I Finally Figured It Out - Learning Masonry: Shop Build #8

Want to lay up some block? Watch these Masters of Mud: • Masters of Masonry
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[@BigJohnson1566]

Your grandchildren are going to have great memories about their grandfather, love your work and attitude. Keep up the good work!

[@valbee7739]

At 62 I'm learning masonry/plumbing as I have left the medical field and now help my husband build and maintain large commercial fountains. I grew up working with my father and grandfather as a carpenter's assistant and I loved it. It was hard to find workers so I now assist my husband. We are currently putting in precast concrete pavers with spillway cut outs to cascade the water across two tiered steps, First Sidercrete waterproofing (which is an art in itself) and now the masonry part. Learning a lot and grateful to learn new skills...at any age. Thank you for sharing your learning process.

[@slimrosco]

I love that Kenny was just chillin in your shop watching you practice laying some block down.

[@mabmachine]

In addition to learning a few things and getting in some hard work those grand kids are building some really really awesome memories.

[@routtookc8064]

To me you are in a tier of content creators on KZbin to be revered. Years of knowledge just gladly being given away, with insight that can only come from doing it. and my god the commentary at @5:20 rings so true....

[@iekuieku1536]

i can tell you that much: as a mason using whatever sources are available near the sites i always try around with different types of sand from different pits and different lime recipies from different sources on how to get my mix right. with the pre fabricated cement stuff you can flatten your mix with the trowel, make a vertical cut through that flattened surface, and if you scoop a trowel out of that region, the mortar should open up like a... canyon maybe. but always have it wet enough that the "cliffs" barely stay stable. and if my bricks are to dry, mostly if i reuse old bricks from a taredown building, i put them into a big bucket (like the one i saw you mixing in, dont know how to call it in english )of water to saturate the pores with water, that way the lime and or cement has enough water to harden properly, otherwise the mortar will just dry out and the wall wont be as sturdy

[@iekuieku1536]

As for the plasticizers, we used them when making concrete, not so much for laying brick (although some readymixes had them incorporated if you ask me. you could feel that in comparison. the expensive readymixes of course, the ones you dont get that often if your boss knows how to make money). and for the last two years i just worked with lime only, no cement at all, like the old folks did...so no organic compounds in my walls (maybe soot if i need to reuse bricks from a chimney, got to be careful with those to not let the soot stain through to the surface..) in germany it's the same as in britain with the masons and brickies. stone masons always seem to work on the edge between crafts and arts, if you know what i mean...but if you watch how they build their houses in the US, its no wonder they dont know the difference. im not even sure if its possible to survive over there as a bricky without traveling hundreds of kilometers between jobs. and as for the masons... at least the masonry involves some kind of big-ish stone that at least sometimes has one or even two sides made look natural-ish. and they do process them sometimes (with an anglegrinder)...

[@picklesthedrummer9812]

You dont want saturated block. You want it wet but only enough that it's still "thirsty". The block, when left still "thirsty", will pull the water and cement mixture into its pores and bond better. Look at how stucco guys wet block walls before applying stucco. When I was younger I wet the fxck out of the wall (it was a light retaining wall for a planter ~15'x6'x2') and when I went to apply my stucco it slid off the wall. There were some old guys there laughing at me. I didnt understand cause I didnt speak Spanish at that time. Later on I learned that the wall has to be wet but still thirsty. Then the stucco is a lot more like concrete and you have time to finish it. It sticks better and doesn't crack as often. Maybe it doesn't matter for block, idk. But from my experience and other older guys, that's what I'd recommend

[@Stan_in_Shelton_WA]

Clay bricks, it is a must to soak them in water before laying them or a very weak bond is formed with the mortar. With CMU's We would hose down the stacks to help the bond. Dry hot work in Aridzona. Your are right on about the mortar mix consistency description!

[@richardstetson8221]

@John Thomas I live in the United States Rhode Island and I'm a mason as opposed to just a bricklayer out of necessity brick houses are few and far between this year alone I started off doing the front of a house with brick then a few brick steps then a job with 7000 8-in blocks then like three chimneys repaired some stone walls and right now I have a blue stone patio that I have to finish up and I'm in the middle of doing the front of a house with real stone veneer that is becoming more and more popular I did a paver patio a couple months ago so I need to know how to work with all these materials but I would have no problem if I could just lay brick or block everyday

[@Titantitan001]

I do tile, stone work, marble etc. In Illinois people lump us in with the “BAAC” which is brick layers and allied craftworkers. Idk how it works elsewhere. But I know when brickys are on a site they are more than just “brick layers” working together.

