EARLY AMERICAN STONE WORK (Mike Haduck)

I was invited to help on a job doing a early New England American style stone work, I am showing a old style way of doing things and yet a style that is still used an many jobs today. All my videos are my ways and ideas, I always suggest anyone doing any type of work to consult professional help. www.amazon.com/shop/mikehaduck

[@garytracey1690]

Wish I could go back working with stone I'm a master stone mason 31 years love your work I had a bad accident 3 years ago in work a 275 year old pillar collapsed and i ended up underneath it had my left arm elbow to my fingers crushed and my left leg I didn't get out of the way in time it was around 3 ton in stone my heart stopped. Several times good To be here to see other masters at work I started. Wood carving 1 handed as my left hand doesn't work very well now but maybe one day I'll figure a way acknowledge into stone I'm watching from Ireland

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Gary, nice to hear from Ireland, hearing this comment from a professional means I an on the right track, thanks, mike

[@tommyg1443]

I do historical masonry restoration in Michigan. There are probably too many close calls when dealing with these unpredictable old structures. I'm sorry to hear about your accident. I hope you find a way to pass on your knoledge. Lord knows the industry needs it !

[@garytracey1690]

@@MikeHaduck sorry I took so long to reply I had a major bout of depression and PTSD I rarely watched anything on this my depression eased of enough that I can control it I still haven't been able to work with stone but getting there you have done some amazing work and you'll be amazed at what new things there are to learn from stone work I kept up the wood carving and selling it finally hope your keeping well over there with the bloody covid it's bad enough in Ireland per head of population but finally they are rolling out the vaccines take care I'll be watch your videos a lot more I may even learn something new

[@garytracey1690]

@@tommyg1443 I'm in the wrong country there are enough here in Ireland to go around I worked with a men's shed in our small town and did a plan up with them to build something in the town park showed them enough to start off and I'm always there if they need help historical masonry work is harder to teach I've worked on castles here they are dangerous to work with old buildings I love especially detailed work sorry for the late delay in responding to you keep up the good work maybe one day I'll get over there spend a few weeks there might be able to pass on some tips and tricks I've learned

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Gary, nice to hear from you, I bet you got a lot to offer, God always has another door open, stone carving like the cathedral stuff is almost all gone, keep going, mike

[@daxisperry7644]

I LOVE watching stone work videos. Such an artwork. I’d love to have a house build with stone, so beautiful.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Daxis, mike

[@paullarnce2167]

Wow! What craftsmanship. This guy didn't learn this overnight.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Paul, mike

[@solismasonry1807]

Mike you are a pro, I enjoy your videos, I’m a stone mason and a brick layer by tradition, but always learning, excuse my intrusion, but Lime mortar is self healing, specially deep inside the wall, I learned from my old man that if you lay the stones with a minor slope inward from both faces of the wall, and crucial to use lime mortar for its softness, any cracks that might appear or movements on the wall, will heal with the rainy season, the lime mortar will run in toward the center of the wall and pack in deep inside sealing any cracks, Portland cement will dry and cracks will show. And if using soft stones Portland cement will damage the stones by not letting the water run out through the joints instead of through the stones.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Fernando, it is true in most areas, around here with our weather it all falls apart, in our area if it does not get wet it last, but when it gets wet and freezes, I would have to be back fixing it, I always add Portland, thanks mike

[@user-gl5rf8he4g]

Super good

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, mike

[@FireplacesRock]

Old School Way! Great Work, Thank You! Master Mason Mike.

[@markm8995]

Mike, Followed you directions on the a 1'st time repair of my field stone wall on MA/NH border and it came out great! You style of explaining gave me the confidence to go for it and Im glad I did, please Keep your videos coming, you’re a great teacher!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mark, I appreciate it, that’s what keeps me going, thanks Mike

[@georgescofield6834]

Beautiful job mike. I do love the old ways

[@MikeHaduck]

+George Scofield thanks, I thought it would be a good video from the old way, mike

[@adamredden2007]

Been giving serious thought to building a stone cabin for my wife and I on our mountain property. plenty of field stone within reach. This video hits the nail on the head. Thank you sir!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Adam, I hope it helps, mike

[@grantdimmitt361]

Great videos Your love for the trade is appreciated.

