digging chokes

[chris1984]

a question is it always best to follow a draft though a choke, as i am trying to find the safest way though. the draft is really strong and cold  when it is hot outside, but not so much when it cools down. if anyone is more capable of dealing with this sort of thing, or needs a dig in the shepton mallet area please let me know. here is a poor picture of the cave.

 

[Ali M]

Always follow the draught. The strength of it will vary depending on the difference between the temperature on the surface and the temperature in the cave and I am sure that someone will give you a technical explanation of this.
In Charterhouse the draught also increases when Portal Pool (sump) and Diesel Duck are open.
Also when digging a boulder choke it is always safest to follow a solid wall.
Good luck with the dig.

 

[SamT]

Digging chokes is a black art and every single one is different. There are no general rules as to which way to go other than to try and make it as safe as you can.

As mentioned - following a solid wall is always a good idea if possible.

Getting someone involved who's dug chokes before would be a good idea. Its a technique best learnt under an apprenticeship.

Good luck with it. 

 

[exsumper]

Hi Chris
YES always follow the draft. From your drawing: try removing the large brown hook shaped obstruction, It would appear that this should release the boulders and enable them to be removed.

 

[chris1984]

sounds like a plan if i could just get a big hoover to suck all the boulders out. there is on solid wall on the left hand side which i have been trying to stay against. the only problem i have is i have a boulder blocking a squeeze that i need to get though. i have the means to do some capping but am unsure how safe i would be, the chokes consists of quite big boulders that seem pretty stable.

 

[SamT]

anyone for a game of Kerplunk !!!

Learning some remote capping techniques may well stand you in good stead.

 

[chris1984]

remote capping you say, is that possible or are you having me on. i know banging would be easier but maybe a bit to much for what i want and there's getting someone to do it.

 

[Petee]

Drafts are not always required  December Chamber  1970, digging mud for example,  but yes keep to one solid wall or ceiling even better boulders do not fall off a solid ceiling Hunters hole 1988. It is quite possible to knock many boulders to bits with a sledge hammer without the use of any chemical persuasion look at the boulder see a ledge and hit you would be surprised how effective and quick this can be. Can not see your plan of cave sorry.

 

[chris1984]

the boulder i need removing is not really that big, but is to awkward to move it out of the way. its been embedded into the floor and is blocking the way. the choke does not seem that big just don't know how to deal with it. if anyone is free to have a look and advise me, that would be much appreciated. i am working my way around the choke following the left hand solid wall. it looks like there used to be another entrance into the cave as there is a small aven with green stains on the walls. the choke is only about 15m into the cave

 

[Les W]

Where is the dig?
Is it the one you showed me in Shepton?

PM me if you don't want to publicise the site.

Les

 

[exsumper]

If you have swinging room I'd definitely try a sledge (or even a good sized lump hammer), 40 or 50  good hits has normally broken even the largest (coffin sized) ones in Halloween up into manageable bits. Try looking for geological weaknesses or working from the corners in.

 

[chris1984]

i think that a lump hammer might be more of the order of the day. just not alot of room to swing it around. its been a solo project at the moment, and not having someone there can be a bit unnerving when your smashing the place up.

 

[SamT]

using a lumpy is like  - and exhausting. better off with capping, or remote capping.

Digging has moved on from the 19th century you know!!

 

[exsumper]

Fair point but it sounds like it's all Chris has at the moment. You could try plug and feathers Chris, they've undergone something of a revival on Mendip lately. Any way must dash, me davy lamps flickering and I've promised to take my dear wife out in the Horseless Carriage this afternoon.

 

[SamT]

Any way must dash, me davy lamps flickering and I've promised to take my dear wife out in the Horseless Carriage this afternoon.

My point is that it really shouldn't be hard to pick up the required knowledge down in Mendipshire.

Make the offer to buy some beers/cider in the Hunters in return for the required info/equipment/expertise and I suspect there'd be rather a long queue forming