[@johnwayne666]

Out of all the work I do...and I am no professional at none... block work for me is the work I enjoy the most.. great day there partner ✌🏼🤠

[@dangiles5038]

The consistency of the mortar is key, in the uk we use a 4:1 ratio mix of sand and cement rather than pre mixed bags, we use a plasticizer additive which makes the mortar more elastic and pliable. It’s all mixed using a small rotating cement mixer rather than a paddle mixer. There’s a few decent KZbin channels out there showing our bricklayers, top quality craftsmen such as “the traditional bricklayer” and “Charlie Collison” well worth checking out, I’ve learned a lot as a carpenter watching these guys and understanding their trade.

[@TheBuilderdad]

That's some serious work, Right there young man! As someone just a few years behind you, I'm about to under take my first masonry job. You give me hope.

[@Mike_Wrecker]

I always appreciate these videos. It's so incredibly motivating for someone relatively inexperienced as myself to be reminded that on certain projects that the best of your ability is good enough. Its impossible for someone to know everything and be perfect, but learning, and having even a small bit of experience, is better than never trying.

[@martyjehovah]

It's always amazing to watch an expert ply their trade in a way that seems almost effortless, but it can be discouraging too if you're struggling to learn that particular trade. That's why I love this channel, because Scott passes on so much knowledge from his areas of expertise, but he also humbly shows himself learning, trying new things, and fixing mistakes. One major life lesson I've learned from watching essential craftsman is that nobody is an expert at more than a couple things at most. That lesson has made the prospect of learning from an expert in person less daunting to me. It is encouraging to know that on a different subject there are things I can teach most experts.

[@paulbeaumont2911]

If you’ve never done something but want to, the only way to really learn is to do it, you gave it a go and you succeeded, that’s what the game is about. Also, kudus and mega bonus points for the respirator and silica reference, as a health and safety person you’re mentioning this is brilliant, thank you. Keep up the excellent work.

[@finders-keepers1518]

My tips as a 23 yr mason. Layout your bond before hand and then lay up your corners first....then check bond again! Range your first course with a string line and then keep everything plumb from there. When cutting your excess mortar off turn your trowel on more of an angle to "cut" the mud to reduce smearing. Butter block ends as they are laid not standing block up. When mixing mortar....get it to where it should be then let it set for about 5 minutes then break the set...equals more working time. If you want more cream in the mud just buy a big bag of Portland cement and add a shovel per 80lb bag of spec mix. When laying your corner block don't waste time on cross leveling. Just plumb the ends since the block are not perfectly square. Much more but just the few I thought of

[@repetemyname842]

Hey, can you explain why block walls and not core filled with mud? Ive only done block a few times, knee wall for a garage type stuff, and as a group of carpenters we wondered why the cores do not get filled?

[@jfdb59]

Fellow mason of 23 years myself. And in that time, you're the only other guy I've heard mention the second mix. I always make my helpers give it a second spin. No one taught it to me. I just figured it out after spending some time doing epoxy floors and that was specifically in the instructions for mixing.

[@goodllookin1722]

Back off

[@unclefester9113]

There are many things that I love about Essential Craftsman series. I like the simple demonstrations of skills and the explanations. Perhaps even better - I love the very wise nuggets of work and life wisdom delivered with such a calm voice of experience.

[@ebk304]

Agreed

[@attiliopampanin9503]

I saw the half block mistake as soon as you laid it and I haven't laid block since I was in high school @ 17 years old back in 1977 but we had a great Shop teacher.

[@glennduxbury2568]

Same...

[@mkmac9539]

I dont understand the half block mistake. Where was this mistake made?

[@attiliopampanin9503]

@@mkmac9539 should have have gone around the corner with 2 full blocks one down and one over lapping

[@matthewrose6865]

This was great to watch because with how many different trades I know you are proficient at, it’s insightful to see that there are always areas where we aren’t confident or knowledgeable and we have to remember to slow down and pay attention even though we are used to going at a much faster pace.

[@DuffyHomoHabilis]

Some hints I learned after tuckpointing a huge chimney: Hose down the concrete slab (and your plywood mortarboard) before you start, so it doesn't suck the mortar dry. Mix the mortar in small batches to match your work speed. Mix the mortar to the right consistency: scoop some up on your trowel, tap it, then hold the edge vertical. The mud should stick to the trowel. About ½ thick is good. If your mud starts to get a little thick, hit it again with the mixer. Adding water to thin down mixed mortar is like adding more water to concrete: Too much is bad. And for the same reasons. But good for you for jumping into unknown territory. And you are absolutely right about eating the crow while it is still warm!

