How to use Feather and Wedges. Breaking rocks made easy.

[@AstroxZombie]

I went to an Agricultural high school and majored in Natural Resources. Sophomore year we did a segment on quarries. Our teacher was a bit old fashioned and he always called them "feather and pin". We had a museum on property that my class took care of. We did an exhibit on quarries that year and I restored a very old detonator as the show piece.

[@alan30189]

💣

[@michaelhinson8391]

U can take a battery operated grinder and score down in a straight line with your holes about a quarter to half inch and it will break in that line every time. That’s how I split my thick stones when I’m doing rock work. Love your show keep up the great content

[@RealLuckless]

Important lessons learned from watching a neighbour splitting large rocks 1. Before starting to hammer in your wedges, check where your drill and other tools are placed, and consider where rock is likely to move when it splits. 2. Also consider where YOU are in relation to where rock is going to fall before starting to hammer... 3. Consider where you or items you care about are situated in relation to where rock will soon no longer be... Needless to say it was an 'interesting summer'.

[@skoitch]

Wise precautions! I’ve split rocks larger than houses and sometimes the end result is not at all what you predicted.

[@NexVoidGaming]

Hope your neighbour is okay and able to get back to "Lappin" now

[@NexVoidGaming]

@The Pervy Prepper lol I was just making up a word, shortening lapidary work to lappin'

[@Gardeningchristine]

Dan, you must have been an excellent teacher! I’ve never used a feather and wedge but I feel like I could after your tutelage.

[@dart70ca]

Had to remove a motorcycle-sized boulder from an area where i needed to pour a foundation. Budget called for feathers and wedges. That boulder was a rock from Hell. Very coarse granite/gneiss. For a week we pounded on it, drilled it, split off scabs and cursed it. After trying tons of different techniques, the one that finally allowed the rock to split through cleanly was to rent a long drill bit (24-36") and drill all the way through. After that, I was able to remove that thing in half a day. It split clean and straight through the holes every time. Keep up the great content Dan; I don't always watch but usually entertained when I do.

[@PilotMcbride]

As a kid (now 66) my old man was too tight to buy feather & wedges. We had to split rocks using scutch comb, boltus chisel and cold chisel. Scutch to mark & weaken, boltus to "dig" and cold chisel for power. Used to take hours, but that's all we had to build the sea wall. Got it done, no broken bones, plenty of whinging and whining though, 😂😂😂, and too young for beer.

[@christophermichaud7187]

Great video! I found some over 200 year old feather and wedges metal detecting around a giant granite Boulder here in southern Maine. The boulder was being worked to make 10' long granite slabs for a foundation. I also detected around the foundation. Lots of hand made nails found... love your channel!

[@cayrick]

Never realized the wedge and feather technology went back so far. Interesting.

[@CrazyChipmunk78]

Professor screw what people say, as a prospect myself this was a very informative and helpful video!

[@garyjordan3181]

I like the way you go from one place to another and then give informative content on the different ways to deal with the problem at hand. Always great stuff. As to the people who want to set back and try to find fault, shine them on, keep doing what you're doing for the rest of us that will benefit from your expertise and hard work.👍

[@btdarterschannel112]

Dan, don't mind the critics. I'm sure most people, like myself, watch your videos to see how YOU do things. Because your videos are inspirational! Thanks! 😃💎⚒👍

[@Zippsterman]

This is my first time seeing one of your videos, and my immediate thought is "this guy loves what he does". Nice stuff Dan, keep doing your thing

[@SpaceDraggon]

I just tried these feather and wedges for the first time....they work awesome...thank you Dan!

[@tomwells4449]

I'm really enjoying these last few videos. Very helpful for an amateur rockhound

[@AR-ed3xw]

Dan I'm so glad I found your channel a while back, you are one of the most wholesome KZbinrs! Keep it up, I'm a Dan fan for life now!

