"Scott L. Hadley" wrote in message
...

" Perhaps I'm missing something: Is it that important that the spade be
stainless steel? I believe stainless is more difficult to weld, which
may
be the problem.
....Just a thought from a colonist, surrounded by 3-4 feet (1-1.3meters)
of
snow and suffering from advanced cabin fever. The only treatment is
purely
symptomatic- brightly colored garden catalogs.

-1F this morning; warmest in several. You think the Scots are cold?

As this colonist in Maine learned from mentors from England back in the
early 80's: I expect the entire metal portion, regardless of metal type,
to
be ONE piece of metal, with no welds. Then, as far as attaching the handle
goes, there are only two ways: solid socket or solid strapped. The OP's
spade may have been one of these two good attachment types, but I have the
idea from reading his post the metal portion was formed from more than one
piece, thus welded. I hope I am reading this correctly.


You are absolutely correct. The "frog" where the shaft joins the blade, is
(was) attached minimally by a slender weld along the edges of a "V" shape,
with a smooth coat of stainless steel hiding all. Although the spade bears
the traditional English name, I have my doubts whether it is home produced!
Maybe I am wrong. I hope not!

I would say though that the spade was a delight to use, while it was in one
piece ; )

We hardly ever get snow or even frost here these days. Not like when we
were kids!... Just rain again today ; (