Yep Eric, it was definitely a cable tool rig. The bit was screwed or welded onto a long piece of 8 to 10 inch pipe which was picked up and dropped, actually pounding and pulverizing the rock. Five gallons of water was added to the hole to suspend the crushed rock. After awhile, the bit was pulled and a long pipe was put down to bail out the crushed rock/water slurry. Then start again. When the tip of the bit got worn down, it was refreshed by welding with some super hard welding rod and semi sharpened.

The real character builder was when the bit found a softer spot at the edge of the hole and started going off center. This could cause the whole works to hang up and the rig started jumping around, breaking cables and causing a life threatening situation. Run, Forrest, Run! We watched carefully to see that it was still dropping/pounding straight. Then the rig was shut down, repairs made, and try to fish the pipe attached to the bit out of the hole. Sometimes it was dynamited downstairs to attempt to free the bit. Sometimes we had to abandon the hole and start over. All that for $6.00 a foot in 110+ degree temps.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP Grandpa