[@Gardeningchristine]

YEEEESSSSS!!!! Another Dan Hurd Video!!!! Thank you for your excellent wholesome content!

[@thegeck9978]

Dan you are doing just fine. I work in an industry where I work with everything from stone, redbrick, lumber, asphalt, foam, pvc, electrical, you name it. For well over 25 years. Not once have I worked with a stone mason that worked with feather and wedges. That doesn’t mean they aren’t in the field, but I find it strange so many (4) would come out for just one video to lend their expertise.

[@jeffreykeffer4352]

I think I can see the main issue with how your using the feathering wedges , See what it is , is you have gotten too famous and found to much cool good stuff, so haters who are jealous have to come out of the wood work and complain , mostly because they cant get their fat asses out of their recliners and look for stuff them selves. I mean I could be wrong ... they may actually be sitting on Sofas and not in recliners

[@oldwolf1928]

I think You hit the feather and wedge on the head!

[@bruceanderson7762]

ahaha...my guess...recliners...lol

[@cornlips7247]

I went panning for the first time today and found my first flakes. All thanks to your how to videos! I only did a few pans but it was awesome!

[@sheilapayne3089]

Hi love your chanel Dan I'm disabled so can't go out much but love watch you get gold and lo e the scenery I am in the UK and live near the sea so a veiw means a lot so your chanel is wonderful

[@trevorperkins5181]

Dan I just want to tell you I truly appreciate the knowledge, honesty, and attitude you have and share with us on your videos. I found a passion for rock hounding and to strive to learn everything I can about the minnerals where I'm from the pacific northwest. I always get excited when you post a new video! Keep up the good work!!

[@Afruscek]

Breaking rocks in a, the hot sun. I watched Dan Hurd and a, It was fun. I watched Dan Hurd and a, It was fun. Sung to the tune 'I fought the law' by The Clash. Keep up the excellent work.

[@azarahwagner2749]

I’ve used the feather n wedge for landscaping purposes and though some rock drills faster dry , using water while drilling on other types works faster and helps the bits last longer 😉 Another way I removed stone / bead rock was making a hot fire at the base and then using water ( I was on a lake ) to fracture it and it worked very well 😉

[@Khono]

Thanks, this was my question :)

[@stlrsmike]

I agree with what you do for your interests. I ran an eagle2 rock saw that would cut 5 feet deep and I would go out in the quarry and split stone myself for whatever i needed. I used a pneumatic drill with a 3 foot bit, 2 feet apart, then a hydraulic splitter with spacers (they looked like shoe horns) to split it. If you listen to the wedges and the rock you can tell when it will go. You're absolutely correct about going slow, wait for it...wait for it...ping!

[@michealklonowski5267]

thats a bummer no micro blaster and thank you for showing feather and wedges.thank you for sharing.

[@mehere6865]

I was always taught to let the tool do the job, nice to hear you got the same lesson. Nice video Dan.

[@doylemccandless7160]

Thanks for posting Dan. We love watching and learning and you are so entertaining. You include your family. You Rock! Keep up the great videos you make.

[@onikaimu]

I have been watching your videos for about 3 days now. I love them. You do some amazing work and without drama. Stay safe and hydrated.

[@Leffe192]

I use very similar feather and wedges (rubber and the circle with mm-size looks identical, same Chinese forge?) on the gneiss in my backyard in western Sweden. My rule of thumb is to space them 10 times diameter. My 20mm holes go maximum 20cm apart. Easy enough. Really satisfying to listen for the sounds of microfracturing when the rock starts to break, I too find myself too eager on the hammer, and not waiting long enough. Working with foliated bedrock has its challenges in planning the direction of the holes to get more than small flakes loose. I'm envious of those that have granite to work with :) Great video Dan!

[@keithjohnson281]

First thing Dan you have to realize that you are a man with a great deal of knowledge. You are a teacher. You are Not an entertainer, all of those funny voices and bulging eyes distract from the knowledge that you have to transmit to us.

