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Got my azada today! :D Just tried to search for the thread I read before about the best tchnique for using it (it's a medium sized one) but search wouldn't oblige. Does anyone have a link to that thread, or any tips?

Just use it the same as you would a Tescada or Sainsburada. ;D (Sorry)

http://www.get-digging.co.uk/

Thanks, wattapain, I've already read that but wanted more! ;D

You whack it into the soil and pull towards you. Different to digging with a spade in that you don't actually lift the soil with it, just turn it. Needs a bit of practice but not hard to master even after just a few min's.

http://www.get-digging.co.uk/using.htm

http://www.easydigging.com/

http://www.fredshed.co.uk/alternativediggingtools.htm

Thanks for those, Ken. Search is working again now so found lots more info from A4A azada fans! Will be down the plot tomorrow trying it out.

Thanks for those links. I was just going to google azada cos I didn't even know what an azada is :o but have always told my children never be afraid to ask, doesn't matter how silly the question is  :)

I had to have a look at what an 'Azada' was as this was a new one on me!


At least it was until I checked up and found that I have been using one for years but I have always known it as a Chillington hoe or 'Mattock'

see here;http://tinyurl.com/2uvd6z

I had different techniques recommended here but still find the 'over the head' method works best for me. Not a full swing, but I lift it to about head height while standing with feet a shoulder width apart. I'm dropping straight down in front of me (well, a bit aways obviously!). I then pull like kenkew says - but don't pull too hard if it's difficult! That's been really bad on my back and I have to remember to just take another swing if the top layer isn't easy enough to turn.

I couldn't really handle the sideways swing but someone else here likes doing that. That was actually harder on my back, but any uneven sideways distribution of weight/force is worst for my back in any situation.

I've also used it to open bags of sand when no scissors were handy. ;) An over the top approach.

Tina.

If you've got a mat of shallow-rooted weeds like nettles, then working backwards and undercutting it works wonders.

I'm really annoyed now I wrote out a long answer to this thread then posted and the whole lot disappeared. When i looked there was another new post...Robert's they must have crashed in the ethernet somewhere and his won!!!!!!!!!

I have recently got an azada but still find the mattock better for breaking in new ground because it's heavier. I tend to use them on one side then swap to the other I couldn't use the azada over my head because of neck problems.

I have seen the canterbury hoe pictured somewhere which looks much like an azada.

My other post was much longer but I can't remeber what I wrote now.

Quote from: lorna on March 23, 2007, 15:12:31
Thanks for those links. I was just going to google azada cos I didn't even know what an azada is :o but have always told my children never be afraid to ask, doesn't matter how silly the question is  :)

Neither did I til Amazin mentioned it on the anger management thread.

fantastic looking objects, big dangerous though in the wrong hands  :P

Lethal, but so are a lot of things. The only ones I really object to are those designed specifically for killing people.

and the the best bit is that they're legal   :D   ;D

If you have to lift it over your head it is too light. A lot of sellers have connned a lot of gullible people into buying completly useless tools because it is in vogue.

I have an old adze which was used by boat builders for carving wood planks, nice and heavy and I use it as I would  a hoe. The azada is based on this tool and it makes light work of stripping turf, weeds etc. If I had to put that much effort in I would use a spade.

Mine's certainly not lightweight!

Quote from: Chantenay on March 23, 2007, 10:42:44
Just use it the same as you would a Tescada or Sainsburada. ;D (Sorry)

Well I thought that was really funny!!  ;D ;D ;D

 So did I!
Well, used it for the first time today. Think I need some more practice, and possibly a shorter handle, but it was certainly good for getting into the soil. As others have said, because it chops so well, that is also a downside- unfortunately the bed I started on turned out to be full of bindweed, so I used the azada to break the surface then a fork to get all the weeds out. That bed had been covered in plastic for 2 years at least but that ****** bindweed was still there ready and waiting!
Also used it to skim the top layer of grass off a weedy patch, and to smooth the surface before sowing. It will definitely be a useful additional tool.

We bought one in Greece last year, very interesting looks as we walked along with our backpacks and a gardening tool!

Had some trouble finding a handle for it but got there eventually.  It's a heavyweight but very effective.  Wouldn't be without it.