Laying Block Stemwalls EP.34

[@foadrightnow5725]

Why this man doesn't have his own prime time DIY cable TV show is beyond me! Not only are his videos informative and entertaining, his narration style and cadence make them damn near theraputic, as well! At least for me they do, anyway!

[@retiredperson4054]

Yes he is a great orator !

[@JEEDUHCHRI]

Cable is dead. This is the way. You ads every three minutes? Filler? Fluff? Shilling to the high heavens?

[@remta613]

Because he's honest and doesn't need a production crew to make his work good.

[@edjohn5114]

This is the show brother…

[@markparker5833]

From a retired Mason, if you raised the mixer 8" by putting a CMU under the tires and front stand the wheelbarrow will set straight under the mixer when dumping the mortar. This is what we used to do in Mississippi.

[@ThePoesn]

One of the series I have to take my time for and relish every minute of.

[@MacMcNurgle]

Brings back memories. Australia. Early 70’s, I was 7. I spent 3 weeks over the Xmas break of school, working for my step-dad who was a house builder. I carried bricks, answered the urgent call for ‘more mud’ and scrapped the drying mud from between the bricks. I got a Makita cap for my efforts. Plus a lot of life lessons and a lot of pride from the fact that when my mum asked “how’d he go?”, pointing my way; the answer was a short, sharp, silent nod.

[@rocknral]

Some great life lessons learnt on the Jobsite mate. Keeping a bricky " happy" is a trade in itself!

[@DoomlordVekk]

Scott, as always, your videos are very well put together, articulate and very good watching value. Please keep it up!

[@chrisbarr1359]

Glad you are back! Sorry to hear about your mother. Taking care of her while she was sick is very honorable and a true labor of love.

[@bellarosegroup]

I'm glad you addressed the silica dust. It's a real thing. even just a spray bottle of water helps a great deal with the dust but a proper mask is best practice.

[@nicholasimhoff9230]

All the modern cement cutting saws (much like the one used for cutting block in the video) have an attachment for a garden hose, so that you can wet-cut your cement. it cuts the dust down to essentially zero, and your saw blade lasts longer! It solves the number 1 reason that guys dont wear dust masks. Too uncomfortable. Well worth the money to upgrade, in my opinion.

[@danw1030]

Not sure about Oregon but in Washington it can be a finable violation if Labor and Industries inspector sees it. Silicosis is a real thing that can kill you 30 years down the road. Like Asbestos. It's a pain to keep the dust down. Especially if you are trying to make a living. I've raised my share. That being said us old guys should be teaching the up and coming Craftsmen how to work as safely as possible.

[@____________________________.x]

No he didn't address it, he gave it a free pass - "I'm not your Mother". This is unacceptable.

[@stephenschindler916]

It’s actually OSHA regulation. First time occurrence is a $25,000 fine... and increases substantially every time. That’s why every major tool manufacturer are making vacuum attachments. You HAVE to regulate the dust when working with all concrete material. I actually just saw this was posted 4 months ago, and if I was this guy I would maybe edit some stuff out of this video...

[@letterslayer7814]

@@____________________________.x im not sure if they dont understand how bad silica dust is or if they just dont care, but healing your lungs is very hard...

[@Aepek]

Love watching masons work, there’s something surreal about the actions they make. You can also tell an experienced mason from a beginner from how they use/work their trowel w/ the mix & material they’re using.....so cool watching them work👍🏻 Thanks for sharing f including us into you’re family. Cheers✌🏼

[@jmcbride6421]

these guy def. didnt have any finesse with there trowels. but then again they dont lay block every day either i guess. still looks good

[@Aepek]

J Mcbride As I have seen some guys work more “artistically” & “graceful”....it’s still pretty cool to watch masons work. But yeah....they seemed a little “rusty” 😉 (but I would be too, been years since I did any mason work🤣).

[@chrisfreemesser]

They got the job done and they did it right, but if you watch the mason's from the videos of Nate's project, those guys were like poetry in motion with their trowels.

[@Aepek]

Chris Freemesser Totally agree, those Masons in that vid were like a symphony in perfect sync....was beautiful to watch👍🏻

[@badlandskid]

Slingin mud!

[@kazukarukelley]

I could watch these videos all day. What a great project with outstanding information. Thanks for taking the time to film, edit, and upload.

[@lancemcque1459]

What is there to dislike about this video? Good music. Hard working people. Lots of info. Very entertaining.

[@guilhermesalgado701]

I'd say job safety. That saw maneuver at 20:59 really scared the shit out of me.

[@barrybritcher]

@@guilhermesalgado701 :/

[@FirstnameLastname-bp5cm]

I appreciate the longer format and extensive narration!

[@uglybobhere]

Yes

[@Jesse-gv9tf]

18:08 Best advice ever. And it's also true you are not their mother, but it's always wise to give someone sound advice. It's up to people to make their own choices in life.