[@SethWestmore]

Love the unexpected videos, thank you, Dan!

[@JulianR123]

Dang everytime I watch your videos I miss British Columbia so much!!! I can see the mountains from my home in Calgary. All that gold and precious stone is so close yet so far lol. Not to mention the fishing is #1.

[@milesnn]

Awesome job Dan love how you will go back an show and explain things honesty up front awesome thank you

[@stinkyfungus]

Good advice about not leaning on your drill bits. That advice goes for all cutting, abrading, or drilling tools. Let the tool do the work, you just need to keep it steady and let the tool chew at its own own pace.

[@RoyHolder]

Thanks Dan, always enjoy watching your videos.

[@jtswhitewater4940]

Dan you make great videos and we are all entertained! Those people who think they can do better should be like you and show us, not just tell us and think that’s good enough.

[@BusterB2398]

Thank you dan for the teaching lesson ! I appreciate it ♡ be safe be healthy!

[@rogerschulze9399]

Thank you Dan for doing the educational videos.

[@summerbrooks9922]

We will, we will rock it!

[@Quagula]

i have a big project ahead of me. thanks for the lesson

[@shinykazzadragon]

I used to break rocks in my parents’ driveway (much to their chagrin) by smashing them with a sledge hammer. The driveway was hard pack gravel, and not concrete or cement. I found many fascinating things in rocks 50+ years ago, and I am still finding neat things in rocks. (Even more when I wear my reading glasses - getting old kind of sucks.)

[@MikeyV10]

Rented a hilti like yours that came with quad tipped carbide drill bits and they work fast, way better than the regular twin tip.

[@jasonwcoleman250]

There's the Viking Welgcome!!! Thanks Dan!

[@buddy14522]

Thank you for the lesson Dan!

[@richardwarnock2789]

Thanks Dan dry ice works too!!!; )

[@victorjubinville5720]

Dan you could use a chalked line, weight one end down then snap it. You could use a hand grinder like a fan suggested or chisel to score it. Always great videos.

[@brianpruitt1625]

This was very COOL to watch. Thanks for the great knowledge and footage.

[@billyford5519]

Thanks Dan your the best .I have watched a lot your a great teacher thank you for your videos

[@moonstarer55]

Thank you Dan for another excellent video

[@randyjones9192]

I know a few places where this will be very useful , not to mention making easy camping seats and tables lol Thx Dan

[@lisasescapades]

Another great video. The feather wedge is a very cool tool. I will have to invest in some. 😊

[@p.o.m.4664]

Mr Hurd I really like your videos I wish I had the time to do this. So please be careful and keep up the great videos.

[@marychace1011]

There WAS a form of feather and wedges back in the times of the Egyptians. The difference was that they would chisel out a groove with copper chisels and then use feather and plugs to split the rock instead of making drill holes for the feather and wedges. Stay cool, Dan! Hope you had a fun time on Canada Day!

[@jasonwhite1757]

There were a few rocks we couldn't move with the tractor in the back yard garden, I used a diamond saw and made a cut around 10 cm deep and used straight coal chisels (which busted the tip), it worked... I have since bought a hammer drill and 9/16" wedge & feather set. Lucky enough I don't have to use them at the amethyst yet, still in the weathered calcite / MnO Gossan. I love to hear the pitch of them increase until you hear the crack and then they suddenly go down in frequency.

[@LibertyStacking]

That was really cool watching to split rocks with a hammer and wedge.

[@terrapinrocks]

Now who saw the wasp hover directly in front of the camera and stare at the lens for a microsecond? (3:23)

[@skootles1]

Xlint video Dan. I learnt sumpin new today! Thanks for sharing.

[@danrow5042]

Tbh i didnt think id be too intrested in this 1 dan as i love gold content but ive found this educational and entertaining, thumbs up frm me 👍

[@matthewelliott2213]

Thumbs up Dan! I'm so sorry you get any negative comments-- your channel is fun and informative!