[@johncroasmun4129]

loved your early american stone video, would love to see more on solid stone structure vids

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi John, I have a series out called " rockfacing and shaping stone" Mike haduck, I show everything from carving to all types of stone buildings, thanks Mike

[@1714Fulton]

My favorite video by far. I watch it again and again.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi 1714, I never got much reaction from that video, so I appreciate hearing that, thanks Mike

[@cathyanderson8197]

you are a fantastic teacher. That's how people learn is when people like you talk to others with respect like we're human and not stupid. Then we learn more than we realize. I'm telling everyone about you

[@MikeHaduck]

+Cathy Anderson Thanks Cathy, I will keep this comment in mind when doing my videos, I appreciate it ; mike

[@alejandromarin6840]

Adio mamirriqui

[@freightshayker]

Check out Peter Ward videos who is with Heritage Consulting in Great Britian for better understanding on stonework and moisture problems with centuries-old homes. Cement holds water and moisture and salts while lime-crete and lime-paste allow these to escape. Over time the salts dissolve stone and brick and wood which lead to deterioration and eventual collapse ... hence he said that fireplace has been rebuilt three or four times. As well, stay away from modern stone/concrete paint and only use a colored lime-wash otherwise moisture and salts will again be trapped. Lime-crete and lime-mortar can be reapplied and "repointed" if there are gaps or cracks that appear after it dries but do not use concrete. Amen. Peace of Lord Jesus upon you and yours

[@scotolbe]

Very nice work Mike! That was some great looking stone to have come off that guy's land!

[@MikeHaduck]

+scotolbe yes it was, and still today many jobs we work are still from local property, when I was young it was almost unheard of to buy field stone. now things have changed into using mostly fake stone products, so In a way I am preserving the past,. thanks mike

[@lukemedcraft446]

Lovely job there Mike keep them coming

[@MikeHaduck]

+luke medcraft thanks Like, I will. mike

[@AWAKENDUSK]

Another awesome video from you Mike !

[@MikeHaduck]

+AWAKENDUSK thank, something different, thanks mike

[@BlinkerBinker]

My whole house is built like this around 1820 (I live in the UK) and it's nice to see how it could have been built, thanks Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks tomo, I appreciate it, mike

[@miked8227]

Thanks Mike for the entertaining and informative video. Your an inspiration to me and give me self confidence to tackle the next project. Believe me I’ve got projects up the wazoo.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mike, I am sure it will all work out, Mike

[@sagecreekwitt3301]

Looks great! Thanks for Info

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, mike

[@doloresm7396]

That's really old school. Amazing work Mike. I've been finding Civil War era marbles on my property made from clay, so my research told me. The first 5 I threw out because I thought they were gumballs, lol, lol, I'm an idiot. I guess they were made like the old mortar way back. Really cool. Each marble goes for 15 bucks. Moral of the story is, don't leave me around old buildings cause chances are it will end up in the trash heap. I did keep the glass buttons though and a primitive toy farm animal.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Dolores, one of these days I am suppose to do a video with a local Indian archaeologist, I will think to ask him about that kind of stuff, thanks mike

[@lestudio76]

Nice!

[@MikeHaduck]

+lestudio76 thanks, something different, mike

[@sloppyjoe4063]

Thanks for the info with the mix and technique. What was the width of the exterior walls on homes built back in this era?

[@cheffsolo7739]

Great video and information here now watching In 2021 . Thank you

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks chef, Mike

[@michal3897]

Pěkná práce Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

+Michal thanks, I appreciate it. mike

[@chamssami2449]

Great video from a great teacher I am a biologist but I am in love with stones house , I wish I can build my own one in the future . I am going to see all your videos Inshallah. Thank you so much Mr Mike. I am Taoufik from Algeria.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Taoudik, mike

[@Gyppor]

Cool Mike. I've only ever seen masons do facing type work, facing concrete or block columns with veneer type stone. So this is interesting to see! The mortar is very dry, I'm surprised it still hardens properly.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Gyppor, yes never had a problem, I appreciate it. mike

[@maxg9999]

Hey Mike this reminds me of the stonewalls I’m currently pointing. It’s my latest video. Great work as always mike. I love the stonework we have here in Pennsylvania.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Max, Mike

[@maxg9999]

@@MikeHaduck no problem Mike your one of the best out there. Have a great day!