[@jeremyhershberger3012]

I appreciate that you as a carpenter is doing masonry and that you are willing to show your mistakes. As a mason I will say that the consistency of your mud depends on the conditions. Dry block in hot weather with low humidity requires a lot more water than wet block in cool weather with high humidity. If your unsure lay a few block and add water or dry ingredients if needed.

[@Mikesroadtrip-ec5kp]

You are so lucky to have a friend like Kenny. Its always nice to see him in your videos.

[@TokyoCraftsman]

I'm very impressed by your work and your willingness to learn something new. I've done very little mason work, much respect for masons! I once did an outdoor BBQ pit for a client and had a buddy who knew what he was doing (thank goodness!) it was a HOT summer day in direct sunlight, and the only way we made it was to soak the bricks in a bucket before we laid them. Learned a lot that day and the most important thing was to hire a mason LOL. Cheers from Tokyo!

[@oldschool6345]

Speaking as a similarly skilled (non mason concrete able carpenter) guy I say good job. A little job like that is good for practice/learning and maybe save a buck. The pointed trowel is a skill to it's own like anything else. The best part is watching grandkids hoofing mud and packing block - They will forever remember the days of helping grandpa do that everytime they see the building. Thanks for sharing

[@joelima3756]

That is awesome working with your grandkids this will make great memories 😀 KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK 👍

[@rowgler1]

When I was younger we always used J-bolts to anchor the sill plates to the foundation. Now when I use blocks I skip the plate and use angle iron, bolt it directly to the inside of the rim joists, run it down inside the block and grout it solid. It makes a much stronger connection for extreme weather conditions.

[@Xxjoeynumber1xX]

If you're new to it, it never hurts to just lay it all out dry! Good clean work for a carpenter 👍

[@nickkoehler2092]

I'm a mason and I do a lot of block and for your first go at a bigger block job I would say you are doing just fine, I have seen much more experienced guys make mistakes with laying out the bond. Nice to see someone making videos about masonry, we need more people in the trade.

[@mrtopcat2]

Scott, first thank for you for all these videos. I have been watching your channel and every episode for years and have been enjoying every one of them. So first, many thanks for all the great content and great info! The comment that I like to make is about seeing you wearing some kind of protection, probably about the first time (I know there probably have been more times, but rarely). So, this time you were wearing protection, a respirator. Otherwise, your videos being tremendously useful, this is one thing that I miss seeing, you wearing protective gear. I know and appreciate you are old school and obviously this way has worked for you, but I think that this not only an opportunity missed in an educational setting (which your channel has arguably has became), but in some cases and most importantly for some people may end up to be outright harmful. Let me explain it this way. We are all different, ‘Grandma’ may have been smoking all her life and aged 102, but that does not mean everyone will. And your case may be not much different. You may be thankfully an exception and your body may have been able to deal with all the hazardous environmental impacts, but not everyone who is watching your channel and thinks he will do just as good as you have, may in the end do just as good. Look at my case. All my life I thought my ears were stellar and I can tolerate loud noise. I have never had a problem. In fact I used to think thank God my ears are not something that I have to worry about. But strange as things are, it turns out that hearing damage is both cumulative and deferred and so it will often show up in years if not in decades. Most importantly, just like health damage from smoking, hearing loss may not affect or show up for everyone equally bad. Now (and I am still a bit younger than you), I am nearly deaf, which is actually worse than some people may think. Especially since my hobby is working on cars and a good mechanic absolutely needs good ears. I meant to write these things to you for a very long time. But in the end, I always shied away from it, with the understanding that you probably know these things and have your mind already set. In fact, I even found out that your ‘lower’ neighbor of your spec-house is an audiologist and I wanted to call him and have him talk to you specifically about wearing hearing protection, especially since when I learned that you have started blacksmithing a few years ago. Scott, I am hopeful that my message will find you well and that you will be able ‘to do something’ with it. I see work place protection evolving and at the expense of mostly being a pain in the butt, yet hopefully for the most part work still getting somewhat safer as a result. Still, everywhere I go in the US (and by the way this is USA ONLY, NOT in some European Countries, where hearing protection is a widely accepted standard), I see people doing construction work without hearing protection and I am wondering how many of these people will end up with hearing issues, such as hearing loss, tinnitus or hyperacusis. I do have tinnitus as well. Some people have a mild case of it, but mine is as loud as it can be, 24/7. It used to be as loud as a jet engine at take off and I literally used to be on the verge to pass out. Thankfully I found some ‘treatment’ and it is no longer as bad now, but it is still extremely loud. I stop here and see if you can read this message and respond. Many thanks for considering my thoughts and best wishes! And please keep the subtitles. 😊

[@joelx77]

This is the best comment so far!