[@EBFoxbat]

There a quick shot from up on the hill that’s a pretty wide angle. It pans right to left. This shot is very helpful for getting a sense of the overall layout. Please include that type of shot more often. It helps us get our bearings as we still try to learn the property/site. Another great video though.

[@ryancmoore3000]

What part of the video?

[@FWtravels]

23:22 view of the job site from up on the hill.

[@grey3977]

Ryan Moore I think it's 22:52

[@gorillagoalie23]

I agree, I loved that shot.

[@liamway9740]

grey man has to

[@chrisrea7347]

Clearly narrated and a really enjoyable video. The block layers knew what they for doing for sure! Its great to watch quality tradesmen work.

[@kengamble8595]

Boy does this bring back memories ! I was a hod man for two brick and block layers in the mid 70s, WITHOUT the benefit of bags of mortar ! A big pile of sand, lots of bags of portland, water and a shovel......... and many gallons of sweat ! As soon as I thought I might get a few seconds of relief one of the layers would call out that he needed mud or block ! Sure wish I could still work like that ! 😊 Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍

[@hardlyb]

I keep thinking I'm not that old until I either look in the mirror or need to do a hard day's work.

[@kengamble8595]

@@hardlyb Yeah, I see people that I haven't seen for a while and think, dang they got OLD........ and then I look in the mirror.! 😊

[@hardlyb]

@@kengamble8595 I just had happen that tonight. I saw a poster of a talk given by someone I haven't seen in 40 years, and he's an old guy now. It was a shock. I avoided the mirror when I got back home.

[@jasongreene89]

Or worse yet, get "caught up" with mud on the boards and a mason yells out half block just as you got your eye on the water bottle. Sh!t.... so close yet so far.

[@keithrosen1139]

I broke into the trades with a shovel and mixing my own mortar. The work was a place where the men were separated from the boys real fast. I hired veteran only. They new what a working party was all about. Some times guys would only last a few hrs. The weak went down fast. but when I found strong men who could work. I payed them top dollar because they earned every penny. I also gave extra for good work. We kicked ass and could get a lot done fast. We never would put up winners or slackers. It was a place for the strong but we all loved it.

[@jeffjohansen3458]

I get so excited every time I receive a notification for these videos. I don't watch TV much anymore, mostly because there's not a lot on that interests me, so this channel is officially my favorite "show" to watch. Thanks for all of the outstanding, quality videos.

[@bmck-ss3zb]

Every teenager should be a mason tender for a time,they would appreciate any job they got after that.I know I did!

[@richardfowler3254]

I used to be a tender for a block mason that lived on the street I grew up on. I got to help him on all of his "side jobs" It was hard work and I felt I was paid a fair wage as well as learning how things actually get built. As I got older I knew that being a block mason was not for me but I eventually went into HVAC and loved it, (retired after 37 1/2 years). Now I watch these videos having a great time completely understanding what (for the most part) is going on...

[@TonyGilbert1]

@@richardfowler3254 I retired from brick work after my union hall closed IT pays more and I can work from my house

[@jasongreene89]

I could not agree more. I was a mason tender in South Florida for a summer. I taught me what I did NOT want to do for a living. Now when I hear a youngster talk about how hard they work all I can do is smile and remember what hard work is.

[@DKWalser]

I agree. I worked as a hod tender summers during high school. It was hard, but satisfying, work. My best friend and I started together. He went on to become a mason. I went to college. I'm glad I had the experience. I'm proud that the crew had to hire two men to replace me when I left!

[@maxg9999]

I’m the odd man out that was a laborer when I was 16 and loved every minute of it and I’m 29 now and I’m a journeyman mason and I still labor as well it’s great work and has provided a good living for me and my wife

[@JChamberlin]

Not only do I love your content, guys, but I appreciate the long format you give some of the videos. It takes time to detail the reasons why certain things are done. Have a great day!

[@Finn-McCool]

I could have watched eight hours of this. Man do I ever miss my trade. To be able to hang over my table saw or lean into my band saw or carve blind splined triune table leg corner joints on the old Makita LS1214 dual slide compound magnificent miter machine the gold standard of cut off precision in a cabinet shop. I looked so forward to showing my children my talents as they got older and to now be a useless cripple while they are finally adults and they've gifted me 9 of the most precious little grandchildren a man could ever want. It hurts my heart so much that as they've grown up I'd worn out at only 42 years old (52 now, ten years it has been). Seeing these men work with their boys salves this pain. A little vicarious respite from a life unlivable. Thank you Scot for you and your son's efforts. You just don't know how much more this is to some of us. Please, more group shots of yourself, your son, your grandkids etc. Always remember the reason for the hard work we put in to life. -✌

[@justinh6974]

What happened to you at 42?

[@Finn-McCool]

@@justinh6974 I succumbed to the progressive onset of a disease I've had since I was a teenager. Peripheral polyneuropathy. Had to retire on Disability at 42. I fought through the pain for a lot of years in order to meet my responsibilities. There comes a time when that last straw snaps that camel's back. Chronic pain doesn't kill you. It slowly makes you want to die. But I still have joy.

