It takes about 15 minutes or so. The water uses capillary action to move
water lower and lower in the hole. I have gone through a layer of shale or
limestone. It took a little longer, but you keep dropping the rod in the
hole...and the shale or limestone does shatter. I just keep a poking
motion going with the ground rod...bringing it up about a foot and then
stabbing it down the hole again. They use to dig wells using this same
action. Dropping a heavy lead ingot down the same hole....then hauling it
out...and dropping it again. They use water to moisten the hole. I think
the technique is good for 50 feet or so. If you have granite....good
luck...it isn't going to work.
Lee - K0WA
At 05:09 PM 5/9/2003 -0700, you wrote:
>Lee,
>
>How long does it take you to install a ground rod using this technique?
>Are you going into hardpan?
>
>Jim Smith VE7FO
>
>Lee Buller wrote:
>
>>Dale's method of using water has worked for me all every time. I use no
>>hammer at all. Just a divit in the ground...a gallon of water...and a
>>vice-grips to hold on to the ground rod when you get it 7-8' in the
>>ground. I have put in dozens ground rods in this manner. Just keep
>>tamping down the rod....pull it out...pour more water in the hold...and
>>continue. I've also used salt-brine as well....using ground up rock salt
>>in the water. After 24 hours, the rod cannot be pulled up without using
>>considerable force. For FD, I use this method and then use an old car
>>bumper-jack with my vice-grips and a chain to remove them in about 10 minutes.
>>
>>Lee = K0WA
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>
>See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
>Weather Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with
>any questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
>_______________________________________________
>TowerTalk mailing list
>TowerTalk@contesting.com
>http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
|