What weight do you recommend? Also, any recommendations on the tip design?
I'm going to build one over the holidays and want to make it nice. I tend to over engineer things and will have access to quite a machine shop. I'm going all stainless with a threaded junction in the middle. I'm aware of galling issues. I also realize a piece of thick rebar would work, but what fun is that? Thanks!
Size and weight depend on the intended use. A light weight 7 to 9 pounds for walking on first ice, for me saves the back. For a frozen-in hard side, maybe a boxcar moving bar may be to small, ha. My preferred tip configuration is "stair-stepped-notched" 1/2" on the run & rise, made from a 2" automotive flat spring. You'll destroy the temper/hardness by cutting those notches with a torch and watch the grinder when sharpening the edges. The top end "Tee" has been handy when a bit of force is needed and 1/2" diameter stock fits my gloved hand well. For safety, let it be no more than 1/2" on either side of your closed fist, then round the ends. It won't hurt as much if your face makes contact.
There's a bit more, mainly keep it off the bottom, under the hole.