[@alm000]

I helped my neighbor who is a now retired Mason do some stuff around his house and he said I was awesome with the saw good with the mud but really sucked at everything else, I took it as a compliment, LOL BTW My whole life has revolved around saws of many sorts, Being good at mixing mud (just good at following instructions) was the cherry on top, :)

[@daviemaclean61]

About 10 years ago we had an extension built onto our house and both of the main builders are bricklayers (or as you call them masons). I stood watching them work several times, not because I was "overseeing" them but because it was a joy to watch their skill. This whole build so far has been a joy to watch. Cheers

[@stevendouglas3860]

Yes it's fascinating to watch Bricklayers . Strange but it is .

[@rossbuchanan7632]

I love how you are complimentary and praise the skills (and usually the character) of the people working for you. I am sure this value must come across directly, if unspoken, on site. Nothing makes a job like knowing you are valued, nor spoils it like feeling you are just "an expense".

[@jobaecker9752]

1,600 more views added during my viewing - wow. What a loyal fanbase! Job well done.

[@JarvisElian]

BEST. CONTENT. ON. KZbin.

[@jeffcaudillCRUM]

Never Underestimate the Value of a great Block Tender. They are priceless

[@psidvicious]

Couldn’t agree more! I’m glad you also called them ‘Tenders’ bcz that’s what I’ve also always heard them referred to as. Hod carrier is a new one for me. I’ve seen many block crews where, the lead tender was also the foreman of the crew. 🤜🤛

[@candace3676]

I carried hod for Mel Reid when he built our floor to ceiling, wall to wall, used brick fireplace in the 1970s. What a job! We cleaned every brick that came out of the old Champion Mill on Diamond Lake boulevard. I appreciate every brick in that very unstylish fireplace now! Wonderful vid. "I am not their mother..." another one of those life statements.

[@bob_frazier]

Now that's awesome. This house looks right down on the old mill site... I think.

[@harrisonmccoll1093]

Love this series as a structural engineer, keeps me thinking of the finer details of construction.

[@TheTravissheaves]

Excellent! It’s really starting to come together, and the overall shape & footprint of the house is really starting to show. I can’t wait to see the framing begin. As a young tradesman, I thank you for putting emphasis on quality, and ensuring that you double check everything. The littlest detail being overlooked can be catastrophic in some instances as you’ve demonstrated time and time again. Keep up the good work gentlemen!

[@lindenmattie2023]

Hey Scott/Nate, as I was watching this, I was noticing how well a lot of the prep work and planning, and double checking you guys did, seemed to be making the work of the Masons go smoothly, (for instance, the verts seemed to mostly land in the block cells where they were supposed to). Thought it might make for a cool video if after each time a sub finished up on the job, if you did a sort of ‘exit interview’ and we could get from their perspective how the pre-work helped them out, and what was done well or what could have been improved. Not to open you up to negative feedback, but certainly would be informative and interesting! Just a though. Keep up the great work!

[@greenley77]

That's a great idea! Or maybe some footage of the morning huddle to talk over the work of the day

[@WILSON.1]

The vents actually make the wall look nicer in my opinion. So enjoyable to watch.

[@fullvegan]

Another well directed video. Every time I watch one of your videos I learn something useful.

[@keithrosen1139]

I am a 50 years lie. Concrete and Masonry contractor. I see a lot of You Tube building sites and very few are very professional and do the job right. Except you. Your a pro and I like to see it done right.

[@tankmeltedargon8831]

Another awesome video thank you guy's, very informative as usual and great to see the Masons at work. Sadly here in Australia we have had clusters of silicosis in certain trades from exposure to silica, a lot are younger guys who have had high exposure to silica from the increased demand of acrylic and stone bench tops. Silicosis is now being compared to asbestosis era, even though the exposure limits are very different both are horrible diseases and a terrible way to go. Thankfully silica exposure can be dramatically reduced with wearing the right mask/PPE and following OH&S to reduce silica dust and exposure. I know it's a pain in the backside to wear masks while your working, it drives me crazy wearing a mask doing DIY/hobbies. But wearing a mask and taking precautions is are small annoyances compared to the alternative. Anyone who is exposed to silica or other dust/fumes please wear your masks and take exposure seriously, even if it's short exposure from DIY/hobbies etc. Any form of lung disease wether it be silicosis, cancer, COPD is a horrible thing to live with and die from. Also make sure you don't expose your family through your clothes etc, this was a big problem with the asbestos era. I had a patient whose only exposure to asbestos was washing her husbands work overalls and she ended up with asbestosis.

[@raymondlancaster6928]

Scott and Nate I really appreciate the attention to detail that is going into this project. It helps give good insight into the building of this house to those of us that aren’t in the building trades. As a mechanic I understand the need to know the problems that could arise and solve them before they become problems. Keep up the good work.

[@XineasHD]

Great progress and excellent production work as usual. Keep the great stuff coming!

