questions on tools and equipment

[roemer <roemer@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Question 1 --- moving stone

I use a homemade tripod and a "come-a-long" or a chain
lift attached to top of the tripod. The tripod consists
of three sturdy steel pipes about 13 feet long. There is
hole in the top of the pipe and I have a heavy wire
threaded through the hole. The wire is clamped together.
The tripod is erected with the legs equidistant (about 4
feet apart) in the shape of a teepee. The wire keeps the
top of the tripod together and the chain lift or
"come-a-long" is attached to the wire at the apex of the
tripod.

This contraption works well but you need two people to
operate it and it is inherently unstable so the pucker
factor is high. You have to keep the weight directly
under the center of the tripod or it tips over.

I use a hydraulic lift table (capacity 1100 pounds) to
roll the stone under the tripod. (available from Harbor
Freight about 280 $).

Question2. tools

I have carved medina sandstone from western NY. It is
very hard and I wrecked some carbide tools and the grit
got into my alpha air tool and wrecked the turbines.

I had some luck using a heavy point chisel along with a
pneumatic bush chisel to shape the stone. The alpha had
to be rebuilt but I surprised myself by being able to
polish the sandstone.

I think we need to find out more about how the Egyptians
worked this stone --- it would save us a lot of
frustration. I know the commercial tool supply houses
have diamond blades made for sandstone. When I used my
12 inch wheel I used flowing water to keep the grit out
of the cut. The blade lasted so I guess I did something
right.

Remember to wear a tight fitting air flter --- silicosis
is deadly. I use a industrial fan to blow the dust away
when I work --- it helps me see and keeps some of the
dust away from the mask.

Good luck.
Charlie Roemer