[@farmerbob139]

Hi Dan, I keep noticing "protected" status on expired claims in bc, can you explain how that works? thanks, Bob

[@bradrich9527]

Haters gonna hate. Thanks for the knowledge Dan

[@jeffersonstategold8349]

This is fantastic information and I am going to use this for sure but what would you do if you had super large boulders, let's say the size of a car, underwater?

[@mathiasmartin8194]

Excellent video and explanation, please create a video demonstrating how to cut the round stone for use in a millstone.

[@RobertxJenks]

I remember the old star bits used with a hammer to match the size and feather wedges

[@Hartcore11]

I love this video. It answered my questions.

[@deanmills5106]

We love ya Dan, your an inspiration

[@rickreimer1050]

Always something new to learn! Thanks for sharing Dan.

[@soho71]

Hey Dan, how’s the ticker? Hope you are well!

[@davide2711]

Thank you for the upload. Very cool. I have a big rock in my way I may have a solution to now

[@manoutdoors7085]

Love the video, you never cease to amuse. Thanks!

[@larryjmcdanel9342]

Dan, as you already know there always going to be haters out there telling you your doing it wrong and how it should be done. One of my most hated sayings is “ if I were doing it “ it drive me crazy when someone says that. Your doing it the way that it works for you and that’s all that matters. I enjoy all your videos ( even though you find nice big pieces of gold and all I find are tiny pieces. LOL) keep up the look work.

[@OneMorePan]

Really wish you could still use the blaster! Great video Dan! 🤘😁🤘

[@dylanosmond613]

I really don't know why people are mean. .... Just let it go and enjoy content with actual work going into the videos. Appreciate everything hate nothing !

[@00BONG1]

Love getting the notifications! Woo-hoo!! I look forward to your posts all week !

[@ronheflin7848]

Dan I know how you feel. It's triple digits where I live anywhere from 108 to 120. Love the videos also who won the mats and gold.

[@vakakeyma]

Seriously just do you man, enjoy your videos Dan, keep doing you :)

[@artboymoy]

Good video. I'm tryingto break some natural stone blocks just for fitting and am having a bear of a time with it. I got some of these but now I need a hammer drill.... They're not big blocks but I was stupid and liked the look of natural stone. Would have been done with this project years ago if I just went with the manufactured wall blocks...

[@BackcountrywithShaughn]

Darnit Dan, you were just so cavalier with your wedges, didn't you know those rocks shouldn't be taken for.....granite! Hard rock mining is exactly what it says...hard! Thanks for sharing this informative post sir, hope you and your family are well~ PS Big chunk may have been andesite but was a little on the grey side from the video~

[@timandrews8805]

Just think Dan,you are the first person accorded the privilege of being able to see inside these rocks

[@dawndixon402]

Thank you for another great video. God-bless you and your's.

[@michaelrobertson8795]

Awesome video Dan👍✌

[@1catfishuntermiller753]

Hiya Dan, hey I don't care what people say about your stone cutting abilities, you do what you need to do. It's kinda like fishing 🎣I've had people tell me that I was catching them wrong, I should be doing this or that. I fill my freezer and they buy catfish from me. So who is doing it right. 🤣🤣🤣 I really enjoyed watching your video, I wish I would have known that trick years ago. Keep up what your doing and don't worry about what people say. My nickname is Catfish, and I have done it well also. I hope you and your family, have a awesome blessed day. Cya! 😺🐟out!

[@FG564GHJU7]

Another awesome educational video! 😊😉

[@jackcool3200]

I bought the feather and wedges and first time trying to drill a rock for practice. It took me 10 minutes to get 1/2 inch deep hole. I had it on gamer drill setting. Does it take that long to drill into a rock?