[@Tiersmoke92555]

My grandfather was a masion in goldsboro NC back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. I wish I could have learned this from him before he passed when I was a small child.

[@prefrontalcortex3134]

...and in the midst of another awesome video, the pipeman makes an appearance toking away whilst surrounded by cementitious dust!

[@aussiebloke609]

I prefer to filter my air through a cigarette, AvE-style. But I guess a pipe would work almost as well - especially as you don't usually inhale with a pipe. LOL

[@samsmith3025]

A lot of guys just dont care.

[@aussiebloke609]

Just a mad bloke in Canuckistan. He's got a great channel - tool reviews (no shill) where he takes a new item and strips it down to see how well it's actually built (instead of the usual "how well it works for the first 5 minutes" crap we usually get fed)...has a few projects on the go...looks into things like friction welding at home...all sorts of oddball stuff like that. Well worth watching. kzbin.info

[@prefrontalcortex3134]

@@aussiebloke609 I've been following AVE for years now. Like with essential craftsman (EC) it's one of those channels worth immersing yourself and absorbing their wisdom and knowledge. Besides AVE got the first made limited edition EC hammer!

[@slickearl827]

Great video. I have been a Mason for 40 years. Hod carries are very important. They are worth as much as a Mason. They are very hard to find these days. Masonry is extremely hard work. The easier the Mason has to excess of materials. The more and better production you will have. This is the first time I have ever seen a bond beam coarse first. I like it. Definitely stronger. It's really sad to see such a great trade fading away. We construction workers have been pushed down behind people thinking we are scumbags. Think about it people. We build the buildings/ homes we all need. Stop thinking construction workers are scumbags. We are not! It takes very strong people to do our jobs. Worth a lot more than we make for wages. Thank you for letting people understand our worth. Nice work. Enjoyed watching!

[@seanfisher4599]

Great video! Could you speak to the advantages and disadvantages of using CMU versus a formed and poured foundation wall?

[@samsmith3025]

Yea, that's been a running comment theme through this vid series. I guess its personal preference ultimately, some may say easier to do block, but for a guy that's been doing poured walls for years he may say the opposite, I think structurally poured walls are probably stronger and if you are in a seismic zone maybe a necessity.

[@SuperAWaC]

price

[@highwatercircutrider]

Block or brick walls are super easy to modify or repair...poured walls, not so much. any type wall can suffer damage ( especially in very cold freezing conditions or flooding or hillside erosion potentials......masonry contractor since 1972 in Michigan here

[@highwatercircutrider]

Great video, My three brothers and I have been masonry contractors in Michigan since 1972.....we are getting tired, hardly anyone else here wants to ‘take up the torch’, so we now can just name our price ! ( very are very, very competitive though ). And yes, we are ‘hard to please well known perfectionists’ and difficult to work for...

[@winthropracette3785]

Wow…a cleaned, exposed footing, rebar perfectly spaced to line up in the cells and nice square corners with the chalk lines already in place? Sounds like a dream come true. Cleaning the footing takes up the first hour of the day for everyone else!

[@climberjb]

In Ireland, most houses are made of a cavity block wall. Two solid block walls with a cavity between for insulation. The start of your house is the entire house here!

[@badlandskid]

James Byrne it never ceases to amaze me how building techniques vary from region to region. Even in the states the methodology varies between locals.

[@____________________________.x]

Are they not all made of peat bog then? j/k

[@petesy03]

horse1066 no that only happens in England

[@thejerseyj9422]

At 23:36 is my favorite type of work. Mule work, it's what I love. Fortunately the people I work for have a need for this. Alot of people don't understand the satisfaction of a hard days work. When I get home, after a shower and a cold beer and a delicious dinner that my wife (the best) prepared I go out into our yard and "puttz". I worked with a guy who looked like Hoss Cartwright who could carry 6 blocks at a time. I'm good for 2 at a time thank you. Anyway, physical labor, a love for God and family and friends is what we were created for. The mental work is equally important and I respect the people who do the thinking. But I'm happy to be the mule.

[@essentialcraftsman]

I love this attitude brother! Thank you !!!!!!!

[@Jessassin]

I love this series so much! Thank you for continuing to provide such excellent content!

[@brew8053]

I'm really glad to see this series and the channel taking off. I've been following you guys for what seems like forever and you've never created a video that disappoints. Also, that cellphone buzz had me frantically searching my desk for whatever might've been going off!

[@michaeldalton8374]

The precise, scientific mix for mud is: fluffy, never stuffy Poopy, never soupy Watch that sand pile in the morning. Draws moisture all night. What needs to be 16 shovels of sand in the morning was 19 shovels of sand yesterday afternoon. 😳

[@JasonJohnson]

Clear as mud.

[@grantgood8456]

Ya i don't understand..... just put less water in?

[@jtrauth1715]

Keep ‘er covered.

[@alforliniteaching5670]

This video has brought to light many insights ,which could easily be over looked . Many difficulties and complication on the site I thought only I was having ,so it's a relief in a sense to know I'm not alone . Thank you . Al.

