Comparing Strategies In Masonry

HgWhiz

I would like to discuss not only different strategies but also problems that have been solved and problems that we would like to solve the world of Masonry.

Since it is not very productive or profitable to analyze which way works best while on the company clock I thought that this is the appropriate place to exchange our ideas and opinions.

HgWhiz

If you have to cut a control joint in a brick wall try putting two blades on your quickie saw.

HgWhiz

If you are 5 jacks high in the air and outriggers are too close to your wall (or too far away) make sure the screwlegs on the jacks that are next too the problem jack are snug (BE CAREFUL and make sure the scaffolding is plumb) then loosen the screwlegs on the problem jack so that the jacks that are adjacent to it are supporting it allowing the jack to swing freely back and forth. Position the scaffold feet in the correct position then tighten screwlegs.

HgWhiz

If you are doing a job with no place to dump your mixer clean out ,then after dump your last batch of mud do not put water in it. Banging out the leftovers is easier when its dry than when its wet.

Tommy C

Confucious says, "Mason who cut stone without dust mask and water, wake up with black lung".

stacker

if someone working for me was to try that,they wouldnt be working for me the next day.if there is no place to dump,you can make a sand dam and dump there.picking it up after it dries.

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jomama

Or take it back to the shop to clean it out there.

HgWhiz

I was meaning a that job was finished and you no reason to come back like a mailbox for instance that was on the other side of town. Forgive me for not being clear.

HgWhiz

When you purchase a new mixer do you adjust the blades so that they touch the drum?

natural1

not a good idea. Perhaps applicable to a concrete mixer but cleaning the paddles on a mortar mixer is a PITA when dry. Banging not good.

jomama

Speaking of cleaning mort mixers, I'm wondering if any of you run plastic drummed mixers. I'm in the market for a new mixer (to replace little 6 CF), & wondering if they clean alot faster than steel? It seems I could buy another 8 CF mixer in a plastic drum that only weighs what a 6CF steel weighs.

HgWhiz

When I said dry I meant let it set up for 30 minutes not hardened, and if I have limited water I bang then scrape then rinse. If you dump water in the mixer after the last batch the mud sticks to the drum and blades when you get ready to clean it out.

6stringmason

My Stone mixer is 5 years old. Still starts on the first pull everytime, and alot of smaller jobs I do I cant get a hose and have to cart buckets of water from the neighbor.

There for I cant keep my mixer as clean as I want, but I have no qualms about beating on it, and have done so any many occasions. Granted I dont take my 5lb stone hammer to it and pound a hole in the side, but theres nothing wrong with givin it some TLC.

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gallerytungsten

A garden hoe with a small blade and a long handle works great for getting the last of the concrete out and cleaning the mixer.

lukachuki

we used to use a margin trowel and piece of carpet for scrubbing.


and of course NuShine wax every other day.

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Less with the jaw more with the paw!

Tscarborough

Add 1/2 to 3/4 of your mix water for the next batch and run the mixer for a few minutes, and it is clean for a couple of hours. Put the used bags in the pour out zone, wet them and throw the whole mess away at end of the day, or at the end of the job if it is small.

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HgWhiz

Anyone ever layed caststone with pins in the head joints ?

NJ Brickie

Yes many times.

HgWhiz

So you know how to lay the closer and still be able to put the pins in on both sides?

NJ Brickie

Pins who needs 'em. I assume you are talking about the old string line trick? I use that on large precast panels even if it is not the closure panel.