Videos including how to lessons
“Stones are strong in compression, but weak in tension,” writes Brian Post, DSWA Master Craftsman, in this very informative article on stone shaping which appeared in the Dec/Jan issue of Mother Earth News magazine. In the Basic Techniques for Shaping Stone article, Brian starts by explaining the difference between level bedded and irregular stone. He…
Brian Post shares tips and techniques for using a Trow and Holden tracer chisel on several types of stones. Learn some do’s and dont’s when using a tracing chisel to split stones for dry stone walling applications. The 1.5″ Trow and Holden Hand Tracer (Tracing Chisel) was used throughout this video along with the Trow…
Brian Post shares shares additional tricks and techniques when working with feathers and wedges (aka wedges and shims) to split stone. This detailed video is a great supplement to the Detailed guide to using feathers and wedges video. This video provides additional information about the hole sizes when using feathers and wedges, what to do…
Brian Post demonstrates some trimming and dressing techniques to use after splitting with feathers and wedges (aka wedges and shims). A variety of tools are used to quickly remove quarry marks, soften drill holes, soften sharp edges, and remove drill hole marks entirely. This video shows some of our top sellers and some tools with…
Brian Post discusses and reviews hammer drills and bits to use when drilling the holes for feathers and wedges (aka wedges and shims) to split stone. This video reviews the types of drills available, what features to pay attention to, and how to avoid prematurely burning up bits. A close look at bits provides information…
Brian Post shows how to use feathers and wedges (aka wedges and shims) to split stone. This detailed video will take you through setup, what sizes to use, spacing and layout, drilling, history and much more as we split down granite blocks to make through stones and cheek end material. This video is full of…
Brian Post shows how our exclusive batter boards can be used to quickly set up sturdy batter frames for dry stone walling. T hese batter boards are versatile, durable and can provide a great degree of great accuracy as well. They need less tools to set up than wood frames and have multiple settings. As…
Brian Post shows how the Trow and Holden Stone Buster Hammers can be used to do all kinds of trimming and shaping on some Vermont fieldstone. Brian finds about 80% of the shaping he does when working fieldstone is done with these hammers. They are versatile, powerful, and can be used with great accuracy as…
When working on complex projects with lots of angles and features having good batter frames and guides makes it possible for a large crew to stay on track and build efficiently. This video shows the results that can be achieved from good batterframe usage. As with any project much of the construction set up and…
