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A few weeks ago, while doing the research for a new DVD on Glendalough, Martin Critchley was asking about figures for hand drilling rates in hard rock, I can't remember if the issue was resolved and figures produced. However, (ironically!) whilst researching the script for the final stages of I.A.Recordings forthcoming DVD "'Mongst Mines and Mine Explorers" which will replace their very popular "The SCMC in Cornwall"; I came across the following in Burrow and Thomas's famous book of a similar name! Thomas is describing a hand-boring contest held in Camborne in 1888. " A large block of granite ... was obtained ... Eight minutes were allowed each "pare" [Cornish term for a team of miners]; all were to use steel of one inch diameter, but the size and shape of the "bits", or cutting edges, were left to the discretion of the competitors. The prizes were awarded for the following results:- Prize Mine Depth bored Time Blows/min 1 Tincroft 13 inches 6 min 43 sec 91 2 Dolcoath 12 1/8 " 7 min 18 sec 130 3 Carn Brea 12 3/8 " 8 min 0 sec 117 4 South Crofty 11 1/8 " 8 min 0 sec 112 5 Cook's Kitchen 9 1/2 " 8 min 0 sec 107 The Tincroft men were the only ones who 'slung round' when striking." It is interesting that the winners had the lowest number of blows per minute, does anyone know what is meant by 'slung round' ? Cheers Kelvin Lake Shropshire Caving & Mining Club ^o^ & I.A.Recordings -------------------------------------------- ^o^