Unlocking the Secrets of Dry Stone Walling Tools

In the captivating KZbin video titled "Using the Right Stone Walling Tools," Brian Post, a skilled stonemason and founder of The Stone Trust, takes us on an educational journey into the world of dry-fit stone walls. With his expertise and passion for stonework evident throughout, he demonstrates various tools used to shape stones for these magnificent structures.
The video begins with Brian introducing himself and providing some background information about The Stone Trust. As an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting dry-stone walling techniques, they offer workshops, certifications, and resources for both professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Brian's enthusiasm is contagious as he dives straight into showcasing the essential tools required for shaping stones. He emphasizes that using appropriate tools not only makes the process more efficient but also ensures better results in terms of aesthetics and structural integrity.
One of the first tools Brian introduces is a tracing chisel. This specialized tool allows him to mark precise lines on stone surfaces before cutting or shaping them further. By demonstrating its usage on a piece of limestone, he showcases how it helps create clean edges while maintaining control over depth.
Next up is a pitching chisel-a versatile tool used primarily for splitting stones along their natural grain lines. Brian explains that understanding each stone's unique characteristics is crucial when deciding where to strike with this chisel. Through careful observation combined with years of experience, he effortlessly splits rocks into desired shapes without compromising their strength or stability.
Moving forward in his demonstration, Brian introduces another indispensable tool-the hand set or striking hammer-which aids in breaking off larger chunks from stones during rough shaping stages. Its flat face provides maximum impact force while minimizing damage caused by excessive vibrations.
To achieve precision cuts or remove smaller imperfections from stone surfaces effectively, Brian employs a point chisel-an instrument featuring a sharp pointed tip designed specifically for such tasks. Watching him skillfully wield this tool reveals how intricate details can be achieved through patience and meticulousness.
As the video progresses, Brian showcases various other tools such as a carbide-tipped hand tracer for splitting stones along straight lines and a feather and wedge set used to split larger rocks. He explains their purposes, demonstrates their usage, and offers insightful tips on how to handle them safely.
Throughout the demonstration, Brian emphasizes the importance of safety precautions when working with stone walling tools. From wearing protective eyewear to using gloves and hearing protection in noisy environments, he ensures that viewers understand the significance of prioritizing personal well-being while engaging in this craft.
In addition to showcasing individual tools, Brian also highlights how different combinations can be utilized together for specific tasks. For instance, he pairs a pitching chisel with a striking hammer to demonstrate how they work harmoniously in splitting stones effectively.
The video concludes with Brian summarizing the key takeaways from his demonstration. He reiterates that choosing appropriate tools is essential for achieving desired results while maintaining structural integrity. Furthermore, he encourages viewers interested in learning more about dry-stone walling techniques to explore The Stone Trust's website or attend one of their workshops.
In conclusion, "Using the Right Stone Walling Tools" is an informative KZbin video that provides valuable insights into shaping stones for dry-fit stone walls. Through his expertise and passion for stonework craftsmanship, Brian Post captivates viewers by demonstrating various essential tools required for this intricate process. Whether you are an aspiring stonemason or simply intrigued by this ancient art form, watching this video will undoubtedly leave you inspired and eager to delve deeper into the world of dry-stone walling techniques

[@MarkFortune-oh6zu]

Hey Brian, love your work. I’ve never seen a punch used like that before, amazed the tool can take that kind of treatment. I apprenticed as a traditional stone carver in my youth over here in Ireland, the quarry forge where the old boys tempered their tools had fallen into disuse with the onset of carbide tools but the technique for punch work came down through the generations of stone cutters and carvers using tempered carbon steel which had a tendency to fracture when abused. The technique I was taught (mainly through observing the stone cutters) which appears to be a lot more efficient plucks the stone from its bed. The posture is very relaxed harnessing the weight of the hammer and gravity to apply force and allowing it rebound to raise it back into striking position, conserving as much energy as possible with the maximum output. Often the punch is repositioned on every blow in a tic tack rhythmical manner which is why the tool was often referred to as a shifting punch.

[@Kobe29261]

Please find people who can still do this and upload a video, if you personally can't record a demo that is

[@vladimirvladimirovich8081]

Прекрасная работа, замечательный урок ! Из Сибири с уважением, Владимир !

[@andrerossi5010]

Very good.

[@scottwillimack184]

Amazing videos! Thank you 🙏 I’m a landscaper and aspiring stone mason. Can yo please recommend all the tools for building dry stack wall. Hammers and chisels ? Thank you!

[@kurt1618]

come join our company always looking for good people

[@RockinWalls]

Tools required to shape stone will very based on stone type along with desired outcome. A field wall with field stone should require minimal tools or non. A quarried stone at a high end estate may require extreme shaping or due to the nature of the design...ie corners...wallheads...caps Making good choices and picking the right stone type for the desired outcome is key. Shaping reduces production but may also increase points of contact stone to stone. My go to tools are, - Rebit 3/8th carbide pointer (as shown by Brian) - Spartan 1 1/2" carbide tracer 7/8th" handle. - Trow and Holden Chisel Wizards a MUST HAVE! (as shown by Brian) - 2 Pound Estwing Drilling Hammer - 65 ton splitting force custom tow behind stone splitter. Because tennis elbow sucks! Not every pallet of stone is worth what you paid! Honestly the $8.00 @ Walmart Hyper Tough TH50006A 2.5 Pound Hand Sledge Hammer W/ Sure Grip Handle Model: TH50006A Walmart # 553165621 Can shape, bust up stone and so much more! Happy Walling! Mark Jurus Specializing in the Craft of Dry Laid Stone Construction! Certified: DSWA Instructor, Dry Stone Professional Waller Level 2 Journeyman DSC - Dry Stone Conservancy US Level 3 Advanced DSWA - Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

[@bouncer2005]

@@RockinWalls mark … thanks for that … how to make contact with you ?

