Spatenstiell ATLAS für Lehm -Ton erde. Seite 20 Nummer 2, Länge 110 cm

Merkus spade handle or clay spade Betuwe model ATLAS of ash wood, length 110 cm, equipped with a smooth, beveled point and strong through-mount T-grip. This handle is suitable for a clay spade Betuwe model.

ATLAS Merkus spade handles are made from ash wood trunks, which contain the best wood. Ash wood is tough, shock-resistant and strong. The ash wood undergoes two drying processes: during the first drying process the sawn ash wood planks are air-dried. During the second process the ash wood is re-dried in a climate chamber under computer control. Because of the re-drying the handle does not shrink and tools remain firmly attached to the handle.

Next the spade handles are bent in boiling water. This causes the wood grain or fibre in the handle to bend with it and prevents the grain from running out of the handle (a running-out grain is weaker). The bending process makes the handle extremely strong.

Finally the ATLAS handles are waxed with vegetable Carnauba. This ensures the wood can breathe, does not absorb water or dirt and retains the beautiful natural colour. Waxing provides a longer lifespan and a pleasant smooth handle, which prevents blisters. Moreover, vegetable waxing of handles is better for the environment than using varnish or paraffin.

ATLAS spade handles are manufactured completely energy-neutral in the Netherlands and are available in various lengths and versions.