[@puppyduppy9811]

Wow!

[@neilwaelbroeck3932]

My late brother was an industrial hygienist... Every holiday I'd receive a box with gloves, safety glasses, a respirator, and a little note reminding me to choose the safe path with... "Zero is less than one."

[@virusO1OOOOO1]

Oh my Silver Fox, its amazing to see you work, and to get a chance to look into your mind.

[@virusO1OOOOO1]

PS its to eat a $h!t, not a crow, while it is still warm 😆

[@tegimr]

@@virusO1OOOOO1 FWIW A variant expression, “if you have to eat crow, eat it while it’s hot” means that if you make a mistake it is best to admit it quickly and show contrition, thus putting it behind you sooner. The quicker one admits to their mistake, the less damage will be done. This statement is attributed to Alben W. Barkley, vice president for Harry Truman, who was speaking particularly to politicians in regards to political and personal scandals.

[@virusO1OOOOO1]

@@tegimr oh gotcha all the old cats arpund me say poop instead 😂 thanks for that

[@jacojarvis7363]

So much Wisdom.

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

Hello from Sydney Australia. Blocklaying tips * To help butter the flat end of block- smear a pancake of mud on the end, from your trowel. Then load your trowel and 'run' each edge (that'll make it stick). * Back health- sit the block on a " chopping block" while carrying out the above! * Why not set the first course out dry with spacings. 👍🔲

[@daviddimovski9595]

Hot tip. I purchased a 3x3m portable gazebo for $150. gets you out of the sun for cheap and easy to move around as you go

[@JimmyLarsen33]

Isn't that a cool tip ? :)

[@daviddimovski9595]

@@JimmyLarsen33 it is a game changer, i set up my drop saw and cut station under it. and it is a good place for lunch too hehe

[@Elkadetodd]

Nice of you to add that maple flavor to the mortar for wall-tasting surprises!

[@andrewbench8690]

Just a heads up, every mortar recipe is a bit different depending on climate. Here in northeastern pa we use a bit less lime and more Portland because of the daily freeze thaw cycle during the winter. Basically extra hard Type S. The extra Portland makes the mortar very resiliant but it's way harder to work with. Wish we could add more lime! People should talk to their local supply house to see what the common knowledge is in their part of the world!

[@ltridge504]

I'm a carpenter also, and have recently dabbled with masonry while building my root cellar. There is definitely an art to the craft. I was able to get 22-25 block per bag of spec mix and just chipped away at it a bag's worth or two at a time. The mud consistency is the most difficult thing to learn

[@Stan_in_Shelton_WA]

PRO TIP, always blend the cement, lime and sand dry. Once you have added water never add cement or lime without first blending it with sane. A batch of mortar can be adjusted but the direct addition of cement or lime will make it lumpy. (machine mixing can eventually get it blended but you will be cooking your mix and it will not last as well for working). Blend it with sand (your adjustment recipe (cement, lime, or cement and lime), then add it to your mortar that was improperly blended and you have a fix.

[@lucas5428]

Give your trowel a tap so the mud will stick when you’re spreading on the block. Also butter the block that’s laid not the block you’re laying. That trowel is too big for you as well. Get a 10”. Your mud is getting hard so fast because you aren’t letting it flash. You mix it to the right consistency, give it 10-15 minutes then splash some more water and mix again and it will stay perfect a lot longer. Union bricklayer here in Minnesota Local 1.

[@radiotests]

Local 21 Chicago 43 years. My card says B, PCC, CM, T, W, and Precast. I started in Seattle 1978 with pops as a Stone mason apprentice field dressing lannon stone. Ive traveled the world learning the trade. Im a masonry junkie and now consult in historic masonry. You never stop learning till your dead.

[@davenag957]

In the early 80s when I was 20, I worked a multitude of jobs on a large commercial interior build out. Laboring for a group of brickies was a memorable part of it. Laying out walls and beam pockets, setting metal door frames, mixing mud, building scaffold, and learning block laying basics. After watching these pros for a while they invited me to lay some block. They all chuckled when the mud kept falling off my trowel. They punked me by not telling me about tapping or shaking the trowel before trying to lay down the mud. A lesson learned years ago that I'll never forget. Also learned just how wet the mortar needs to be as it stiffens really fast when it hits that raw, dry block. Always wet the mortar board before shoveling on a new batch to give you more working time. And whatever you do, never let a brickie run out of mud while he's building. Those guys love to give laborers grief!! More mud, more mud, is the familiar cry from up on the wall. You gotta have thick skin, and if you do, you'll learn skills for life!

