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Gadgets, Gizmos, and Dohickeys => What Equipment to Buy and Where to Get it. => Topic started by: drnihili on February 04, 2015, 07:03:30 AM

Title: Rock Hammers
Post by: drnihili on February 04, 2015, 07:03:30 AM

Since I've only got a 10 inch saw, a lot of the rocks I find are too big for it.  In reading about using rock hammers, the suggestion is to use the flat hammer for breaking rocks open, the pick seems to be for trying to dig around in softer stone.  If this is how they are used, then is there any reason why I should prefer a rock hammer over a claw/hand-sledge/maul?  The rocks we have tend to be in the 6-8 Mohs range.  I have to admit to having taken a swing at one or two with  the flat side of a splitting maul to no effect.

Is it worth buying a rock specific hammer if my goal is breaking larger hard rock?  Any suggestions for how best to accomplish my goal?

Title: Re: Rock Hammers
Post by: Itsandbits on February 04, 2015, 08:33:20 AM

first of all; whacking a rock with a hammer creates a lot of fractures.......... Best to cut a slot with the blade as far as it goes and then use a wedge in the slot, or use an angle grinder with a diamond blade to cut the slot.

Title: Re: Rock Hammers
Post by: drnihili on February 04, 2015, 08:57:11 AM

Good points, Itsandbits, I hadn't thought of that.  Unfortunately, the blade guard on my saw doesn't come off easily enough to make using it feasible and I don't have an angle grinder.  I'll work on remedying that latter problem.  Preference for electric or pneumatic?  Is a rechargeable even worth it?

Title: Re: Rock Hammers
Post by: Itsandbits on February 04, 2015, 12:40:23 PM

Quote from: drnihili on February 04, 2015, 08:57:11 AM

Good points, Itsandbits, I hadn't thought of that.  Unfortunately, the blade guard on my saw doesn't come off easily enough to make using it feasible and I don't have an angle grinder.  I'll work on remedying that latter problem.  Preference for electric or pneumatic?  Is a rechargeable even worth it?

the amount of time it takes to cut stone would probably not bode well for a rechargeable. Another option is drilling but you need to use a hammer drill and they cost way more than a 7" angle grinder so I would say the angle grinder is the best option; I buy them at garage sales for $25

Title: Re: Rock Hammers
Post by: drnihili on February 04, 2015, 03:07:27 PM

I actually have a hammer drill, but I'm guessing it would take longer than an angle grinder.  There are angle grinders on CL all the time, and I'm always happy to have an excuse for a new tool.   :toothy10:

Title: Re: Rock Hammers
Post by: ScarlettOSara on February 04, 2015, 04:49:52 PM

And check in the local pawn shops too. Whenever I need a tool I go look there too:)

Title: Re: Rock Hammers
Post by: Phishisgroovin on February 04, 2015, 04:59:12 PM

you can get an angle grinder at harbor frieght tools for around $20
They do last quite awhile, i have one.

Title: Re: Rock Hammers
Post by: Itsandbits on February 04, 2015, 05:26:15 PM

Quote from: Phishisgroovin on February 04, 2015, 04:59:12 PM

you can get an angle grinder at harbor frieght tools for around $20
They do last quite awhile, i have one.

I'd go a lower speed then a 4"
7" are too fast as it is.

Title: Re: Rock Hammers
Post by: Enchantra on February 04, 2015, 09:05:40 PM

The perfect rock hammer...
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=thor%27s+hammer&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=pvaPTLWlB4P6lweCvr3fDQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CDEQsAQwAA&biw=1280&bih=832&gws_rd=ssl&tbm=isch

 :LOLOL:

Title: Re: Rock Hammers
Post by: Itsandbits on February 05, 2015, 07:14:35 AM

Quote from: Enchantra on February 04, 2015, 09:05:40 PM

The perfect rock hammer...
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=thor%27s+hammer&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=pvaPTLWlB4P6lweCvr3fDQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CDEQsAQwAA&biw=1280&bih=832&gws_rd=ssl&tbm=isch

 :LOLOL:

https://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=thor's+hammer&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=pvaPTLWlB4P6lweCvr3fDQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CDEQsAQwAA&biw=1280&bih=832&gws_rd=cr&tbm=isch#um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&q=rock+hammer+machine&revid=1347541570

Title: Re: Rock Hammers
Post by: drnihili on February 05, 2015, 08:17:46 AM

Quote from: Itsandbits on February 05, 2015, 07:14:35 AM

https://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=thor's+hammer&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=pvaPTLWlB4P6lweCvr3fDQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CDEQsAQwAA&biw=1280&bih=832&gws_rd=cr&tbm=isch#um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&q=rock+hammer+machine&revid=1347541570

Yet another reason I NEEEEEED an excavator.   :toothy10:

Title: Re: Rock Hammers
Post by: Enchantra on February 05, 2015, 09:12:57 AM

ROTFLMAO!!   :LOLOL: :DRUNKS:

Title: Re: Rock Hammers
Post by: MrsWTownsend on February 05, 2015, 11:03:04 AM

[/quote]
https://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=thor's+hammer&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=pvaPTLWlB4P6lweCvr3fDQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CDEQsAQwAA&biw=1280&bih=832&gws_rd=cr&tbm=isch#um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&q=rock+hammer+machine&revid=1347541570
[/quote]

OH YEAH NOW WE'RE TALKIN'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Re: Rock Hammers
Post by: ToTheSummit on February 05, 2015, 01:34:00 PM

Don't know if this will work, but here is a serious rock hammer for you.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=905417939482500

My brother is there this week (The 'King of the Hammers' race in Southern California).  Hes really into the rock crawling.