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Post by HankRocks on Mar 12, 2018 20:12:38 GMT -5
There are a few large pieces in my rockpile that will not fit on the 20 inch saw so I haven't decided how to attack them. Hesitant to use a big hammer on them as I would like to reduce them to slabbing size without introducing any extra fractures. Maybe I can convince txrockhunter to purchase 36 inch saw. Henry
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Post by grumpybill on Mar 13, 2018 7:18:06 GMT -5
Sounds like a candidate for the notch-and-wedge method HankRocks . Be forewarned, though, that if there are any pre-existing fractures, that's where the stone will come apart. Plan your direction of force (which will be perpendicular to the notch) accordingly. Also, you need to use wedges that quickly taper wider. Long slim wedges made for splitting wood won't work any better than a chisel.
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Post by HankRocks on Mar 13, 2018 8:30:35 GMT -5
I have some pieces of the flat car springs that a good friend gave me. They are pre-stressed and slightly bent so that when driven in straight they try return to the bent position to the bent position exerting pressure on the new fracture to open up. Have a decent arsenal of chisels and other wedges for my Arkansas Quartz mining. Need to study the rocks a lot closer and see if there is a good place to try and start a break.
Thanks for the advice. Henry
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Post by grumpybill on Mar 13, 2018 12:05:18 GMT -5
Hmm...that car spring idea is interesting.....
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rockcat11
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2017
Posts: 176
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Post by rockcat11 on Mar 13, 2018 17:56:14 GMT -5
I personally cover the rock in a towel and hammer it. I have a little trouble with the bigger rocks, but that's because I am using a smaller hammer now. When it's nicer out I am going to move everything outside and use a bigger hammer.
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Mar 13, 2018 18:51:03 GMT -5
I personally cover the rock in a towel and hammer it. I have a little trouble with the bigger rocks, but that's because I am using a smaller hammer now. When it's nicer out I am going to move everything outside and use a bigger hammer. Ya, I've shredded a few towels as well.......used the holes it develops to place my chisel in the rock notches and still keeps the material covered.
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rockcat11
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2017
Posts: 176
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Post by rockcat11 on Mar 14, 2018 17:05:23 GMT -5
I personally cover the rock in a towel and hammer it. I have a little trouble with the bigger rocks, but that's because I am using a smaller hammer now. When it's nicer out I am going to move everything outside and use a bigger hammer. Ya, I've shredded a few towels as well.......used the holes it develops to place my chisel in the rock notches and still keeps the material covered. This is why I use old towels. They're bound for the trash anyway
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