[@stevendouglas3860]

Very satisfying watching this. And I love the music . From England UK.

[@ИванЗырянов-к5ъ]

Hallo from Russia. Your videos help me to learn how to lay blocks. Thanks

[@Cadwaladr]

The word "hod" always makes me think of my grandma. Her maiden name was Hodgson, and all her friends called her Hod. She loved building stuff, so she would have loved this channel.

[@jamescampi50]

Always nice to see competent trowel work.

[@Blobjonblob]

I finished school at 17 and went straight into a Mason apprenticeship, Spent two years labouring for five pro masons it was a hell of alot of work but I stuck with it. Here in Ireland we use a mix of 5.1.1. 5 part sand 1 part cement 1 part lime.

[@surfmanrescue]

I love all these videos and seeing the Craftsmen do their thing. These guys seem to do a good job and care about the end product. With no disrespect intended to the guys on this job, I did notice that the block masons Scott and Nate used in Arizona on Nate's project seemed to be at another level. It's truly amazing how good some people can get at doing something when that is all that they do..... And of course I'm not talking about speed, because there was an obvious number difference in manpower..... But when you look at the way the guy in Arizona lays the mortar, damn he was good....

[@donworryboutit8455]

Phoenix Arizona is the block layers capital of the world 💪😉.. Watch the "Best Trowel on the block" competition and you'll see 90% of the winners are from phoenix year after year ..

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Oh my gosh, this almost gives me PTSD! 😣 I worked a summer for a cranky old mason doing commercial block buildings. We went through 3 other grunts that summer, but I lasted through it. And by god you better get that mix right! LOL and haul it up ladders to the second story. Ha, I learned what work was. Glad this is a tender crew. haha I really like that you used the split face for the exposed block. This house should look aces.

[@m.5051]

Oh this brings back memories. Everything you say about masons is spot on. My dad telling us that we have to anticipate still rings in my ears.

[@GarwoodNick]

Timely. I'm just about to build my first block stemwall.

[@gentbar7296]

same

[@peterputnam3804]

My first construction job was as a mason tender on a commercial job site.We all learned to mix with sand Portland and lime I did this for over 3 years and learned how to lay brick and block. I learned how to keep masons happy and they never were without what they needed.

[@JayKayKay7]

As an ex-framer, I always admired the masons for their almost Cake decorating skills with that trowel. My efforts looked terrible compared to them.

[@bradcavanagh3092]

As a desk jockey who likes to DIY, every time I try my hand at a new thing I come away from it with enormous respect for tradesmen. Their ability to perform quality work with such speed and precision is what causes mugs like me to think "gee, that looks easy - I can do it myself!" Apprenticeships take as long a university degree for a reason!

[@coherentpanda7115]

@@bradcavanagh3092 I learned years ago home DIY is not ever going to be something I can do, and in nearly every case I have found it is better to leave most jobs to the experts. I'm certainly not cut out for it, and wish my grandpa who was a handyman would have taught me what he knows as a teen. I don't mind paying people well to do trades work even for the simplest of jobs, because I've gained a respect for the work they do, and they can do everything from changing out a ceiling light to building an addition to the home far faster and better than I ever could.

[@richardfowler3254]

@@bradcavanagh3092@Brad Cavanagh you are correct, mine was a four year apprenticeship along with another four + years in journeyman classes (which would equal as a Masters/ PHD). Smartest thing I ever did. When I was done with everything I had a "degree" that had no student loans to repay. The American Dream can be had going the trade school route...

[@JayKayKay7]

@@bradcavanagh3092 I'm a "Kavanagh". Hi kinsman.

[@robertgemski7728]

@jay Kaye I have to agree with you I have been a framer for about 19yrs and have always admired a good masons skills.

[@Prosecute-fauci]

Thank you again Scott and Nate. Another fantastic video! Honestly it is exactly what you want it to be. It is informative, entertaining, and in a way, riveting. We all are excited to watch every segment that you produce and are never left disappointed.

[@willieboggs7799]

The hardest working people on a brick crew are good hod carriers. I have COPD from cementacious dust.

[@jordanking7550]

I'm sorry to hear friend. I hope all is well.

[@____________________________.x]

"I'm not your Mother" got under my skin tbh, what a cop out. My Mother had it :/

[@dannyrivera3164]

Hod?

[@____________________________.x]

@@dannyrivera3164 the sloped wooden rack that they use to carry bricks up a ladder

[@rigohernandez1130]

What’s copd?

[@starcarrier1874]

For some strange reason it's always enjoyable watching an experienced mason trowel out mud along a course of block or brick. Especially if he's wearing a Green Bay Packers cap!

[@willb3018]

I may just start tuning in for the music.🎸

[@kenryder5674]

I have been a builder and carpenter for going on 50 years. This video (and the others) are great teaching tools and really speak to how to do the job, any job, right! I have been working as a consultant, supervisor and hands on carpenter off and on for ovIr 22 years in the Kingdom of Bhutan. So much of the labor for the construction projects there is imported from India and i have to say, Indian masons, from my experience, are very skilled. However, they would gain a lot of useful information from watching this particular video.

