Plug and feather
 Six sets of feathers and wedges in their respective holes. | |
| Other names | Wedges and shims Plugs and wedges |
|---|---|
Feathers and wedges, also known as wedges and shims and plugs and wedges, refers to a technique and a three-piece tool set used to split stone.
Description
Each set consists of a metal wedge and two shims. The shims are tapered and curved at the top and wide at the bottom. When the two shims are placed on either side of the wedge, the combined width of the set is the same at both ends.
History
The technique of using feathers and shims has been used since Roman times.[1]
In New England, prior to 1830, a similar technique for splitting stone entailed cutting slots in a shallow line into the stone using a cape chisel struck with a large hammer. Small, flat metal wedges were then driven between shims of sheet iron. The method of feathers and wedges began to be employed around this time, and spread rapidly throughout the region. Evidence of stone split using both methods indicate the evolution of this method at that time. The method using the cape chisel left long rectangular slots, whereas the newer method, using a plug drill, left round holes.[2]
Technique
Several sets of feathers and wedges are typically used to split a single piece of stone. The stone is first examined to determine the direction of the grain. After the location of the intended split is chosen, a line is scored on the surface of the stone. Several holes are then cut or drilled into the stone face along the scored line approximately 10 - 20 cm apart. Feathers and wedges are then inserted in the holes with the 'ears' of the feathers facing the direction of the desired split. The wedges are then struck with a small stone maul in sequence. An audible tone from the wedges changes to a 'ringing sound' when the wedges are loaded. Between each series of strikes, a pause of several minutes allows the stone to react to the pressure. Eventually a crack appears along the score line and the two halves of the stone split apart.[3][4][5]
See also
References
- ^ Sticks, stones, and shadows., p. 231., Martin Isler, University of Oklahoma Press, ISBN: 0-8061-3342-2, ISBN13: 978-0-8061-3342-3
- ^ www.nh.gov/nhdhr/publications/documents/StoneSplittingHandout.pdf
- ^ http://www.granitecitytool.com/howtosplitwedgeshim.cfm
- ^ http://unturned.net/stone-cutting/
- ^ Stone by Design, The Artistry of Lew French., Lew French, ISBN 9781586854430