Using an Azada/Jimbee/Digging Hoe

[Fisticuffs]

Hello people

Im a bit stuck, whatever you might call it, I cant find a site or book to tell me how to use one effectivley. Plus cant afford to fly abroad to watch some in action.

So I was wondering if anyone here could explain using this tool, so I dont end up in traction or make a fool of myself :)

Best picture if you dont know what im talking about is google "azada" and look under google images.

Thanks all

[ina]

Doesn't Stonehead use one of these?

[wulf]

Be careful of your toes and, for that matter, ankles! I know the ground is a big target but when you start to get a bit tired it's easy to miscalculate.

Wulf

[Clarabel]

hmmm, I fequently damage myself with a spade or fork so not sure if anything more dangerous would be a good idea for me.

I have a cut on my leg at the moment from the spade and nearly stabbed through my boot with the fork on sunday.

Clarabel

[Fisticuffs]

Ok after a few practice swings and different grips, I think I found a safe(ish) (to go along with the ish theme) way to use it, that is not to raise it too far off the groud before you swing it into the ground.

Still not a clue what im doing, but it will be fun, if only for the passers by haha

[Shirley]

Actually - it sounds brilliant...

http://www.get-digging.co.uk/index.html

I want one now - looks perfect for the digging we've got to do, although how well it would cope with the huge stones in our garden I don't know...

Also looking at that site I notice a scythe... and it just made me wonder whether using a scythe might be more hayfever friendly... hmmmm - certainly easier on our sloping ground although we are thinking of getting a goat or sheep to keep the grass down.

I'm digressing... in the pics on the get digging site it looks like they lift them a fair way in the air... dangerous for sure... don't think I'd fancy doing that with the kids/dog in the area.


Fisticuffs - whereabouts in Manchester are you??

[Fisticuffs]

Hi Shirlz,

Im in Salford now (Moved from Manchester about a month or 2 ago).

Yeah im never one to do things normally so I ordered these "world" used tools, they are bloody sturdy, I can tell you that :), hopefully if the council dont mope about too long and I can get a key for the allotment ill give you all an update on how well these things work (or should I say how well I can work them...)

Anyways, im making sure i wear my steel toe boots for my first go haha :)

[Shirley]

I used to go to the market at Salford sometimes - I'm from Stretford originally (and no... I don't support Man U LOL - not into footie)

Looking forward to hearing all about your lottie - hope they give you the key asap. Give em a call... it's not fair to have to wait when the weather is so good.

Good thinking with the steelies!!

[ina]

Anyways, im making sure i wear my steel toe boots for my first go haha :)

...and a hard hat, to be on the safe side!