Introduction to Stone Cutting Tools - Trow & Holden Hand Tools

In this video I give a brief overview of the hammers and chisels that I regularly use for working with stone. All of my tools come from Trow and Holden in Barre, VT
www.trowandholden.com
The following tools are shown:
8 lb Bull Set
4 lb Carbide Hammer Set
Hand Set
10 lb Quarry Buster
4 lb Stone Buster
Carbide Tracer
Carbide Chisel
Carbide Hand Point
I will get into the detailed application of the individual tools in future videos.
Thanks for watching!
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[@gertsgarden]

Happy New Year everyone! A few days ago we were watching a special about the NYC library. When the host said that it was the largest stone structure in the states and it was made of marble quarried in Vermont we both looked at each other and burst into..... MY BUDDY ALFRED!!!! I know you quarry granite but it was close enough for us. Thanks for all the insights into your craft and for not actually charging Morgan for his missing bucket! That was so well done.

[@11matt11]

Alfred, a real thank you for making us city folks more knowledgeable about farm life. Really interesting video. And great video about the tractor. My daughters absolutely love your channel, and their Dad is now seriously thinking of moving us all out of the city to a new homestead (Now that they can go to the same schools). I have a once in a lifetime opportunity in a few months. Even last year, I would have passed, and my wife has recently told me she's changed her dreams to want one. Now I don't think I could pass this up. Thank you for being such a positive influence on my family.

[@noelaniross305]

I know you’re busy trying to build up and get customers for your quarry, but whenever you have free time and want to make a cool KZbin video for views, I suggest doing a small project where you show off all your skills and make something really beautiful! Especially if you can explain the steps or say why you’re using that tool in specific as a voice over in the background while the video/visuals play. Inspire the next generation of stone masons and sculptures! 👍😁 I hope your business does amazing, good luck! 🍀 🎉

[@infopubs]

I'd like to see more footage of how each tool is used. You're clearly very skilled and value your tools.

[@KimHosty]

Fir-- well, second! 🥈💕 Good to see you again, Alfred! Edit: Very impressive assortment of tools you have there! I appreciated your comment around 9:34 about instrument quality and maintenance. Whether an activity is a hobby or a career, there are some places where you simply cannot skimp. I've spent enough time around airplanes to know that you really, really can't cheap out and expect good (or safe) results. That shrapnel injury sounds gnarly -- that must have been terrifying. I'm glad you're doing ok. The world needs its buddy Alfred! I enjoyed the overview! You mentioned maybe doing a deeper dive on the tools if there's interest, and I'd definitely vote for that! Maybe make a mini-series of your 5 favorites, and showcase all the types of cuts they can do (kinda like you did at 5:53, 6:39, and 8:33, but moooore). There's something really soothing about seeing/hearing stone get chipped away, so I'd honestly be down to hear 10 minutes of ting-ting-ting-ing. Cheers man!

[@barbarahouk1983]

I second the statements above.

[@HELENGodLoves]

Awesome comment on an awesome video 👍✌️❤️🙏

[@Libbathegreat]

Those look really nice. It'd be cool if you did a comparison of how the old tools perform vs the new ones. Also how you take care of them to get more life out of them. That injury sounds pretty serious though, damn! I knew quarrying and so forth could be dangerous but the idea of shrapnel from tool wear getting you never crossed my mind!

[@visverkoper1]

I'm an electrician by trade and I also know the value of good tools. I have Klein pliers that are almost 40 years old and still have plenty of life on them.

[@reneequalls5878]

I still have my Kleins from 20 yrs ago when I was an apprentice!

[@barbarahouk1983]

I still have my Weller soldering gun. I am 67 now and I received that soldering gun as a graduation present for tech school in 1973. My spouse took it over when I left electronics and went to college for Chemistry, Biology, Humanities (Latin, German, Communications, History, Logic & Philosophies). Then I went into medical school. I now am a retired psychiatrist (MD). I can still repair minor things, but spouse does most repairs. Yes, good tools last and last. Too bad Stanley, a GE company bought out Craftsman. Neither Stanley nor Craftsman are good tools anymore.

[@bobbyd6680]

@@barbarahouk1983 Is this about tools or resumes?

[@NigelDickie]

New truck. New tractor. New tools. Alfred is living large.