[@SgtAMYNTAS]

Oh such lovely stone :( but the flags and pointers meh showed my dad this he wasn't happy ha ha XD

[@MikeHaduck]

+SgtAMYNTAS thanks mike

[@paulradice3534]

Awesome I want to split stone & build a building

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Paul, Mike

[@jimc4731]

Nice work Mike, I enjoyed it. Questions, how high can you go in a day? How long does it take the mortar to cure/harden? Do you have to use this type of mortar above a certain outside temperature as you do when applying lime plaster to stone? Thanks, JIM

[@shanek6582]

That's beautiful, would it be ok for the finished wall on the inside or do you have to insulate it? I mean is the solid wall without an airspace thermally efficient? Thanks.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Shane, when I was a kid around here the old timers lived in the cellar during the winter with the old coal stoves, I guess it would all depend on how you look at it. thanks mike

[@1AndOnlyCritter]

Portland used with stone? Correct me if i'm wrong but isn't that 100% cement? you would be crucified here in Ireland for not building with lime mortar especially when the stonework has history

[@MikeHaduck]

probably so, but it won.t hold up where I live, thanks mike

[@PaddleDogC5]

they built stone with lime long before cement and it's still there. Lime will shift and heal itself unlike a hard cement.

[@WillLightfoot]

brick, for sure, you should have lime, because fired clay is weak. you want your mortar lines to be softer or as strong as the material you are binding, but not stronger than. If mortar lines are stronger, they will cause the brick/stone to crack and cleave away as the expansion causes fractures at the weakest point. Depending on the stone he is using... the stones are usually stronger or as strong as portland cement, so its the mortar lines that will give with the expansion. if you add a bit of lime to that mix it will allow for better elastic expansion though. Dry packing 100% portland cement is kind of dumb though. portland cures with water, by not supplying it adequate h2o, you prevent it from curing to its full strength(especially at the center, the outer layer will react with atmospheric moisture). Now, lime cement cures through interaction with atmospheric co2, as it converts back to limestone. Over time, if allowed to breath well, and kept dry, lime cement cures harder and harder until its basicly solid limestone. Now, if you have new construction, using just portland cement is fine, but if you are adding to any existing structure with lime mortar used, you really should continue to use lime mortar, if you use portland, what will happen is the lime mortar joints will elastically expand and contract with the weather while the portland joints attempt to stay completely rigid, but despite the greater strength, the joint wont hold up against the weight of an entire wall's expansion. Its not exactly how I'd do it, but it should probably hold up fine. I'd have used a lot more metal reinforcement if keeping everything historically on point obviously wasnt a concern. but sometimes, depending on soil conditions, water table, etc, portland has to be used, a non hydrolic cement wont cut it.

[@scootin123]

MuayThaiWarrior yea but it's 100 % cement mixed with something else which ain't 100 percent anymore

[@scootin123]

One third Portland cement 2 thirds sand that's the mix stated in the video

[@urbraveheart48]

In Phillipsburg nj I lived in a house from 1730s they dug the stone onsite 50 ft away imagine if you had to truck that any distance

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Edward, horse and wagon, Mike

[@yopage]

It's neat how the wood was incorporated into the structure mixed with the stone work back then, as shown at the first of the video. Is this done much now days?

[@MikeHaduck]

+yopagedotcom I do not think codes will allow it anymore and nobody builds in this style, metal chimneys have replaced the old ways, thanks mike

[@tommyg1443]

Check out Lew French. In my area there is too much expansion and contraction from moisture and temperature change to incorporate the two materials. But were there's a will there's a way..its too amazing of a look not to !!

[@wildgoose82667]

Hi Mike, I have a clarifying question. Either in this video or your barn repointing one, you said something to the effect that they didn't have a footer on stone foundations. How deep did they go before laying the first course? Did they typically go below the frost line, or just a couple of feet? Also I seem to get the read that you think footers aren't really important with stone foundations. Is that a fair interpretation? I really love your videos. I have always wondered how masonry is/was done. Thank you so much for making them

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Wildgoose, no footers in the old days, no concrete trucks or portland, they usually just dug down below the frost line and that was it, I think today's concrete footers ate better of course, thanks Mike

[@user-yx3cg3zc1e]

👍 отличьно!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@johnroddy8756]

