Hand Drilling Granite - Does It Make Sense?

I bought a new 3/4" hand drill from Trow and Holden and attempted drilling a 4" hole. I drilled an equivalent hole with my rotary hammer drill for comparison's sake.

[JacquesTreehorn]

I guess it really makes you appreciate what the Incas and Egyptians were up to. Looking forward to seeing you build the hobbit house!

[ross]

As a retired union journeyman stone and marble and granite mason, I always used 'short handled' 6 or 8 pound hand sledges for doing what you were trying, among other stone shaping chores. I apprenticed with a 16th generation stone mason - his family was from Italy. When he first showed me that 'wrist flick' he used, Drew explained the weight of the hammer head was enough without trying to add 'force' with a big swing. Besides that, I could get more strikes a minute. Drew said my forearm and wrist would be sore for about 2 weeks when first starting, but would strengthen - he was right on all counts. Your quarry location caught my attention because I used to buy all of my stone hand tools from Trow & Holden in Barre. By the way...BEAUTIFUL granite - some of those pieces I've seen in your videos is tombstone quality stuff. You be one lucky mason to have found a 'grandfathered' granite quarry. Me thinks you'll do well with your quarry venture! Cheers...

[mewald]

I enjoyed seeing the math break down behind the hand drill. Very interesting

[janemorgan]

Thanks for showing me about something I know nothing about.

[jima]

John Henry only had to keep up with a steam drill! This Man-vs-Machine was over before it started haha Thanks for the entertainment

[donmisener]

My Grandfather work as a chisel holder when they put a highway through their area when he was 12. For 45 cents a day. He had 2 guys with sledge hammers hitting the chisel and would have to turn it a 1/4 turn in between each strike. He made 15 cents more than his Father who was a logger. That was 60 some years ago. Amazing how far we have come.

[sabbys]

Thanks Alfred!! What an interesting video!

I know nothing about working stones... Rocks.... Just find it immensely interesting!!

Thank you for sharing!

[Maggie-Gardener-Maker]

I saw you on Gold Shaw Farm so I came over and subscribed. My Dad was born in Barre, he was a stone mason for many years before I was born and some of my relatives worked in various Quarries. I still have relatives who live in VT and other New England states. I haven't been up there to visit for many years.

[nancywebb]

Watching this demonstration, made me think about in times past why it took so long to build using stone and how grueling it could be.

[laulaursen]

Fun to see you work. Perhaps you could make a beginners journey series.
Also, some more videos on your amazing land please.

[jenford]

Great music, it was paired perfectly with your work! It's touches like this that make watching someone's channel enjoyable.

[RandyLea]

For anyone interested, there is a great video on YouTube about how stone masons built castles in like the year 1300. It's pretty long, 6 documentary episodes in a single almost 5 hour video on YouTube. The Title: What was life like as a medieval castle builder | secrets of the castle.

[bekind]

I would always have assumed power tools were faster, but it was interesting to see this demonstration and to see just how much faster.

[toothpick]

I cannot wait until your next video comes out...loved the music, loved the split screen, loved everything about your video...thanks for the enjoyment

[majorleaguegrowing]

rainy days can be no joke in the mountains, creeks can become temporary water rapids. it was pretty cool to see

[barbarahouk]

I appreciated the editing. Watching 2 events at the same time is a neat editing technique. It is also informative since humans learn my compared experiences.
I really don't blame you for not choosing hand drilling. It is a nice historical lesson.
Sorry I am 6 days late but it's been a hectic week. Stay healthy and keep adding video. I'm in your cheering section.

[maureen]

I have to admire your dedication to the stone you are a very good teacher your music cool 👍👍👍

[ronaldschmidt]

Thanks for showing us different types of ways to do stuff. Appreciate the video. Out

[SwannOG]

Hammering a hole through granite manually is hard work. I had to hand drill using a star bit and a 5 pound hammer into 4 inch granite 8 different holes for running transmission wires thru.

[obviouslycloe]

would love to see a How To on building a granite retaining wall and the obstacles concerning the region (deep freeze and thaws, drainage, settlement ect.