Most shellers get really creative after they find lots of shells by making seashell encrusted frames, wreaths, jewelry and such. Not Rob. He got very creative before he headed out to his favorite shelling hole at Blind Pass to find his seashell treasures. He fixed up this old box with a plexiglass bottom to float along the top of the water so he can have a better view of the sea bottom. Voila! The Viewing Box….
It’s like having a big snorkelers’s mask on without getting your face wet….or having a mini glass bottom boat. And no need for a shell bag! He has a leash tied on his wrist that is attached to the box so a wave doesn’t take it away and so he can have hands free shelling while he tosses his treasures in the box. It’s even got a handle on the side so he can pick it up like a briefcase without anything falling out. Genius! Just another day at work for Rob picking up shells at Blind Pass. Ha!
Love the idea of a shelling box! I really have to make me one of those. Thanks for sharing.
you should sell these and maybe more people wouldn’t collect all the shells, they could just look at them and leave them for everyone to enjoy! great idea!
I’ve always wanted a “tube viewer” made from a pvc pipe with a piece of plexi sealing one end. That way you can get the plexi close to the bottom, and you would avoid the distortion and opacity problems in the water, because you would be looking down into the empty pipe. Maybe that should be Rob’s next project…
Here’s one! :D
http://www.blackcatmining.com/mining-equipment/peek-au.cfm?SSAID=137049
Wow, what a clever device!
Love the box! My dad make something similar in the 60’s for shelling in southern California. Unfortunately he used old coffee cans that corroded over time.
Cool!!!! I think we should make one of these, too! We’re making a flat sifter to catch the little ones. See you in May!!
Wow, I could really use one ot these!
Heard a flat plastic container works too — that would my “viewer” of choice since I am flying — gotta stop at walmart!!
We did that. Packed socks and stuff in it and it fit nicely in the suitcase.
isn’t that kind of like cheating??!!! LOL!
No, sista!
I don’t think so either.
What a genius! I’ve seen folks with this big cone shaped thingees before, but this sounds really multifunctional and it has a carrying handle! Great job, Rob!
That’s different…
Nu-huh!! That is so freaking awesome!! Genius!!
That is so freakin’ awesome!!! I would love to have that!!
LIKE!!! Gonna have to replicate that one!
Hey fellow militant shellers, My wonderful husband made me a “DOWN PARISCOPE” It is a 5 gal bucket that he cut out the bottom and glued in plexi glass. He then painted the inside black to reduce glare. I have had great success with it. If you would like instructions to make one e-mail me or maybe we can get Pam to post it on her blog. Hint Hint! My e-mail is sanibelstooper@yahoo.com
LOVE the box! I’m gonna have to get my hubby to make me one!
What a smart idea!
Now that is a winner!!!! It is wonderful on so many levels!
Is he taking orders? Some of us aren’t that handy. :-)
Great idea.My husband was gonna do a big tire tube with screen in it for shark tooth hunting.I like Robs idea, hope to have one for a trip to Sanibel in 4 wks.Countdown,WOO HOO !!
My husband and I constructed Plexiglas bottom buckets that work well. Never thought the water was clear enough to utilize one in the waters around Sanibel Island, but that has changed. For construction, we cut the bottom out of a bucket and purchase Plexiglas at the hardware store. Sometimes they will even cut it to size. Seal into place with water-proof silicone. We first tried this in the Bahamas many years ago. It worked like a charm.
I will be in sanibel this summer…please…please send directions for making the box or can I purchase one from Rob!?!
Looks like we are going to see a big “Box Brigade” at Blind Pass one day soon. What a great idea!!!