Divining Rods (aka Dowsing Rods) W/ Tube Straightening Technique

I made it at Techshop. http://www.techshop.ws/

 

I have enjoyed finding old items to make. I remember my uncle using a wooden divining rod when I was a kid. If divining rods actually work or not, I am not going to debate it. I wanted to show how I created my version of the divining rods.

I also wanted to present this instructables to highlight a technique of straightening a curved copper tube.

I choose to use copper as my base materials due to its conductive values.

1/8 copper rod 30 inches long

¼ OD Copper tubing used for icemakers makes a great handle, which allows the rods to swing freely

Cut two 4-inch lengths of copper tubing for the handle. Once cut; de-bur the inside of both ends of the tube. The smaller tube cutter is great; it has a plastic rest that reduces the marking on the tube (compared to the other cutter that leaves rings).

A trick in straightening out the curves or kinks of cut pieces of a coiled tubing is as follows.

Even taking your time uncoiling copper it still has a slight curve to it. I use a board, to apply pressure on the tube and roll it back and forth on a flat surface. This straightens the tube for most practical purpose.

Measure 24 ½ inches of the copper rod and put 90 degree bend in it.
Slide the 4-inch copper tube onto the short end of the copper rod.
Measure from short end of the copper rod and mark it at 1 inch.
While keeping it parallel; bend the 1 inch length section approximately 45 degrees towards the 24 ½ section.
The two ends should be pointed in the same plane. This is how the tube handle stays on. I tried to bend both at 90 degrees; but I found that the 45-degree bottom bend is more comfortable.

Hold one in each hand in front of you.
Start with rods pointing away from you and parallel to the ground.

Walk slowly and when the rods cross; water should be near.