My Current Project...
Finally, after much delay due to other commitments, I have begun playing with 10 ton blocks. I have recently purchased new video equipment to properly document and enhance the quality of my recordings.
On June 22, 2003 my sons Jim and Ed assisted me in placing concrete to create my first block for this project. Jim is the owner of Wallington Construction in Lapeer, MI. He specializes in commercial concrete placements. Ed is an Optometrist and is the owner of Visual Eyes Corp. also located in Lapeer, MI. Both of my sons as well as the rest of my family share my interest and enthusiasm in my projects.
My main block tips the scales at 19,200 lbs. My counter weight block, which is needed to move the main block, weighs 2,400 lbs. The small counter, counter weight block weighs 300 lbs. These blocks will require a one month cure before its ready to be worked with. My first challenge is to tip the main block up, allowing me to remove forms and to place fulcrumits. I will also need to raise the counter weight block on top of the main block. All of these tasks I believe I can do alone using only simple tools and gravity.
07/10/2003
In learning to create and use conditions of equilibrium, I built what I refer to as a "round road." I first used this road four years ago on 2400 lb. blocks, and found that it worked well with the aid of a short wooden tool.
I will attempt to use this technique to shift this 300 lb. counterweight. It takes only seconds to move the block 8 ft. horizontally. What would be the challenge of rolling a round weight? In an effort to provide an effort that ancient builders may have used these techniques, I am demonstrating that I can use them myself.
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ã 1999 W.T. Wallington. All rights reserved. The use or republication of this content is forbidden without the written consent of the author.