1780 yesterday.Check out real old 5.200 year old stone work New grange in Ireland thousands of tons of stone,The sun entered the chamber on longest day and shortest day summer and winter.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks John, I will, Mike

[@johnroddy8756]

Tks Mike i do stone work myself .Check out Skellig Rocks bee give huts still water tight .6 century

[@mattsingletary08]

Hey Mike, how deep and wide were the old stone house house foundations? Do you what their process of laying the foundation was?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Matt, usually they dug down 3 feet in our area and laid the larger stones on the bottom and continued up, no concrete trucks in those days, thanks Mike

[@dellkell2759]

Beautiful job! Is there anyway I can do this but with the cement not so white?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Stephanie, yes you can use regular cement or check out my videos on matching cement colors, thanks mike

[@semidemiurge]

I notice there are different types of Portland cements, can someone explain why one is used over another? thanks for the videos, really interesting and helpful.

[@MikeHaduck]

+semidemiurge I did a video call (masonry tips for beginners Part 3) that should explain a lot about Portland, I hope it helps, thanks mike

[@clockbuilderhg]

I'm curious Mike, have you ever built a Rumford fireplace? I've been around a Rumford once and it gave off a surprising amount of heat. I'd love to build one someday.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Josiah, I have heard of them but I have not, maybe some day thanks, mike

[@47AgStudios]

Hi Mike, can you please make a video with your thoughts on the old world buildings they are calling Tartarian.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi 47, if I go anywhere that I could see it and video it, I will, thanks mike

[@47AgStudios]

@@MikeHaduck Thank you, Jon Levi has lots of videos on the locations.

[@freedom_-vn2dc]

I noticed in your other video on re-pointing an old barn, you used 2 parts heavy sand to 1 part type S. If you are repointing historic homes with that mix, why not build with it? Im a bit confused.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi freedom, I do especially on stone veneer, the old timers only had lime, thanks, Mike

[@anitafontaine9846]

I live in Canada, do you think this method of stonework would survive our cold winters ?Also how do you get the mortar so white, is that the color of the sand? What happens when the wood rots away?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Anita, that was the traditional way it was done throughout the Americas, it is white sand and white cement, thanks Mike

[@jonathanwalker6521]

So Mike, that's a huge slab of stone on top of that, so would a wall similar to that hold up a log cabin, say a foot thick by three ft to say 18" tall?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi jonathan, that actually was a old foundation, thanks mike

[@jonyaklin6181]

A masonry product water and salt can't touch! Awesome to see some natural field stone and random rubble production instead of restoration. Too expensive is what everyone thinks. Plenty of brick, block, veneer, and concrete work but no stone work over here in Michigan (aside from restoration).

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Jon, use to be a million stone masons, now it is all cultured, things change, thanks mike

[@toonybrain]

Start a stonework renaissance in MI, Jon Yaklin!

[@kristen6113]

How do you think in some of the old masonry they cut all their stones, often granite stones, so perfectly? And importantly why? Wondering your take

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi, I got a whole series called rockfacing and shaping stone Mike haduck, and if you want to go way back, carving stones with ancient technology, thanks mike

[@kristen6113]

@@MikeHaduck that would be cool to see, thank you. I've been researching the theory about advanced technology being responsible for much old masonry (even as late as early 1900s) and there aren't many old masonry photos.

[@mamaduck6845]

I've always been so impressed by the stone homes in the upstate NY area, how well they've stood the test of time and look so great. Always wondered how they did it. Thanks so much for your videos. I now live in Schoharie county where rock under the top soil abounds. I think I'll try this on some raised garden beds. Just got to get the hubby to agree to dig up the yard :O)

[@MikeHaduck]

+Mama Duck I wish I could find a girl to do the digging and the stonework herself, LOL thanks for the comment Mike

[@mamaduck6845]

We have a mid size excavator. But he's afraid I won't finish and it will just marr up the beautiful farm land. Let me know if you ever come to Schoharie NY or somewhere nearby there to do a project. Would enjoy being a part if even for just a couple days. :0)

[@MikeHaduck]

+Mama Duck thanks mike

[@davecummings7477]

Mike, can you put the name of the materials you used in your mix and where you go them and how much of each goes into the mix between the stones.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Dave, most of my videos I do that, every mason uses different mixes and there is always controversy on what cements should be used where, this video we used 2 1/2 sand to 1 part white Portland, the old timers used lime and sand, I hope it helps, I would ask the locals, thanks mike

