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Post by Woodyrock on Apr 14, 2011 15:04:19 GMT -5
I finally took some photographs of how to split rock that is too large for a saw. The solution is the old school method of splitting rock known as plugs and feathers. The plug is the piece with the bend, and the feather is the wedge shaped piece that is driven in. Once the holes are bored, you drop in the plugs, then the feathers, and tap them with a hammer until they sing tapping then in order from one end to the other. Here is piece of Maury Mountain Moss that was just too large for the saw vise. I did this one to show my grandson how it was done. Woody Holes bored.  'One set in the other pair next to a hole.  Rock is split.  Another view of split  |
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sampson
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2011
Posts: 222
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Post by sampson on Apr 14, 2011 15:16:36 GMT -5
nice technique, i may have a use for something like that. By the color of the metal it looks like the plug and feather are made of aluminum, or is it something stronger?
Sampson
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Post by Roller on Apr 14, 2011 15:23:33 GMT -5
thanks for this ! I usually use a sledge hammer and chisel and Iam always wondering how many fractures Iam making ... and ruining nice material ...
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,723 
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Post by Fossilman on Apr 14, 2011 15:35:23 GMT -5
Thats how we use to bust rock when we made rock fire places..........works like a charm...
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Post by Toad on Apr 14, 2011 15:41:59 GMT -5
Nicely done
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Post by Woodyrock on Apr 15, 2011 1:11:26 GMT -5
Both the plugs, and the feathers are soft steel. If they were hard steel, they would not grab the rock, or probably stay tight as you tap them up.
Woody
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Apr 15, 2011 9:51:32 GMT -5
We use a similiar method when digging for herkimers. Instead of boring the holes (no power tools allowed in the pit) we use Spring steel wedges. start with one in a fracture and keep tapping and stacking till the rock finially yeilds! Some guys actually set the wedges before closing time and let the temperature changes work on the rock overnight. A very effective way to crack rock!
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Post by frane on Apr 16, 2011 17:00:26 GMT -5
That is a wonderful tutorial Woody! Thank you for posting it!
Fran
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Post by akansan on Apr 18, 2011 14:50:20 GMT -5
What are you using to bore the initial hole with? Nice clean break!
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Post by Woodyrock on Apr 19, 2011 0:49:22 GMT -5
Ronda:
I bored these holes with an electric hammer drill. In the field, I use a star drill, and four pound hammer, takes a wee bit longer, maybe five minutes in jasper per hole.
Woody
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Post by akansan on Apr 19, 2011 14:50:22 GMT -5
Still not bad at all timewise for such a clean break! Thanks Woody.  |
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Digforcrystals
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2008
Posts: 351
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Post by Digforcrystals on Apr 19, 2011 20:43:28 GMT -5
This method works great on big rocks, too! It will help to bore the hole deeper than the length of the "plug" so that it doesnt bottom out and hit the bottom of the hole. In the picture below I am breaking a good sized boulder with plugs and feathers ( also sometimes called "shims and wedges").  |
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Post by Woodyrock on Apr 20, 2011 0:56:37 GMT -5
I know well about big rock. the first time I used plugs and feathers, my grandfather set me down with a hand full of star drills, a mash hammer, and five foot by five foot by one foot piece of sandstone, and had be make a new stoop step. one by one by five. I found out later that granite is much easier to split that sandstone.
Woody
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Post by Bejewelme on Apr 22, 2011 7:02:38 GMT -5
Woody you are something! You will find a way to get that thing open, LOL
Tony and Chris are here with us!! Will have to get some pics, were your ears burning last night?
We were saying how much we enjoyed you in Quartzite!
Happy Easter, I have been MIA, but will try to post more!
Amber
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Post by drocknut on Apr 28, 2011 12:01:58 GMT -5
Never heard of plugs and feathers but looks very effective. Is there somewhere you buy those?
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Post by stonesthatrock on Apr 28, 2011 12:15:01 GMT -5
yes woody is 'the man"......
mary ann
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Post by Woodyrock on Apr 29, 2011 0:45:25 GMT -5
Diane: I get mine from Miles Supply www.milessupply.com The 1/2" X 2 3/4" is the size I use, and are $6.90 per set. Miles lists them under diamond products, and calls them Feathers and wedges. The old name is plugs, and feathers. Woody |
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