Watched an experimental copper pipe drill chew into granite with nothing but loose quartz sand and corundum grit. About a pound of weight supplied pressure, while vibrations through the rope and handle told him when grit or water needed adjusting. The first 15 minutes cut just 1/16 inch 🪨🔧
Experimental copper pipe drill cuts granite with sand and corundum grit
Key facts
- The presenter drills granite with a copper pipe tool worked by a back-and-forth (seesaw) stroke, using loose abrasive grit (quartz sand and a gallon of corundum) fed between the bit and the stone.
- A weight of about one pound was added on top of the drill to supply downward pressure.
- Vibrations transmitted through the rope and handle act as a feedback mechanism: a change in vibration signals when the grit needs replacing and when too much water has been added.
- He cut about 1/16 inch of depth in the first 15 minutes of drilling and reported the motion is physically easy enough to sustain for four-hour sessions.
- During long repetitive sessions he listened to music, podcasts and audiobooks, and speculates ancient drill teams similarly used the time for storytelling and song to maintain rhythm.
- A wooden template was used to level the starting surface so the copper bit only bites the high points, avoiding chiselling a groove.
Sources
How to Drill a Hole in Copper for an Ice Maker - Weekweekand.com
Set a drill punch tip directly onto the mark you have made. Lightly tap the end of the punch in several quick motions. If you tap too hard or ...
Ancient Egyptian Copper Coring Drillshallofmaat.com
No tubular copper barrels or the wooden drill-shaft used for coring of rock have been found in the archaeological record from ancient Egypt, or from Mesopotamia ...
Copper - Specialty Drill Bitshomedepot.com
Carbide-tipped drill bits stay very sharp over long periods of use and are used mainly for concrete, tile and masonry. These are often the best masonry drill ...
Would like to drill some drilled rock.garagejournal.com
The diamond hole saws may work. Drill as deep as you can, then break out the core. You may be able to break out the core with a flat blade ...
Expedition Magazine | Ancient Egyptian Stone-Drillingpenn.museum
More than most technical procedures in the ancient world, drilling of hard stone such as quartz and granite has evoked awe and puzzlement.
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