[@cayrick]

Question Dan. I have used wedge and feathers to crack many basalt boulders on a property I own. Recently I encountered a subsurface rock that I had to break but it was not basalt but hard and brittle. The wedge and feathers would only break off local chunks and not split the rock. It is as if the rock was a sponge flexing so the W&F had little effect. Did you by chance ever encounter rocks like that and were there other solutions you tried like hydraulic expanding cement? Would be interested in any suggestions you migh thave.

[@jimmyjones9257]

What type of drill would you recommend for boulders SDS or?

[@nickdanger108]

Thank you for this video it really helped me out

[@mysteryfinds]

Haters are going to hate no matter what. Keep up with the great videos and prospecting.

[@stephenrestall7428]

One important thing Dan, there will always be people who are hell bent on being trolls and however skilled you are, they will do there best to belittle you. Carry on doing amazing vlogs and being an all-round decent person 👍☺️ and ignore homo sapien idioticus maximus.

[@GSProspecting]

great work fam. GOLD QUAD OUT!!!

[@lucdaigle2394]

Hi, most rocks (even granite) have a fabric, a mineral orientation. Your first split should be perpendicular to the fabric, after which you go parallel then right angles again and always try to use the rule of halves so that each block is splitting the progressively smaller block in half. Recognizing fabric comes from experience and also understanding the nature of the type of rock you are working. You'll have better results every time.

[@jayakrishna3603]

Is it the grain you are calling fabric

[@adamcollins8371]

Lovely vid found that visually pleasing

[@Xizervexius]

Great tutorial, thanks! I'm getting ready to split some large rocks on my property to complete a garden wall. Have the feather and wedges, now need to rent a larger drill. I'm guessing you're a fellow Canuck... what are the "rules" for splitting rocks; can one just drive up a local forest service road, find a pile of interesting looking rocks, and start splitting? I'm in south western BC for reference.

[@jamescameron6819]

Hey Dan treat yourself to a nice carbide splitting chisel or heat treat the tip on your cold chisel. Also when you see a stone splitting on a shelf like that it's the natural fault / bedding line . You can learn to read the stones and split them on the bedding plain. Also larger stones alternate holes with wedges or even multiple empty bore holes. Keep it up guy

[@leungfy1]

i am trying to break a huge piece of granite that is sitting vertically with a narrow top. If i drill holes on both sides. Will I be able to yield the same result?

[@TarnishedViking.]

Nice Dan!

[@OTIS8883]

Wondering what size drill bit works good for 5/8 feather and wedge ? Thanks

[@jeffashton3352]

That was a great video Dan. Thank you!

[@tomaud]

Nice video. I liked it and subscribed. I have a really hard piece of stone/rock at 40 to 45 cm thick (deep) (1 1/2 ft.) that took a very long time to drill the holes into and a variety of thickness in different places which wedges with feathers can't split even that I followed the instructions seen on videos. Some of the wedges and feathers are completely in and others are barely above the stone surface and the hammer is recoiling. One of the wedges/feathers is jumping out of its hole upon being hit with a hammer. The stone is 1,5 meter long maximum (5 ft.) and 1 meter wide in its widest place (3+ ft.) while in the middle it is 80 cm wide (under 3 ft.). The top of the stone/rock has a "mountainous terrain" so to speak (variety of reliefs) so the holes were drilled at different "heights" of the stone. Are the wedges/feathers too short for this stone/rock? Can a rock/stone of various reliefs be split like this? The wedges are about 10 cm long (4") and I used 5 wedges for the stone's length of 1,5 m( 5 ft.). After drilling 5 holes I sprayed the stone powder/dust with a water stream and then drilled more into watery holes. The stone got wet a little bit. Wrong or right, I don't know. I can post photos or even a short video within the next several hours. Is my boulder a granite? Take a look: postimg.cc/yk6x0srH

[@michaelrobertson8795]

Yep I need to get me some of them

[@comfortouch]

Dan, Do you ever use water when you are drilling to keep the dust down? Why? Why not? TY