What Created The Mining Scars Found on Granite Rocks in and around Branchville?
Hand drilling was the method used by quarry miners to extract granite blocks from the landscape. Hand drilling helps remove rock three ways: (1) A rock may be split into chunks of manageable size by steel drilled into a natural seam; (2) If the steel in the seam does not split the rock by itself, the hole may be fitted with the wedge and feathers. The wedge is driven between the feathers with a hammer until the rock breaks; (3) Finally a hole may be used to prepare a rock for blasting. In general, the larger the rocks, the more likely you will use explosives to move them. Although hand drilling was slow work, it was a safe and simple way to chisel out granite blocks and/or prepare the rocks for blasting. Old drill holes are now filled with moss (middle of photo along crack) The driller drives the steel by methodical hammering and turning. When the hammer strikes the head of the steel, the bit is forced against the rock. After each blow of the hammer, the driller turns the steel slightl