[@michaelharris2844]

Sounds exactly like my experiences here in Australia.... MORE MUD!!!!

[@dorndy1]

as a mason that respects the hell out of carpenters and their abilities, this video gave me a good feeling lol.

[@jasonsigmon7229]

I am a mason, I know your pain, I did the same things 25 years ago, but we learn and move on great work I enjoy your channel so much!!!

[@jamesconner8275]

I've always done as much DIY as I can. One, because I'm cheap and two, because I believe I could do a great job.

[@54mgtf22]

Love your work 👍

[@rustyshackleford5060]

Keep up the good work

[@godfroid47]

Back home we get the kids to push mortar through the vertical grout lines and finish the horizontal ones with a skinny grout trowel. Allows for much faster block laying. Also use a string line as a guide.

[@trevoraboussafy6900]

I am a carpenter too, and I too mess around in other trades. I like to try new things and learn new skills. However, I figured out a long time ago that masonry is something I know I am not good at. Good on you for trying it and getting it done. You’ve now learned something that I’ve never been able to do well. Maybe I’ll figure it out too when I reach your age.

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

another great video guys. not bad for a half baked carpenter lol

[@Kralphrn]

When you watch a talentaded mason lay block they make it look sooo easy! Which it absolutely is not!

[@FernandoGonzalez-tj3yf]

I'm an actual Mason and I'm now a Structural DSA Masonry Inspector and I will say that what you did is not bad at all considering you're a carpenter. I've seen a lot of good work and a lot of bad work before and the worse possible thing a bad mason can do is give advice to someone else. That being said if I was the one inspecting your work I would suggest a few things before passing it but all in all it's not bad. I really appreciate your cannel and I'm grateful that someone like you is giving props to Masonry. Many people and trades don't acknowledge how hard Masonry is and how skilled someone has to be to be called a Bricklayer/Mason.

[@ryananderson4569]

A lot of us watch these videos to learn so please list any tips/ critiques.

[@martyjehovah]

"The worst possible thing a bad mason can do is give advice..." That is a succinct and profound statement. I think it probably applies to damn near every subject too, not just masonry. It's certainly true that when someone is doing/making something incorrectly at least they can only churn out bad product as fast as 1 person can work, but if they pass their errors on to even 1 person then they have effectively doubled their productivity at creating useless/dangerous wastes of material. This is a perfect example of why I like to listen to experts talk about their expertise. Even if it's not a subject that interests me much, I'll often hear some insight that is valuable knowledge, or sometimes even directly useful in my day to day life. Thanks to this quote, I have a laconic way to remind myself and others to trust but verify things learned from experts.

[@radiotests]

Well said brother. Im a life member local 21 Chicago. I started in 1976 in Seattle. Ive traveled the world studied under masters in brick, block stone, PCC, Traditional and historic. Ive consulted nationally and still do teaching the craft and science of Masonry.

[@simpleagain1]

@@radiotests -masonry is NOT a science……it is WITCHCRAFT ‼️‼️ Happy Halloween 🎃

[@robertbeirne9813]

Looks to me, being ambidextrous, would be a good a good quality in a mason. “Keep up the good work”.

[@TheMrmodernmonkey]

it is

[@MrThebigredone]

A little squirt of dish soap in the mortar as you mix it makes it way more workable, your mortar was a tad stiff

[@steve32221]

This man is the GOAT. The mental horsepower to do anything he wanted and he chose to work with his hands AND mind, a doctor of the tangible if you will. Laying block in your 60’s - you set a high bar Scott.

[@allenbuck5589]

I’m a 69 year old retired carpenter superintendent I just built a sunroom on my house this summer I laid every block on it dug the footing by had. Hard corps Marine

[@steve32221]

@@allenbuck5589 Oorah! Good on you!

[@jamesart9]

Really like your phrase, "a doctor of the tangible". Excellent.

[@raoufshomali9727]

You did a great job!!!

[@davidbriggs8076]

Build your corners first then you can string your line for each course. Makes for a straight and level wall

[@mattpeterson7074]

I think that's what he did. Seems like the first 4:45 of the video is him building the first 2 corners, and at 4:50, you can see the string laying on the ground when he ripped out the one corner. You can definitely see strings in the later part of the video.

