Hammer & Stone : Hollowing a Bluestone Basin

A Little Wisdom Helps You Become Smarter !

In the video, a craftsman transforms a solid block of Sichuan bluestone (1.08m long, 58cm wide, 56cm high) into a water container using a traditional drilling and splitting method. This technique, rooted in practical stoneworking, involves three key steps:

Precision Drilling: Vertical holes are drilled closely along the inner walls with a water-cooled diamond drill. The holes weaken the stone along predefined lines, reducing the risk of random cracks.

Controlled Splitting: A hammer strikes the remaining stone bridges between holes, leveraging the stone’s natural fracture points. This step efficiently hollows the block while preserving its outer texture.

Surface Refinement: The rough interior is smoothed with grinders to create a functional basin.

Why This Method Works
Sichuan bluestone, a porous sandstone, is ideal for hand-carving but requires post-processing. Left untreated, its absorbent nature may cause water seepage. For long-term use (e.g., as a fish pond), sealing the interior with waterproof epoxy is critical. Additionally, soaking the stone for 1-2 weeks before use helps stabilize mineral content and prevents pH shifts harmful to aquatic life.

Practical Takeaways

This low-tech approach suits small-scale projects where machinery access is limited.

Always test the container’s watertightness for 3-5 days before adding fish or plants.

Balance aesthetics and functionality: retain the stone’s rustic exterior but prioritize safe, sealed interiors.

A blend of ancient technique and modern material science, this process highlights how traditional skills can adapt to meet contemporary needs.