Rookstone & Velcro
Hey Rookstone, I’ve been scheming a stone arch that’s both a sight‑seer and a secret outpost—any tricks to make it look solid but give me the edge?
Sure thing. First, line up the stones with the true arch shape before you start carving— that gives the weight you need. Then use a hidden false eye in the keystone— a small notch that lets you slide the outer part of the arch in later so you can keep a clear line of sight. Make the outer face a bit thinner than the inner, so the arch looks solid from the front but lets you peek out from the back. Keep the mortar thin in the visible parts, but add a bit more there to hide the joint on the side. And always finish the inside with a tight joint— that’s what holds the whole thing together while the outside looks open.
Sounds slick—so you’re basically giving the arch a secret rear‑view. I’ll start lining up those stones and keep that false eye handy. Once we get the outer face thin, we’ll have the perfect “see‑through” vibe. Just tell me how many more tweaks you want before we start the real masonry.
Just two more checks. Make sure the false eye is tight and the inner joint is sealed before you start laying the first stone. Then you’re ready to go.
Got it—tight false eye, sealed inner joint, then let’s roll. On it.