[@kwarts]

I wonder how you fill the cells under the vent blocks, as the openings are at least half covered. Kind regards Christiaan

[@OneShot_G]

I know this is a 2yr old comment but typically you don't have vents in cells that are going to be grouted.

[@wushlc]

one of the best videos on the subject I have seen, hats of to you

[@justinfiorini3142]

Why not double up the the "sunshine" vents? Surely, it would be stronger, and really can't cost that much more.

[@hardlyb]

I'm always impressed by masons. I have done some of the different sorts of work involved in building a house (framing, roofing, wiring, drywall, pouring slabs, insulation, stucco, siding, painting, and plumbing, though not at the level of skill shown on this channel), but my two attempts at masonry weren't successful and I needed to call in pros. Maybe someday I'll learn how, but for now I just watch these guys with my mouth open...

[@chucklynch8397]

I really like all your videos and this is no exception. I grew up in a masonry family in West Virginia and Virginia. I'm not sure what has happened to the art, but your block masons are wanting with regards to technique. They are having a hard time spreading mortar on the footers and their trowels are covered in mud. Not bad work, but it doesn't look like they do a lot of masonry work. I've never seen a mason cut block in t he middle of a wall and overlap joints, or butt block in corners without tying in. Back in the day, mortar was mixed, by hand, with various components and the mix was made to suit the conditions and strength requirements. In the 70s, the mix went to bags of mortar that had a lime component. There were various types of mortar, such as Type S and Type N. Sand was mixed in by shovel count, 18, 20, 22 shovels per bag to suit conditions and mason's demands. I'm also surprised to see mortar shot out on plywood rather than mortar pans. I'm not criticizing the work these guys are doing...it is hard work; I'm just saying that the art of masonry is significantly different than it was in the profession in the East. Masons would lay 4s, 8s, and 12s with very little adjustments and tapping. Laborers took care of striking. Additionally, no mason would ever be caught dead with anything but Marshalltown trowels and wooden and brass American Levels in 2', 3', and 4' lengths...never a short 1' level. The tell though is that block courses are being constructed without building the corners first. Corners are built with levels to be level and plumb and then courses are run in to the line. I know this is rambling, but I wish you could have seen the way it was done when it was done correctly.

[@jfdb59]

As a mason of 22 years I wholeheartedly agree. There are a lot of tells here. I hate to criticize another but this is not representing the craft to appropriately. Just the way he handles the trowel, no flick and no distance with each spread. More like a pick and dip. It's still done correctly up here in the Northeast, some of it at least. But we have our fair share of boots too. The best masons, lead masons are on ends building leads with Crick levels. Lineburners put one on two. Barrel jointers are most common here but I prefer a sled runner as it evens the wall out more. He also could be swiping heads on the block he just laid. Instead of on the one he's about to lay... which he also does wrong. He wastes time smearing the inside of the joint which if he did it correctly, with more force, wouldn't be required to keep the joint on the block. If he's going to spread joints on the one to lay he should at least be doing it with one trowel of mud using half of it for each side. He should be spreading beds off the board and then clean off his extrusion on each side and use that for the head of the next one and not have to go back to the board so much for it. He just leaves it hanging there which is a lot wasted mud. He's also not on the right side of his line. Hard to see how you're running when the line is on the other side of the wall. And what REALLY grinds my gears is guys not double buttering closures and completely filling between ears on both sides. I used to chew my guys out for this. You have no joint if you don't. And I've NEVER seen a guy use a torpedo level to check roll after the first course. That's just lunacy, and I reckon would get you kicked off a site here. If you start right you don't need it after that. They're just really slow and inefficient. But I'm sure it's hot and they are getting it done, one way or another. Everyone is at a different stage of learning and these guys just don't seem all that proficient with their trowels. They look like weekend warriors. I am guilty of plywood mortar boards though. Only one guy I worked for had pans. I've done masonry in Ontario Canada, New York and NC. My girlfriend was born and raised in Harrisonburg Virginia. I noticed online there are a lot of masonry companies there. I'd like to come down that way to work too some day. It's interesting to see the regional differences. And I saw quite a bit of nice brick work down that way. Cheers from another rambling mason.

[@BiggSexyKSguy]

I think in the video it said those guys are always framing and masonry work isn’t their primary profession

[@DIMENSIONALCRAFTSMAN]

Hello Scott, 1. One of the main reasons I watch your videos is because you show proper techniques for every step of the project, and while you discuss some short-cuts, you discuss them ONLY where they can/should be used. Too many in the industry take/make short-cuts where they should NEVER be . . . Thank you for explaining the short-cuts in their proper context. 2. You give praise to the other trade craftsmen working on this project, and you let the viewers know what you truly feel about them and their skill. 👍🏼 I feel that it would be a great service to all of the viewers if you interviewed the various tradesmen and let them tell their stories about how the site was prepped for them. Let us see and hear, from their point of view, how well the site was prepped and set-up for them to do their work efficiently and it made their job easier. I have been on far too many job sites that looked as though a tornado had been the through. They were messy, discombobulated and hazardous to work in and around. Just my thoughts and feelings as to what I would like to see and how I feel in watching your channel.

