Reply by Andy Busch on May 14, 2018 at 8:17am

Bone nut? Hmm.... Quite often I use a piece of all-thread. Would that work for the bridge? Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Jeff 'Bones' Reilly on May 14, 2018 at 9:09am

Make it into a playing garden hoe use it while you garden then when you rest you can chill up and play a few tunes . I’m a avid gardener and like to use one tool for a few jobs , just my 2 pits .