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Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: Ned Hamford on June 21, 2018, 09:35:00 PM

Title: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: Ned Hamford on June 21, 2018, 09:35:00 PM
I was a bit careless with the mower and hit a bit of a rock outcropping, granite, in my yard.  Figuring to get ride of the stone, I started digging... and digging... and digging. Yah, sizeable enough where I think it would weigh in the tons and take industrial machinery to be rid of.  But, I only really care about the bit sticking up and spoiling that spot of earth I could otherwise just roll the mower over. I tried hitting it with a sledgehammer and yup, millimeter gone and flying rock shards... I think that would be a bit too time and labor intensive; and just plain unpleasant work. I didn't really expect it to work, but, you know, had a hammer and some curiosity. 

Any good advice from the collective?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H0TS8I/ref=psdc_8906591011_t1_B000H0XQWW
Toss a rock drill bit in the drill and have at it?
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: 230RN on June 21, 2018, 09:37:30 PM
Incorporate into other landscaping?  Need pix.

Pour a concrete post over it and mount a bird feeder or sundial or sculpture on it?

Otherwise, Det....   no, I can't say it.  I'm afraid every time I say "Det..."  you know, more goobermink netsnoops get all excited and hornified and bonerated.
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: Northwoods on June 21, 2018, 09:41:52 PM
Incorporate into other landscaping?  Need pix.

Otherwise, Det....   no, I can't say it.

The may actually be a case where detcord is not appropriate.  Something more powerful appears to be called for.  Perhaps filling a hole drilled in the rock with the aforementioned bit, fill it with ANFO and use the detcord for a detonator.
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: Ben on June 21, 2018, 09:50:26 PM
How about Dexpan? Available on Amazon.

http://www.dexpan.com/dexpan-how-to-use-dexpan-non-explosive-controlled-demolition-agent-breaking.aspx

Home Despot sells something called Ecobust which is supposed to be similar.

Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: French G. on June 21, 2018, 09:58:21 PM
Hammer drill, drill a line of holes, drive a drift in to break them. I had a simt problem, hit big sandstone in the garden, dug down two feet, rock still getting bigger, sledgehat until below tiller height. Even with sandstone some significant escape velocities were achieved, wouldn't want to whack granite.
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: Andiron on June 21, 2018, 10:04:12 PM
Dig around the offending rock,  build a fire.  Keep fire hot for hours.  Tie rope to 5 gallon bucket full of water and yank from a safe distance?

I've never tried it,  but I've heard of it done that way.
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: RoadKingLarry on June 21, 2018, 10:11:15 PM
Bring in a bunch of topsoil and raise the ground level above the projection.
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: TommyGunn on June 21, 2018, 10:52:49 PM
Thermonuclear bomb?



(Detcord suggested was already made.  [tinfoil] >:D )
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: Ned Hamford on June 21, 2018, 10:56:05 PM
The rock is in the far rear of a 2 acre property behind a storage tent; part of a 5 ft or so gap where the wood line exists.  There is low light and high clay content to the soil; so what does grow is slow and I can see why my father ignored it and just went with the weed wacker when things got out of control.  But I am willing to work a bit to enable future sloth.  

I think I am willing to toss $30 on a rock drill bit. I figure if I can get one good drill hole then all I really need to do is wait till winter and pour some water in the hole and check back later.  

Sadly up in NY we don't see much in the way of high quality 4th of July merry makers; I know the dramatic choices are often the most fun.  
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: Unisaw on June 22, 2018, 01:20:51 AM
Bring in a bunch of topsoil and raise the ground level above the projection.

This.
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: HeroHog on June 22, 2018, 03:48:54 AM
 Set an old toilet over it and add dirt and flowers for a decorative planter! They do it all the time down here...  :P  :old:
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: 230RN on June 22, 2018, 05:51:31 AM
Dig around the offending rock,  build a fire.  Keep fire hot for hours.  Tie rope to 5 gallon bucket full of water and yank from a safe distance?

I've never tried it,  but I've heard of it done that way.

Yes, there was mechtech show on TV about explosives which described that process before boomstoffe was in common use.
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: Brad Johnson on June 22, 2018, 09:38:02 AM
Option A) Find some local with a back hoe who's willing to dig it out for a couple hundred in cash and a case of beer?

Option B) Find some kid doing summer yard work who's willing to take a swing at digging it out. Throw him fifty bucks to go at it for half a day and see if it's truly dig-outable or will need larger equipment.

Brad
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: Pb on June 22, 2018, 09:40:15 AM
Set an old toilet over it and add dirt and flowers for a decorative planter! They do it all the time down here...  :P  :old:

Nailed it.

(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/95/61/62/9561622fde229d0d350063960a58e983--toilet-planter-garden-ideas-planters.jpg)
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: 230RN on June 22, 2018, 10:53:07 AM
What'd they use the tank lid for?
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: French G. on June 22, 2018, 11:47:23 AM
Snack tray.
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: Kingcreek on June 22, 2018, 11:48:05 AM
What'd they use the tank lid for?
Target practice.
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: K Frame on June 22, 2018, 12:41:46 PM
Go down to your local tool rental place and see what they suggest.

Granite is a very difficult rock to drill with your run of the mill hammer drill.
Title: Re: Tips for removing rock outcropping in yard
Post by: Larry Ashcraft on June 22, 2018, 02:29:27 PM
I've drilled thousands of holes in marble in my years in the trophy business.  I know granite is harder than marble, but the same principals apply.  Use a good masonry bit (I used Starrett) and a high speed drill.  Run water on the hole as you drill and raise the bit every few seconds to cool and clean it.  I know most people would think a slow speed would work better, but in reality, the faster the better.  I can check my drill press for the exact speed if need be.