[@theMaszketnik]

21:08 I'm not your mother, but where is the protection, sir? :)

[@____________________________.x]

It's like looking the other way when a drunk guy gets in his car. I'm glad someone else called out his BS

[@knappkennethw]

horse1066 That’s not the same. The drunk driver affects others. The adult is make a choice to not use protection from the dust. That choice only affects him. Unless, there is a fine involved...

[@____________________________.x]

@@knappkennethw I'm pretty sure that everyone is breathing in the same air on a job site, so if he's creating dust then everyone is being put at risk. Hence why many countries have H&S laws to protect everyone from the YOLO guy. Your comment makes no sense, sorry.

[@KekiFlorencia1]

@@____________________________.x Do the laws require everyone at the job site to wear breathing protection or do they require water to be used to prevent dust production?

[@mysss29]

@@____________________________.x You're speaking as if the one operating the saw wearing a respirator somehow also protects everyone else.

[@nathanroper5988]

Perfect timing on the video. I'm pouring a footing this afternoon for a cinder block wall we are going to cover with dry stack stone veneer to match out house. I have never done anything with concrete or blocks but am excited (and anxious) for the chance. Its lower risk since its just a 2' sitting/retaining wall and about 125' long but still something totally new to me. I had a couple things I was still trying to sort out and this video did help resolve a few of them. Thanks for the videos Scott and Nate.

[@whitacrebespoke]

My father in law is a south paw and just like this guy on trowel I looks a bit clumsy yet he’s a bloody neat block layer. A lot of British guys would have flicked mortar everywhere

[@thomasmckelvey8961]

Great looking job! It's very satisfying to see a job done properly, with all the facets involved spoken of with reason & practicality.

[@ramosel]

Good masons they are, Scott... but a great mason keeps a mortar trowel in hand and a 4 ft level close by. There is more to an old timer's work than chicken-legs and string. To watch a true craftsman set, then run a level horizontally, vertically (sometimes diagonally) not just for level but as a straight edge for 3 block face continuity insures walls straighter than you'll ever get with just a string. Does it matter when your exterior is split face... not so much. But it matters to those from a different era. Just cuz you can't see the backsides, doesn't mean it shouldn't be right.

[@dilldowschwagginz2674]

Im a jack of all trades with a 'masters' in masonry. I appreciate that you take the time to explain what's happening and why it's happening in your videos. I'm very picky when it comes to masonry work and I didn't see or hear anything here that offended me or made me say "oh, that's wrong"... Great video as always

[@cbat09]

Scott, could you talk about the time/cost tradeoffs for block vs poured concrete foundation walls? (That's probably an entire blog post....)

[@metlmuncher]

I'm interested to hear as well. My go to thought would be to pour but I'm no pro.

[@vessmachineen193]

I love the way you are handling this project. I will suggest this video to our customers. they will love it. we produce block making machines, the machines that produce these blocks that you are using.

[@raincoast9010]

Why block, why not just form and pour concrete?

[@adam03753]

Cheaper maybe?

[@wpherigo1]

rain coast not sure, but I do know concrete is very expensive. Blocks are probably cheaper.

[@aussiebloke609]

Less likely to crack, maybe. Formed and poured always cracks - like the retaining wall did - but a block wall is dry as it is installed (other than the mortar, obvs...but that's pretty small compared to the whole wall) and cracking would certainly look ugly.

[@4dak88]

@@aussiebloke609 if a person drills deep piers and space them 6 feet apart under the footing, then use a huge amount of rebar in the formwork and then pour, you'll never have cracking in a million years

[@4dak88]

@@aussiebloke609 think about it, what else would he say? you think his ego as being a this construction master on youtube would make him say, yes guys I fucked up, I actually pulled a rookie mistake on the retaining wall, CONCRETE SHOULD NEVER CRACK IF ITS DONE RIGHT PERIOD!!!!!!

[@DennisAinsworth-xj9jb]

Excellent foundations if I may say so, some of the neatest ones I have seen and I have watched many.

[@jocyjrdany]

Me gusta mucho cómo usted trabaja. Sus trabajadores son muy afortunados por trabajar con un hombre que tiene mucho conocimiento, espero y ellos sepan aprovechar eso de usted. Lo felicito!!!

[@thehalfnam4331]

Apprenticing stonemason/general labourer over here. Helped lay block on a big big job in similar weather to this video.8 inch block is 30lbs+. Before these get in place you pick up, walk over jagged terrain with, stack, and lay hundreds; maybe a lot of hundreds. Good time.

[@Fragxecutioner]

Who is the Guy smoking the Pipe? I've seen him in several Videos... And he's always looking the others working... :)

[@treaustin1]

My best guess is he's in the family. Perhaps his dad?

