Plug and feather is a traditional stone-splitting method. Workers drill a row of holes, fit metal feathers into them and drive plugs between the feathers to split the stone along the intended line. It is suitable for stone, not every material. The video argues that flint could start the holes, brass could replace steel feathers and the process depends on time and technique rather than advanced technology. Modern quarrymen still use the method on large blocks, including blocks weighing roughly 60 tons.
The video argues that plug-and-feather splitting predates modern steel tools
Key facts
- Plug and feather is used to split stone, not arbitrary materials.
- Workers drill holes, insert metal feathers and drive plugs between them to split the stone along its grain.
- The video argues that flint could be used to start the holes and brass could replace steel feathers.
- The video argues that the technique depends on time and technique rather than advanced technology.
- Modern quarry demonstrations use plug and feather on very large stone blocks; the relevant example weighs roughly 60 tons, not 60 metres.
Sources
Splitting Stone: The Feather and Wedge Process - Connecticut Stoneconnecticutstone.com
Procedure Explained. To start, we drill holes into the stone using electric drills. We choose the location of these holes by studying the grain of the stone.
Plug and feather - Grokipediagrokipedia.com
The method involves drilling a row of holes along the desired split line and inserting metal feathers (semi-cylindrical shims) and a central plug (tapered wedge) ...
Plug and feather - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
After the location of the intended split is chosen, a line is scored on the surface of the stone. A number of holes are then cut or drilled into the stone ...
Feathers and Wedges: Ancient Stone Splitting : 3 Steps - Instructablesinstructables.com
Line the holes up on the along the line you want the stone to split at. Insert the feathers and wedges into each hole as one unit with the wedge point all the ...
Using Feathers and Wedges to Split Stone - Stone Arch Bridgesstonearchbridges.com
Drill another hole 6 to 8 inches away from the first along the splitting line and so on until the stone has a regular row of holes along the ...
Wedge & Shim Sets - Stone Splittingtrowandholden.com
Don't let their size fool you, our Wedge & Shim Sets (or Plugs & Feathers) are powerful and cost-effective stone splitting tools.
feather and wedge method | how to split boulders and stone ...devineescapes.com
Step 3: drive wedges down in between the feathers · Then, once all feathers and wedges are situated, you want to gently drive the plugs down.
Feathers and Wedgesmilessupply.com
Insert feathers and wedges into the holes. 6. Be sure the wings face the direction you want the stone to split. 7. Strike the wedges in sequence, firmly, but ...
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