I have a hammer drill so I may do the latter. How many holes around the perimeter base would I need? Probably assuming a 1/2” bit.

I thought that at first but used some known dry wood with similar results. I can try to call him but unfortunately he’s hard to get a hold of and I probably won’t hear back from him until August..

This may be the easiest option. How would I separate the stones without cracking them? I can then just keep a block out from each side when I reassemble.