[@RockinWalls]

@@bouncer2005 Everything is on my channel. Ty

[@workgroup8081]

Do you have a list of tools and the suggested brands and websites to look at?

[@fordguyfordguy]

Oh does he!!!

[@governmentflu81]

What's the music?

[@marcoantoniotapia2314]

Hola curso en español ..desde Perú un abrazo

[@TL-he7vu]

What is the make and model of the hammer you start talking about around the 7:00 mark? I hear you say it, but I can't quite make out what you're saying. Thanks in advance.

[@Werdna881]

I caught that he said it's from Sweden. Micon is a Swedish maker of masonry tools, including tools with carbide tips. Maybe that's the brand?

[@darrinmc]

It's a Rebit point in a Trow & Holden Chisel Whizard holder.

[@bosatsu76]

7:00 '"...a 'different' kind of carbide'..." And then shades Trow and Holden... A little more clarification on that please...

[@paulasack7625]

If you are looking for the Tools in this video, I believe they are from Trow & Holden Company Trow & Holden Company Carbine Bull Point with Chisel Whizard ($ Trow & Holden Company Carbine Stone Buster - Vertical Trow & Holden Company Carbine Stone buster - Horizontal

[@ectoplasm66]

What are the small stone rubbles called at 5:05? "Hardy"?

[@ectoplasm66]

Heartings?

[@andrewatkinson5570]

Hearting. Its called 'Hearting' as it goes in the centre of the wall, as in 'The heart'

[@ectoplasm66]

@@andrewatkinson5570 thank you

[@0verfiend]

How do your hands feel brother.

[@stevenhudson6843]

Tools list and links?

[@kurt1618]

Trowle and Holden. Drop down Masonry Hardscape. Everything you will need

[@denbrick2]

👏👏👏👏 👏👏👏👏 👏👏👏👏

[@davebloke829]

That sample wall wouldn't look out of place in Cornwall, or many parts of the UK for that matter.

[@pigeonlove]

At this rate, you will need a lot more stone for your wall!

[@MartinHodgkins]

And a long time!!

[@CoulterStoneMasonry]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/foSQdKyFnsl6n5Isi=emzJY_ocbNodCHMl Here’s part 1 of my dry stack!

[@user-ol1qm9ey7g]

ทำอะไรอยู่เหรอ ก็กำลังเก็บเงินอยู่ยังไง

[@Kobe29261]

First of all - this is why poor people sometimes live in ugly places; this work does not come cheap - to the laborer and the by extension the service consumer. Secondly there has to be a course at every Community college where you can learn the basics of work like this in 3 months. Surely there's a curriculum already. I'm a software developer trying to make the leap into stone masonry - as a hoppy but also who knows, might love it so much I quit my job

[@fordguyfordguy]

I feel like he's really a hammer salesman. ?

[@0verfiend]

No one wants to use hammers anymore. He’s recruiting for the future. I think.

[@MartinHodgkins]

You cut a cope using a banker stone and some skillful tapping not bashing it otherwise you wil have no copes left.

[@unclejack41]

Pounding & pounding !!?? I build stone walls and try not to use tools if I have to

[@rncharrison]

Exactly! Find a stone that fits rather than making a stone fit. There’ll be no stone left if they keep smashing it. My Granda built many straight square walls with only a pair of gloves.

[@wompbozer3939]

I’ve spent days looking for the right rock. It would have been nice to have the skills to just shape an existing one.

[@soso-rtgroup5172]

No mask dust

[@Winterfell1066]

No safety glasses?

[@gcgopro6912]

Get rid of the damn music. Supposed to be listening about stone work.

[@alansheard553]

If you need all those tools for dry stone walling you are not walling properly, look at your stone and use what fits. Why waste time wearing yourself out when you could be walling.

[@MarkFortune-oh6zu]

I strongly disagree. The tolerance of the joints and the fineness of the finished face depends on many factors. As a general guide the further away the work will be viewed the coarser the finish and the wider the joints. I think it is wonderful this man is sharing his knowledge, especially as the level of masonry throughout the modern world is absolutely dreadful. No matter what level of masonry is required I will always cut accurate quoins for structural integrity - the aesthetic follows, which in granite and many other breeds of stone requires at the bare minimum a pitcher, punch and lump hammer. As Ferdinand Porsche said “form follows function”.

[@ryanbeard1119]

F yea

[@pilgrim.5630]

That's the worst wall iv ever seen.

[@rogersinger3757]

For pity’s sake, has this guy ever built a wall? This is a complete waste of time. Use the goddam stone as it is!!!

[@daos3300]

dry stone walling is as much about patience and connecting with the stone, and it can be done with very few basic tools. it's not a race. trust americans to reduce it to a marketing opportunity.

[@kurt1618]

Thats fine if you are messing around in the backyard. After 25 years of walling and hardscape its as much about making a living as it is the romance. Daily production, experience, and the right tools will allow you to make a buck while staying competitive and connected

[@madLphnt]

"Only a sith deals in absolutes" - Obi Wan

[@gschady]

ALL Americans ________________ ??? Hasty Generalization fallacy