Forgotten Technology Research
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.
The Round Road
To provide an effort that ancient builders may have used these techniques, I am demonstrating that I can use them myself. 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?Project 2003
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. He specializes in commercial concrete placements. Ed is an Optometrist and is the owner of Visual Eyes Corporation. 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.
I am tipping the main block in order to place shoring. I am removing the forms from under the left side allowing me to place the fulcrumits. Next, I am using conditions of equilibrium to move the counterweight from the shoring box to the main block.
Once the counterweight is properly positioned, a single step can be taken by rotation. The counterweight must be moved to the other end to take the next step. During rotation, inertia is created which stabilizes the mass. I have challenged myself to find the limit that one man can move using my techniques, and found that my next block may be larger. A reminder, I also intend to stand this block and 7 more on end and place 8 lintels on top.
Herodotus Machine
The Daily Planet at the Discovery Channel in Toronto witnessed the raising and standing of the block. In order to stand the block on end, I first needed to raise it 3 feet vertically.
[read more about the herodotus machine] >> /technology
Project 2004
The Egyptian Hoist: During experiments, I have found that a ramp constructed with a unit rise of one and a unit run of two gives me an advantage in hoisting or dragging a sled. This ramp has an ideal angle of slightly more than twenty-six degrees, and can be laid out with a string and a stone.
Hoisting alone, I could raise one hundred eighty-five pounds at the speed of one hundred vertical feet per minute with little effort. It is more difficult to return to the start position than the actual hoist itself. I could easily drag a one-ton block on a sled over a flat and level surface at one hundred feet per minute.
[read more about the egyptian hoist] >> /technology
I am hoisting a 180 pound block, 10 vertical feet in 6 seconds, creating over 1/2 horsepower.I designed my hoist for a capacity of 2 horsepower. If this technique was used at the Great Pyramid over 200 horsepower could have been created at any one time. For continuous hoisting at the Great Pyramid working a 40 hour week, 50 weeks a year, and for 25 years, only 20 horse power would be required. The author does not recommend that this be attempted as the dangers of working with heavy weights are obvious.
[read more about my current projects] >> /current projects