When I do workshops I usually include a demonstration on how to reset and/or straighten sinking or crooked gravestones. Although simple in theory, resetting gravestones is actually a tricky practice because 1) gravestones are sometimes "icebergs," 2) gravestones may be broken at the base, and 3) gravestones weigh more than you think.
A few summers ago I was hired to raise two slant markers out of the ground that were at least nine inches submerged the bottom line of engraved wording. The first one was easy to reset because the bottom of the gravestone ended just below the engraved portion of it. The second gravestone, however, was a whole different story. That slant marker continued another 18 inches below the the finished base and must have weighed at least 200 pounds! Even though this second grave marker was almost identical to the first in terms of how it appeared above ground, the below ground parts were very different. With resetting gravestones, you never know what you will get into so do so with extreme caution.
A few summers ago I was hired to raise two slant markers out of the ground that were at least nine inches submerged the bottom line of engraved wording. The first one was easy to reset because the bottom of the gravestone ended just below the engraved portion of it. The second gravestone, however, was a whole different story. That slant marker continued another 18 inches below the the finished base and must have weighed at least 200 pounds! Even though this second grave marker was almost identical to the first in terms of how it appeared above ground, the below ground parts were very different. With resetting gravestones, you never know what you will get into so do so with extreme caution.
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