[@patrickevans4396]

It's been very interesting to learn not just one aspect of construction, but an overview of how everything ties together. I never realized how important the handling of materials would be, but I can see now if you were a little sloppy with it throughout the process, boy would that compound over time. These pallets weren't there that day so the guys had to stand around for an hour. These materials were placed in front of the ones we need today so we gotta move every thing. These were placed here not leaving room for the mixers or trucks to get in. You could increase your costs and frustration an incredible amount just by being bad at the logistics, whereas if you do things like you're mentioning, water and blocks or whatnot right where guys need them, they work smooth and fast and don't have to pick up anything more than is necessary. Imagine picking up a house twice instead of once. I just never put together all of these aspects until watching all of the videos, it's so fascinating!

[@martinfaulkner2546]

Another excellent video, thank you. But if you have to get the phone, don't mind us, we can wait a while.

[@fredroehl157]

I can see why you have the utmost respect for these fine craftsman that is very nice work indeed, much respect from Alaska

[@badlandskid]

5:20 Get that mason a hickeybar!

[@zackjones8681]

I wish my dad were still alive. He never used a computer in his life but I have no doubt he'd sit down at mine and watch these videos. I work in the IT industry so I make my living with my hands but these hands have never produced anything as awesome as you guys are doing. Thank you for the time and effort you guys are putting in to share all that you share with us.

[@MrDerekmoney]

I want the backstory on the old timer who pops up smoking his pipe in your videos!

[@MikkoKalavainen]

MrDerekmoney He’s the Dad I believe?

[@cameronmassie642]

Cy swan?

[@essentialcraftsman]

Ahhh.... he's a dear friend who is so incredibly smart and has done some amazing and beautiful building projects of his own. He had a stroke a few years ago and it gives him the right to have a front row seat anytime he wants to come by. We'll put up a video about him one of these days. His hame is Ken. K

[@psidvicious]

Is there money in the budget for a ‘Kens Assistant’? 🤜🤛

[@eddiethompson1326]

I can't tell you enough how much i enjoy watching you and the team do this work and talk about this work. Keep it up. So amazing.

[@smurfendrek4791]

Why is this ep 34? Shouldn't it be 33? The last one (snap the stemwall layout) was 32

[@llljustcallhimdave]

33 was before 32 kzbin.info/www/bejne/anmknHiveMmsea8 Building Science and Technology Ep.33

[@missionDan]

Smurf En Drek watch them properly, you missed the secret episode

[@oldschool6345]

Another great video. Your blockmen made it look good. Seems like they really care. Watching them set the block they are careful and precise. The number of block layers I have seen that just "plop" the block down... I have no idea how many. If its a little low they leave it. It really shows in a big wall. Thanks for sharing.

[@julianreverse]

No moisture barrier between footing and stemwall ...

[@Garland77]

Great watching a crew that really knows their stuff! Great video!

[@johnswan9123]

At the end of the job they were tired of the old man's nitpicking.

[@MSI2k]

I want an interview with the dude smoking a pipe in every shot.

[@MrCavemandiver]

Ill bet that's the buyer

[@tonyhussey3610]

Yeah gotta be the owner for sure

[@cathyblasco4497]

My Grandfather was a stone/block/brick mason. I could watch this all day long. ❤❤❤❤

[@tysleight]

Give me a poured wall. So much less dependent on labors skill level.

[@maddmason9520]

Never Sleight you just have to find the right masons.

[@tysleight]

@@maddmason9520 and there's the rub. Mason's that are good charge accordingly, it is slow hard work! With a great amount of skill starting with the hod carrier increasing skilled all the way to the foreman. Everyone around me has a hard time keeping staff. The more skilled the harder. These are skilled tradesman that you can't blame for job hopping.

[@AnthonyJones-gf6yv]

You still need skilled labor to set up the form work..

[@spaceantelope1]

I was a hod carrier for 7 years for the best mason in New Orleans, Louisiana. Best 7 years of my life.✌️

[@2bigbufords]

I thought that was funny "Keeping the bricklayers happy" The ones I worked around were never happy.

[@MSeroga]

22:55, a very awesome picture to look at in terms of progress and just to admire great masonry work.

[@petesy03]

Half block in the middle of the wall, should have took it from one end

[@thomasharris1901]

2x 3/4 s

[@petesy03]

thomas harris would have been better to take from one end and reverse the bond at the end, would mean no cuts

[@Nightman2152]

Good labourers that know their stuff are harder to find then trades in my opinion. You need a person that is interested so they can watch and anticipate. The problem with the good labourers is they usually graduate to tradesmen making it a hard position to fill long term. Good labourers who can move fast and think faster are what make an efficient and synergistic. I'm very happy your introduced the hod carriers! Keep up the good work. I'm guessing this house is going up faster then the video editing is going! Looking forward to the next one!

[@psidvicious]

I’ve seen many a mason crew where the foreman doubled as the lead tender (hod carrier). 🤜🤛