Lifting stones.

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Fianna Clansman F
Fianna Clansman Feb 18, 2007 11:15:16
Replying to Hob

Hob,

Many thanks for the quick reply.

I have re-read your original post, and you say that the ( supposedly )original stone is in the beer garden.

If it is larger than the one outsid eof the pub then it is certainly outside of my capabilities to lift.

The one outside the pub was lifted a few years back ( after being chipped out of the concrete by the council ) , but it was a struggle even for this guy with world class grip strength http://www.davidhorne-gripmaster.com/aboutme.html

The main issue with stone lifting is not nesessarily the weight , but the surface and the shape of the stone.

Even though I am relatively light (80kg ) I can lift a 150kg stone that has a good grip and a flat bottom.
I am currently training up for one of the most famous stones ( The Inver stone ) that is lighter at 125kg but is smooth granite and shaped like an egg, this is much harder to lift as the hands just open up when you try to lift it.

I will be sure to let you know if I have an attempt at the blue stone of old hartley, but if your weight/size description is correct I will probably just have a good look at it and then do the more sensible thing of going inside and getting a beer or two.

All the very best, and once again many thanks for the info.

Please remember me if you come across any more stones that you think may fall into the " lifting stone " catagory. ( roger.davis'whitbread.com )

I am currently also pursueing information on the " Havelock stone " that is situated in the grounds of the Welholme galleries in Grimsby.

This stone was supposedly thrown by " Havelock " , it looks a good shape, but I am not sure about the weight.

regards

Roger

H Hob
Hob Feb 18, 2007 21:55:46
Replying to Fianna Clansman

No probs Roger,

I'm overdue a visit up to Old Hartley, I'll get you some more info on that car park/beer garden stone and shall mail it to you.

Looking at the photo, I've just put two and two together and realised that the strange 'cracked' effect it displays indicates that it might not be sandstone, but could be a lump of this annoying type of stone that is to be found lying about all over the area.
On the surface, it looks like sandstone, but that's just an oxidised veneer of something much harder (and heavier). I know this having once carved a lump of it and got a nasty surprise when I whacked it with a pick. The reason that bits are left lying about Tyneside is that it's deceptively heavy, and unsuitable for building (though it does have excellent thermal properties).

The 'half-peeled egg' appearance of that stone would fit with it having been lifted and dropped onto a hard surface, removing some of the veneer. Interesting. Maybe it is the original stone. In which case Mr Horne nearly did his back in for nowt ;)