[@vermontheritagegranitecomp2062]

Time to get to work I guess...

[@lhmcd5538]

Fascinating. Maybe as you quarry you can show us what tool you are using and why. I’m glad you are still here after your accident. I’m sure your family would have been very worried for you. Thank you. May you please take care and stay safe.

[@georgedavidson1221]

My buddy Alfred is a a real treasure

[@Zakkajj]

Would be interesting to see how you care for your tools and the processes used to keep them in good working order. Enjoying the videos, thanks!

[@ronaldschmidt4748]

Thanks Alfred for the video. I can tell you appreciate quality tools. You need those to do excellent work. Like your new tractor. Thanks for posting this video. Look forward to the next one. Take Care Alfred. Out

[@mazzstevey]

Definitely interested is learning and seeing more on how each tool is used. I appreciate the finer details and visuals. Thank you!

[@Martin-xo2le]

your Chanel is so fun to watch but educational. thanks for the content Alfred

[@mollytheda9273]

Wow! Lots of new terminology. Loved the descriptions and uses. Thank you.

[@nancywebb1845]

I always learn something from your videos. And agree that for some applications, using high quality tools save time and money.

[@Spudscave]

Alfred you sure are the sharpest tool in the box wishing you all the success with your new Quarry

[@leapingkitties]

I am more then interested in seeing these tools in use. Good tools in any trade are essential!

[@brianking4360]

would love to see more examples of how you use them!

[@Alucardbob]

Really enjoy the content dude, keep up the good work 🙃 🤘

[@diestar1]

I think I was one of the ones that requested this video and I'm sad to see I missed it when you posted it. Very cool to see! Thanks for the education!

[@jrsf222]

Love your spirit! 2023 has promise for all of us‼️

[@quietkate]

Need the tools to do the job. Initially my late brother had to buy his tools on time gave him a sense of pride to own them, know those tools went to another fine fellow who cherishes them, as I know you do yours. Glad you bought the best.

[@TexasRoast]

I think a neat video idea would be to highlight some of your past projects and tell us what stone masonry techniques and tools you used to make them. Perhaps also go over what you learned during the process and how it inspired any other projects you had in the future or are planning now. A funny click baity video name idea I had would also be "I'm a free mason now," or something along those lines. Just food for thought.

[@thomasarchambault9463]

This is a fantastic video for people who are interested in this. Please keep posting great content.

[@reneedearing1046]

Enjoyed your intro and all the info! Very interesting!

[@lynnkhosla6277]

Such a cool video! Thanks for educating us on the different tools you use. The classical music in the background was a great choice. Well done!

[@patrickcampbell3133]

Happy new years! Awesome to hear about the hand tools! If you get a chance def let us know about the injury, I bet youtube would like to hear about it. My family is from the NEK and we love to see you showing how we make a living and survive up here!

[@lindag4484]

I don't know anything about quarrying or stone cutting but I could listen to you all day long. Interesting and fascinating. "quarry buster" I like the sound of that one. The one with the blue handle is the only one I'm familiar with. My brother is a fossil hunter/collector and he has one like that.

[@ray-conemod8271]

Wow, those hand tools are beautiful.

[@mrfrankielam100]

Alfred, wish you and everyone have a wonderful New Year! Thanks for showing us your tools, hope you can educate us more about your work. Thanks.

[@johnlehmeyer8793]

The right tool for the job is invaluable!!! Amazing what you can do with just a few of them. Thanks Alfred for showing me the tool's of your trade.

[@jeno264]

So interesting! These tools are so cool, it is great to see them in use in yr videos! 💖

[@katiezilch9424]

Thank you for the explanations Alfred! I looked at Trow & Holden's pneumatic chisels for removing mortar from soft historic brick, rather than an angle grinder. Very cool to see you demonstrate the hand tools!

[@vermontheritagegranitecomp2062]

I bought a mortar removal kit from them a number of years ago. It works really well, but I found that it works best to "rough the joints in" with an angle grinder, then clean them up with the pneumatic tool.

[@katiezilch9424]

@@vermontheritagegranitecomp2062 Thank you so much for the insight! Still trying to convince the home owners (parents) to let me try to repoint with nhl lime mortar. It's a relatively small house so pneumatic tools might be outside of the budget--maybe just an angle grinder and hand tools. I'm a total novice, so we'll see. It was fun getting to see you look at historic buildings in Vermont in a previous video. Thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@myzacky96]

Love your videos Alfred!

