A Power Rock Rake

Here in the Southwest, we use coarse crushed rock as ground cover. Over time this rock is coated with clay due to wind and rain plus it tends to sink into the ground.

The typical solution is to buy more rock and spread it around. This is costly and back breaking work. This power rake is a proof of concept yet works rather well. The drill drives a shaft with a bar attached to it. The bar swings around and causes the rake's tines to vibrate. This vibration pulverizes the clay and exposes the rock. With only a pulling motion, this rock is moved out of the way. After a few passes I have a pile of clean rock. Some of this rock can be moved back to cover the ground while the rest can be used else ware.

If you are interested, please see

http://rick.sparber.org/PRRA.pdf


Your comments are welcome. All of us are smarter than any one of us.

Thanks,

Rick

Very interesting. I wonder how it would work as a tool for breaking up compacted dirt.

and now we need a video of the rake being used.
Once again a great/interesting idea, thank you.
Ralph

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R08eaFLPKHQ

It works on hard clay but not as fast as in 3/4” rock. My next version will be variable speed. Maybe the RPM can be tuned to the application. Rick

A bit less vibration would work as well? A shorter/smaller bar on the shaft would decrease the discomfort, and still allow for significant vibration.

Very cool, I will try to do something like that
Regards

Thanks for sharing this Rick!

Awesome concept. I saw this in my daily email feed and registered just to post!!! I think you are ok to something and offered something that came to my mind- they may spark your innovation-

How does a concrete vibrator work? Is that too much vibration?

What if a hammer drill was added at a lower speed?

What about an impact wrench with its hammering capabilities?

I agree a small 110v motor with a rheostat to control speed would be awesome!

Kyle

Wow, thanks for the video!!

Ralph

Thanks Rick! We've added your Power Rock Rake to our Miscellaneous category, as well as to your builder page: Rick's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

<div id="blocks"> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-power-rock-rake"><img src="http://www.homemadetools.net/uploads/212892/homemade-power-rock-rake.jpeg"/></a></div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-power-rock-rake">Power Rock Rake</a> <span> by <a href="/builder/Rick+Sparber">Rick Sparber</a></span> </div> <div class="tags">tags: <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/tag/garden">garden</a>, <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/tag/drill">drill</a></div> </div> </div> </div>

I’m now running with about a 1/4 HP motor. Power comes from a 20V 4 amp laptop power supply in series with a 16V 4.5 amp laptop supply. Works well and no more dead batteries. I think the next version will have a larger diameter shaft to better distribute the shock to the bronze bearings. The 3/8” shaft started out snug and now has some play.

I wonder how an older oscillating sander would work for this. If you pull the sanding pad, you could then mount the offset weight under the top plate. The sander could then be screwed to the top plate to hold it. Install a couple zip ties to hold the cord to the handle, and it should be easy to power with an extension cord. Many of us probably have an old sander laying around that “we will fix someday”. I know I do. If I make one of these, I think I would attach it with some u-bolts, so it is removable.

Cool idea. We have a lot of rock that glaciers dropped a long time ago where I live. This would be very useful in my garden to remove the majority of them.

Not sure it would have enough torque but sure would be a nice ready made solution.

"Inspired by Mr. Rick Sparber..."

Landscape rock spreader

Very cool!!!!

Rick

Be careful with those vibrations, long term exposure isn’t good.

Wizard69,

I'm sure you are right. Can you suggest a way to modify the design so less of the vibration is conducted into my hands?

Rick

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rgsparber

It works on hard clay but not as fast as in 3/4” rock. My next version will be variable speed. Maybe the RPM can be tuned to the application. Rick

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I like this Rick! You could use a smart phone to alter the revs. Mirca have bluetooth & memory & an Ap. Out of my league. Tomorrow? Hate smart phones=sorry.