I have had success in fastening mounting screws into carved
limestone to attach it to a separate stone base, by using 
silicone caulking compound.  The type sold for sealing bath
fixtures is available in transluscent (cloudy gray) or with an
opaque white pigment.  This type may be sold in squeeze
tubes, and is convenient to work with, as small amounts
can be used as needed, and the tube is easily resealed.

 Another sort is intended for filling and sealing seams or 
joints of building exteriors, and is often sold as a silicone and 
acrylic latex blend.  Generally, the greater the proportion of 
silicone, the higher the price and more lasting the product is 
claimed to be.  This type can also work quite well, but may 
only be available in 'cartridge' containers for use in 'caulking 
guns.'

Both materials are quite adhesive, and somewhat elastic, an
asset where differential thermal expansion could perhaps cause 
problems, as in joining metal to stone.

If the parts are large enough to accomodate it, blind holes can 
be drilled into the mating broken sufaces, (you'll need to 'spot' 
the holes so that they meet up, but a small misalignment can be 
tolerated.)  You can then use fairly heavy guage single strand 
copper wire folded back and forth on itself as reinforcement 
inserted and imbedded in the caulking, to bridge the matching 
holes.  The holes can be drilled with a carbide-tipped bit used 
with a hand held electric drill, or an old fashioned star drill will 
also serve.

These materials are likely to be found in shops that sell home
painting and maintenance supplies.  The adhesive sealants
are sold under a number of trade names.  In the U.S.A., two
common brands are 'General Electric' and 'DAP.'

I'm sure that Tony Moss or others on the list will offer other,
perhaps better, suggestions.

Good luck,
W.S. Maddux



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