[@pistool1]

Agreed. There are a number of tricks and tips for the proper, detailed and professional outcome in the end. Little things can be prominent time-savers, too, such as saving like 30 secs for every brick by cutting every extra movement or walkin. Like a delivery guy who is completing 30 addresses during the workday and turns the car the right way towards the next destination by making a u-turn; he might save a minute in every stop ie. comes 30minutes for the whole day :)

[@CharlieCollison]

I’ll come give you a hand 👊🏻

[@63flight]

Ain't you built that yet? 😂

[@CharlieCollison]

@@63flight 😂👊🏻

[@patriciau6277]

The starter course is the most important one. It will make or break the whole project

[@ruimiguelchocas]

A bucket of water with an Mansory Brush goes a long way Always do a swing of water (mansory brush) on the block before the mud and on the surface of the slab that you are going to put the mud on

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Hot crow is always the best. Still a nice job Scott.

[@StratKruzer]

Y’all really picked up the pace there at the end.

[@puppyduppy9811]

You know the fundamentals,and spent your time in the theory room

[@stevecloney68]

Warm crow is best!

[@CrimeVid]

That is what is called gauged mortar, it does not crack easily and is very resilient( try knocking a 9” brick wall built with it down !) It has gone out of fashion because it is, or should be as sticky as hell and can make an awful mess on facework. Brickies tend to use mortar plasticiser nowadays.

[@eileenheitman4351]

I’m not a mason, I’m a licensed g.c. and work on site daily as a carpenter. However, I’ve laid 1000s of blocks . I build corners and stretch strings . I’m surprised you don’t do the same. Different strokes. Semper Fidelis Dave the Carpenter in Omaha

[@firemech911]

Keep it straight, keep it square, keep level, and keep it plumb. Nothing to it right?😂😂😂😂😂.

[@cmiller6352]

@3:00 reminds me of Donald Rumsfeld’s press conference from early in the Gulf War: “there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns-the ones we don't know we don't know.”

[@hankclingingsmith8707]

YA THAT WAS THE DEVIL HIMSELF SPEAKING. HE OWNED SO MUCH STOCK IN THE BOMB MANUFACTURING COMPANY..CREATED THE FACTS THEY NEEDED

[@makemyday1477]

Those grandkids are sure handy. And they will always remember when they learned something from grandpa

[@daddygoat]

That was fun!

[@pickleeggs3340]

dayum,one handsome fit grandpa 😍🤙

[@Bill_N_ATX]

I don’t know if it’s cheating or not, but as a kid I watched an old mason build a CBC wall around his acre lot in South Texas. Took him months as he could afford to buy block and as he’d work a few hours in the evening and on Saturday. Sunday was for church. During the very hot summer months when it was close to or over 100 degrees, he had a bucket of water he’d dunk each block for the few moments it took to set the previous block. They weren’t in the water for long but it was enough to wet the surface of each block. He’d also splash some on the rows he was setting upon. At those high temps, the water didn’t last long but it was long enough that the mortar could set without making it into soup.

[@jeaxre1307]

Thanks for the enjoyable video! These blocks are kind of the worst of both worlds in my opinion. You have to do brick laying with mortar AND pour concrete. Not sure about the US, but in Europe we would use form work blocks for that. Those have openings in the side, so that the concrete can flow from stone to stone. No mortar necessary at all. Just lay one layer, pour in concrete, lay next layer.

[@Cobra6Gaming]

Don't hit/tap the blocks when you put them down, it will make the water split from the cement. Push them down instead with constant pressure. Also, wet the concrete and/or the blocks properly before putting them down, that way they won't suck the water out of the cement.

[@badlandskid]

Everyone got promoted that day... laborers became apprentices, apprentices became masons... 😄

[@WoodandBricks]

I have some videos that would be helpful with mud constancy and trowel technique. Your trowel sounds new. Even the best of bricklayers struggle using a new trowel. It takes a few weeks of heavy use sometimes longer to break it in. I would suggest buying a used trowel from a bricklayer. It won't be cheap but it will be so much easier to use. I noticed your trowel was rusty on day two. That tells me you cleaned it with water at the end of the day. Unlike most other tools a brick trowel shouldn't be perfectly clean. A little build up helps the mud stick. An occasional scrape with the cutting edge of a brick hammer is all that is needed. I only completely clean my trowel a few times a year. I love your content! I hope to one day be able to create such useful content! Thanks.

[@marcsheldon6512]

Expand on "breaking on a new trowel" please..does it get more flex? The edges must get thinner and really sharp? Maybe the build up of mud in the fine scratches gives it a bit more "stick"?

