I have an idea for a ash removal tool and would like to see if anyone knows of someone already making it or what input you might have towards it.

I have a Hampton insert in my house and a Vermont Castings Intrepid in my shop. After long burns the ash build up needs to be removed, but there are of course within the ash good embers or coals (usually still burning). I have an idea to make a shovel that is almost like a clam rake, it would allow you to move the coals and embers to one side of the fire box while sifting out the ash. You could then remove the ash with the regular shovel, then shift the embers to the other side, remove that ash, spread them evenly, kindle and it would re-fire saving all that useful fuel.

Would anyone else find something like that useful? or have you seen such a tool?

-Denny