[@JLittleBass]

What kind of sand do you use for this mix?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi, in the old days they just dig it out of a sand bank or anything that worked, in our day just mason sand or sometimes concrete sand, sometimes we mix it, thanks Mike

[@goodbyemr.anderson5065]

1:1 that is a strong mix, I guess you can get away with that because it's so dry, and also a big cooler out. If it was real hot outside would you drop down to maybe a type "s" or even type "n" masonry? Or leave it at port? I would be scared of cracking even being that dry! Awesome job looks good. Something tells me you were not happy with the mortar lol. I'm guessing you wanted to wet it up just a little?? 😝😝😝😝

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Sir, yep dry helps, I am not a fan of lime, it falls apart in my area, s mortar is usually ok and as long as the stone is harder than the cement I never had a problem, I appreciate it, mike

[@freedom_-vn2dc]

Could you give me the name of these masons? I'm having a home built in PA and love the work here.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi That was done in NJ, and they are retired now, but thanks, Mike

[@freedom_-vn2dc]

@@MikeHaduck Can you recommend any good masons in southeastern PA?

[@felixyusupov7299]

I am guessing that is a real hard stone. I have lime mortar on my stone house. There are a couple spots where the house has been repointed with portland cement instead of lime. The portland is harder than the stone and eventuallyfalls out.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Felix, I got a video out called " lime mortar or portland " what should I use? Mike haduck, that should answer a lot of questions, thanks mike

[@user-gl5rf8he4g]

Hello Mike I am your subscriber from Kazakhstan, tell us the consistency of the white solution.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi, I don't know exactly what you mean, if it's a paint or bonding agent - usually just water and a little bonding agent, -as a cement usually- 2 sand to one cement, everything depens

[@nick9323]

where did they get their Portland in 17 century !?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Nick, they used lime, that's why it had to be re done, lime works fine if it is not in the open but they would never make a sidewalk out of it, until portland, thanks mike

[@cyberpunkdarren]

1 bucket portland. 2 buckets sand. But how much water?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Darren, whatever it takes, sometimes the sand is wet sometimes dry, if it was not out in the weather I might use s mortar, I got a series out called "what cement should I use,? thanks mike

[@TerryMasri]

Can someone explain "dry packed cement" to me please? I'm hardly a novice, and it's the first time I see and learn about DPC. At first I was like, this guy forgot to add enough water into the mix and the wall is gonna crumble in a short period of time! Again, I'm hardly a novice and I know nothing about masonry work. Don't judge my ignorance! When Mike specifically mentioned DPC in the video, I realized it has its' specific purpose. Why use DPC vs. wet Portland vs. Mortar? I'd love to learn!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Terry, I worked with guys from Portugal, and they used dry pack for everything, and the same with masons from china, etc, I would say it's the way you were taught, but up where I live with the freezing temps I like to lat it wet, depends on where your from and how you learned, every mason has a different opinion, some jobs I do use it dryer so I don't mes the brickwork or stone, I hope it helps. Mike

[@mikelbhardin7202]

what's the reason you use the mud so dry

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Mikel, every mason uses their own techniques, it is the way they used it. If it was my job I would have done it more wet, I hope it helps thanks mike

[@PaddleDogC5]

Less cleaning

[@ReddoFreddo]

I just assumed all old American architecture was made with wood because it was quick and abundant. Didn't know there was a history of stone buildings.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Reddo, yes there are quite a lot still left, thanks mike

[@josearellano934]

how come you use the mortar so dry

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Jose, that's the way the owner wanted it, Mike

[@justwondering5540]

Mike are you at valley forge ? nice job

[@MikeHaduck]

+Donald Baus all I can say is somewhere in New England, LOL, thanks mike

[@doctorwork]

It's somewhere in the Philadelphia broadcast area, as you can hear a radio playing an ad at 9:21 for "The All New Barberas on the Boulevard"! Gotta cover your tracks better than that, Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Don, no farther north, scranton area, thanks mike

[@theblackhundreds7124]

I really wish you can come to russia to see the old russian churches and even the kremlin. I would love to see your analysis of our very old stonework.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi rusk, I actually worked with a couple guys from Russia, and still use some tricks I picked up from them, I would someday hope to see that, Thanks, mike