[@WoodandBricks]

@@marcsheldon6512 the biggest part is thinning the edges and tip. That makes the trowel more flexible. The flexibility helps you to feel what you are doing. A new trowel always seems slippery. The mud seems to slip right off. Also the new trowel is bigger than what you are used too. All the repetitive movements with a heavier trowel wears your hand and wrist out. Concrete finishers will tune or set a new finishing trowel. I have always wondered if you could tune a new brick trowel to shorten the break in period. I have never bothered though.

[@marcsheldon6512]

Makes total sense..thanks a

[@marcsheldon6512]

Crap..thanks! Not thanks a..lol

[@JerryMraz.]

Theres more than one way to skin a cat but if you eat the crow while it’s warm then your not gonna have enough appetite left over to finish the cat. Great wisdom packed vid

[@EduardoGutierrez-rr4ts]

If you switch out the Diet Coke for a Modelo, you go faster.

[@janderson8401]

That’s for when the masonry has to slope.

[@nicholasmisch5590]

Watch Mike Haduck's video's. lay it out dry. wet the the slab , it'll stick better

[@mark-uh8un]

I can hear his voice now. "I always lay it out dry first. And if you want it to stick, you gotta wet it first" but in block work, i dont think he wets it first. It makes to much of a mess.

[@mark-uh8un]

I can hear his voice now. "I always lay it out dry first. And if you want it to stick, you gotta wet it first" but in block work, i dont think he wets it first. It makes to much of a mess.

[@nicholasmisch5590]

@@mark-uh8un Wet the slab, not the block.

[@74stevedc]

Mike Haddock is the best, "I'm not going to make a Big Deal out of it," Always lay it out dry and yes wet the slab first If you want it to stick you have to wet it!

[@jasonmarshall819]

No big deal

[@jimserhant7741]

If you’re not failing you’re not trying, if you’re not trying, you’re not learning. Be proud of your job. Be proud in knowing you tried, you failed, you learned AND you took the time, which many would not, to make it right.

[@pistool1]

And the most important: you got something done in the end! :)

[@attiliopampanin9503]

Also do all four corners first so you can have your string line makes for a straighter wall.

[@billstrouse2655]

Outstanding! I am impressed with your honesty, humility, and your ability to admit to and learn from your mistakes. You cover a lot of little things that are critically important to a beginner. For example, your comment about the texture of your mortar is spot on. Getting the consistency right is key. You might want to try adding a plasticizer to your mortar mix. This will help with the texture and pliability. And, always mix all of the ingredients together DRY before you ever add water. One thing that will help maintain your mortar for longer is to use a "Gatorback," or other plastic mortar board. Using a wooden board will suck the water and moisture right out of it. Again, Great Job!

[@firemanj35]

I worked for a mason friend of my Dad's and he always made me put dish soap in the mix. It made it stick and clean up better. Ya I know but I was 15 at the time and didn't know anything. Still don't. Learn something new everyday. Yes yes yes let those grand kids fill the block. Its TIME with grandpa and believe it or not they WILL have FUN!

[@hmg8915]

I'm a Mason but I would never critique the essential craftsman

[@MrPwnageMachine]

Positive criticism brings everyone up

[@puppyduppy9811]

Be a man , tell it like it is , don’t be a phony

[@pistool1]

Would be nice to hear comments from a professional mason :)

[@Frieslick]

Don’t know if it’s just the camera resolution, or KZbin’s compression, but that slab looks absolutely beautiful in the video. Wish we could have slabs like that poured for us; would save a hell of a lot of packing!

[@jvin248]

I was taught to wet the blocks and rocks before putting the mortar on them because a dry block or rock will suck the moisture from the mortar too fast creating a dry bond.

[@puppyduppy9811]

That’s right the slower the mortar drys the better

[@pistool1]

At least doing the tiling, it is best to always wet the surface and the tile before planting it. And use primer on the surface, too.

[@radiotests]

Wrong on this and the replies. The wall is compressive strength not just bonding strength. Wet block causes messy work and creates mineral salts known as efflorescence.

[@puppyduppy9811]

Bond is important

[@mackfisher4487]

Hope one of the grand kids sees the val you in the triads after working with grand paw.

[@johnscott2076]

The value in the trades

[@danherring5676]

When I was learning to lay blocks, the guy I was working for dropped some real wisdom on me: "Keep yer ass behind ya." Hope that helps.

[@bradpendleton5675]

I vote.for the Mexican dump truck. As my.father use to say, son it builds character and keeps.you out of trouble.

[@grouchygolfer3725]

I’ve been in masonry 50 years, it is hard but satisfying work. I have now started my retirement apprenticeship, to early to tell. I have always considered myself to be the worlds worst carpenter, but I keep trying. Being in the trades you know perfection but it’s the years of experience that gets you there. I think you did just fine and we are all grateful you shared it with us.