[@georgedavidson1221]

Keep making videos very interesting

[@cherylhuot4436]

Thank Alfred! Very interesting!

[@terrimoore5181]

Happy 2023!🎉

[@YanFei-zi7mm]

Happy New Year. Nice!

[@onamuir4985]

So, when are you setting up courses? Thanks for the quick sketch of tools. 🤗

[@tylerfish6206]

Love your channel man I’ve learned so much

[@delsurf71]

I am very interested in your videos but I have no idea about what your trade. A suggestion for a future videos from me is explain the terminology for those of use who don’t know. The explanation and demonstration are the best. Thanks.

[@velksa6835]

wow, those tools are almost as old as me!

[@ronaldlucas5360]

Nice video from Tulsa Oklahoma!

[@karionhawkins3091]

Happy 2023

[@jmflying]

Happy New Year, Yes expensive tools are not expensive CHEAP tools are expensive

[@teresaedwards3659]

Good video

[@nabihahabibullah1577]

💐✋💐 Happy new year. Missing the right tools in any work will cause some problems.

[@maureen8930]

Thank you 👍👍

[@reneequalls5878]

Very interesting

[@marklee2508]

There's alot of grit in this World, working on the rock pile is one of them, maybe we'll reverse course before going back to the stone age.

[@barbarahouk1983]

Ok I am only 5 days late. Glad to be here.

[@anneabbo9114]

Nteresting tools - how they are different and how they are used. Thank you!

[@christophergeiger6158]

im really thinking about getting into this , any pointers on a good starting set that isnt horribly exspensive

[@robertmcpherson1801]

still looking for a star drill I use several more than 50 years ago it did work real well. ??

[@Dd-sunshine68]

Hi alfred 😊

[@HELENGodLoves]

I can imagine the tools my ancestors used to create the foundation of America/World

[@sniper21223]

How long does it take to wear off the carbide tip for a tracer vs say a quarry buster? Can you notice it wearing down yearly? Are the sets generally weatherproof?

[@vermontheritagegranitecomp2062]

That's pretty hard to gauge, but the mason's chipper that came with the original tool kit still has *some* life in it after 16ish years. Interestingly, T&H is reluctant to put carbide on the big Quarry Buster (10 lbs+) hammers because the carbide gets driven through the steel of the hammer.

[@T_P_W_ThachoZenjuan]

Yessssss.

[@IbelongtoJesus.]

❔

[@user-ht4pp6ly1v]

Some of my pitch's cost over one hundred dollars a piece.They are worth every penny.

[@IbelongtoJesus.]

V e r y interesting 🧐👍 ⚒️⛏️⚒️⛏️⚒️⛏️⚒️⛏️⚒️

[@gratitude7397]

Ok Alfred...How did the Egyptians do it?

[@SideshowBen206]

Regarding your injury, do you carry a tourniquet with you when you're working alone?

[@vermontheritagegranitecomp2062]

No, but I should get some type of First Aid kit, I have always just kept Band-Aids in the glovebox.

[@russellegge9840]

What about a star drill???

[@nicholaslee722]

That injury sounds horrible... You really have to properly protect yourself. Side matter: If you have a company email, you should put it in your channel profile.

[@pdudy8261]

Do you think egyptians could have handworked granite?

[@skrtskit1521]

💖💖🎶🎶

[@gregsullivan8956]

Hello

[@jasminaalm]

Hi Afred, I'll be much more likely to stay engaged with your channel if you stay alive !

[@Fox-One1937]

Tools don't change from the pre historical age. Just the same purpose

[@thilomasonry]

Hey, do rebit tools they are too quality swedish carbide, cheaper and better, you'll never go back to the Vermont stuff

[@salimyasini3100]

My dumb a@$ buying a flat chisel for woodworking when it's for stonework 😅

[@johnj.fitzpatrick7148]

I’m enjoying your videos and education very much. Unless you are Native American… maybe lose the manbun.

[@vermontheritagegranitecomp2062]

I am Native American

[@johnj.fitzpatrick7148]

Then wear it proudly. I am a Proud Canadian and respect all others.

[@haroldmclean3755]

Hit It ! 🪨🏌️ 😉👍