[@theblackhundreds7124]

@@MikeHaduck that's very interesting. I wonder what form of masonary we have left after communism ripped across russia. It was all about how quick and durable they can make it. Than again, we are in the midst of the biggest church building program in the world. We have built about 25,000+ in the last decade and more are coming. Some is reconstruction and other is new church

[@monkeybeatz5372]

I love your work but you are using totally the wrong mortar. Period properties were constructed with hot mixed lime mortar, no cement! Solid walls need to breath and allow moisture to easily escape, cement will just hold moisture and cause all sorts of damp issues. Also the consistency of the mortar is wrong, stone needed to be bedded on wetter mortar and the stone needs to be damp to give good adhesion. Sorry to pick fault but I have worked with master masons and they would rip this apart if they saw it.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Monkey, I did a video called conwy castle where I interviewed the restorer, etc. And what you say is right in a many cases, but I been doing this over 50 years and in a lot of cases I got to go fix all the jobs where they used lime mortar, you got to know where and when to use it or not, in our area it falls apart, with respect, mike

[@wetsaw7869]

How can that dry pack stick? Oh well, it looks great.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Jeff, cement is not a glue it is a binder, and a lot of times gravity is what holds it all together, lol, thanks mike

[@PaddleDogC5]

It doesn't that is a bit to dry in my opinion. You do want it stiff but if you squeeze a ball in your hand it should stay together.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi PaddleDog, every mason or company I ever worked for had a different opinion and way to do it. nothing wrong as long as it works, thanks mike

[@PaddleDogC5]

Mike Haduck you need enough water to make proper hydration to take place.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Paddle, if you been in masonry as long as me I would expect you to know more? I am sorry, mike

[@mariamendoncs6788]

My opinion.... that mortar is too dry... other then that its beautiful stone work!! 😁

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Maria, that is the way s lot of old schoolers did it because the old lime would not hold the stones up unless it is dry, some masons keep the tradition, mike

[@whatafukndick5660]

Belching at 10:15

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@christinedavis-lunn8153]

Hello Mike, Are you still working?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Christine , no I am retired thanks ,Mike

[@christinedavis-lunn8153]

@@MikeHaduck HI Mike, Congratulations on your retirement. Would you be able to give me any recommendations of who could help me in hiring someone to tuck point my 1841 Brick home? I also need some foundation work. I have not had very good luck in finding quality contractors in the 20+ years living here in Franklin, Pa

[@ivoivic2448]

comes around 1k-ish years later after people mastered masonry, "this is what I call american stone work". classic

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, mike

[@topgrafter2007]

Should be lime mortar not portland cement!!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi top, lime mortar in our area falls apart it’s OK for soFt. Brick or limestone, our family has been in business for over 70 years if we listen to the experts we would’ve been out of business 69 years ago thanks for the comment mike

[@GSMSfromFV]

Okay, Mike, who was the wise guy that belched towards the end? Just no respect when you're tryin' to 'splain things!! ;o))

[@MikeHaduck]

+GSMSfromFV I never noticed, thanks mike

[@paulbriggs3072]

I'm an historic restoration stonemason from Upstate New York and there is absolutely NOTHING remotely early American about that Portland cement mortar. Its atrocious!

[@MikeHaduck]

That's true Paul, but we won't have to go every 25 years and repoint it, it's a granite type stone and the powdery mix makes it expandable, especially in direct weather, thanks Mike

[@ReddoFreddo]

Why don't they just make houses out of cement? :]

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Reddo, insulation, wiring, plumbing, it’s not convenient, but some still do, thanks, mike

[@lhanso20]

Looks like cookie dough...

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

Stone (from your own field) is cheap, mortar is expensive. I'm surprised that they (and you) use(d) so much mortar!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Barnaby, you got to match the rest of the building, thanks mike

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

@@MikeHaduck Understood. I'm just surprised that the original frugal farmers did it that way! Excellent video!

[@springtree2184]

dude took a video with his flip phone in 2015

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@carlosmante]

I guees the first stone work in America was somewhere in Mexico or Peru.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi, anywhere they picked up a stone and put it against another, thanks Mike

[@grantdimmitt361]

Great videos Your love for the trade is appreciated.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Grant, I grew up in it. I appreciate it. mike