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Splitting Stone
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Splitting stone using wedge and feathers is the oldest and still one
of the best ways to split stone. No expensive machinery is needed to do this, and very easy to
do. All you need is a rotary hammer drill, masonry drill bit, hammer, wedge and feathers.
I use the wedge and feathers method to split stone to more usable sizes which are then
easier to move. |
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Firstly, plan where you want to split the stone by drawing a line. Then
drill a hole approximately every 15 centimetres.
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Place two feathers for each hole with the feathers facing outwards from
the line you previously drew.
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Then place one wedge per hole with the flat side running along the line
you drew.
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Now using a hammer firmly tap each wedge in order and continue this
process. Don't hit each wedge in too hard because you want an even distribution
of force going along the splitting line. I find the best way is to take your
time. You will hear a higher pitched sound every time you hit that wedge
where it is creating a greater and greater force perpendicular to that splitting
line. Then finally and hopefully an even split will happen.
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Depending on the structure of the stone, this split may not be
perfect. I find most times it splits roughly where I want it to happen. If you
want a perfect split you would need to use large expensive machinery. This is
when I recommend going to a stone mason where they use huge diamond
saws.
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