[@TheEphemeris]

There's a mason over in the UK who also has his own channel named Stu Crompton. He makes slinging mud and laying bricks look so effortless that I forget it's a highly skilled job. He makes it look so easy that I could just pick up a trowel and start building my own walls today.

[@JMASON-qy7ki]

We make him look like a begginer in Phoenix AZ

[@86irisheyes]

Laying Block With A London Trowel is some what interesting next time get your self a OX TOOL CO PHILADELPHIA TROWEL ,

[@kevinm5564]

I think I saw you add some lime to the mix. WISE MAN. Premix mortar is sandy, doesn't stick and has short board life. In situations where compressive strength will not be tested a little lime can fox all of the above

[@glennirwin4710]

Always pump.

[@CarlosBeltran-mx9xo]

What function does the lime mix with the cement?

[@TheTarrMan]

You know, you could've also practice this by icing a cake. (I still think you're doing a good job.)

[@tomhurley3938]

First of all, you kept up the good work, and did the work well. I've had a pointed trowel in my hand since 1972, and agree with all you discovered about the mud, the angle of the trowel, and timing. I watched you begin to use the back side of the trowel for the bed joint when it suited getting past steel, or increased production, smiled when you applied your knowledge and experience of concrete finishing to the work at hand. If you ever lose another bet and have to lay block again, consider mixing the mortar for far longer. That old drum mixer I spied will mix and fold that mud up and entrain air as it goes 'round and 'round, making a mix that assists in the laying, 15 minutes should do it. "Level, plumb, straight, true and even. "2 over one and one over two" and "Mortar dosent hold the block together..it holds them apart" are three maxims to remember. Keep all that in mind and you may discover the last little bit of fun and joy that lies hidden under each block on the pallet.

[@nhtom8]

You give the impression that humility is a mark of maturity.

[@froter1]

You did a great job! I've been laying bricks and blocks , etc for 50 years .. you're right , the mud is always important.. a lot depends on temperatures, direct sun , etc Looks like you got it down pretty good 👍

[@aussiecro.]

wetting the blocks helps heaps....that's some free advice after doing and getting the same result of drying too quickly when laying....some people advocate to keep the blocks in water until they are fully saturated so that when laid, they dry more uniformly thereby creating a stronger bond. I dunno if that is true but worth noting; How feasible that may be is another topic....either way, keep it up!

[@JMASON-qy7ki]

If anyone in the western US saw you wetting blocks before you lay you would be laughed off site.

[@aussiecro.]

@@JMASON-qy7ki diff’rent strokes…yanks don’t hold the monopoly on knowledge and methods….things that were unheard of 20 years ago are now mainstream…it’s a mindset thing I believe

[@treecooper8557]

@@JMASON-qy7ki Why? I've been a masons gopher, and I don't think any mason I have worked with would shun any idea that made the job go easier. Also, wetting the block is an intelligent thing to do so I guess it's above your thinking sir.

[@1834RestorationHouse]

I recently built some brick planters using the layout techniques that you taught us in an earlier video. It's true that masonry will humble any man who attempts it!

[@gofgwoodworking]

As a contractor for over 40 years, I can do masonry and it will look good, but I am way too slow to make money at it. I always hire experienced Mason's. It's a trade that has been neglected for too long. We need to stop sending everyone to college and start training apprentices or these crafts will be forgotten. I like your wall. Great job

[@fafunwaayomide5607]

If its possible I will love to be your apprentice my dream is to be a handy man. I would be genius if I learn from you.

[@christophersiderius7758]

Around the 3:00 mark he mentions knowns and unknowns. It reminded me of a Mark Twain quote that I try to remember at all times. "It ain't what a man doesn't know that hurts him, it's what a man knows for sure that just ain't so."

[@josefernandez932]

First mistake was using premixed mortar!! Use Sand and a bag of type S

[@railfan439]

Ahh, the memories! Not knowing my rear end from a gopher hole, I built a 100 foot long wall from 6x6x18 slump stone.That included coloring the mortar. Built it 10 blocks every day after work, and 40 blocks on the weekend. Talk about a learning experience! Boy how I feel for you! Thanks for the video. Jon

[@KB-wq5bb]

I’ve been in the skilled trades (HVAC) for almost 30 years, I can say it doesn’t matter how much planning or how long anyone been in there field of choice, usually something goes wrong on the job site, or on the way to it. We wish we could control all aspects of the job , but just to many ppl and items needed for it to go as planned.

[@bigmizzymike]

I think you're doing a great job but I'm no mason either. lol