Learn how to dress sandstone

I’ve gone back and taken an old video and given a well needed explanation. If it’s well enough received I’ll probably go back and rerun some of my first videos and narrate over them.
I like to have a bit of engagement so please any feedback good or bad is welcome. If you’re nasty then I’ll just be nasty back so don’t be a d**k.
#construction #stonemason #tips #craft #sandstone #brick #building #lime #cement #stone #carving #tricks #tipsandtricks #cutting #stonecutting #ancient #crafts #grinder #makita #handtools #powertools #diy #garden #home #maçonnerie #macon #pierre #scotland #galashiels #gala

[@medwsc123]

Great update, really informative- thanks! Narration is good and really helpful 👍

[@ModernPracticalStonemason]

Thanks again mate! Enjoying making them more and more actually.

[@allisonpower2594]

Thanks for passing on your trade skills. I'm building a sandstone barn in Tasmania. We have convict sandstone building heritage. Info like this helps over ambitious amateurs appreciate the skills and time it really takes. Thanks for your no bullshit insight.

[@ModernPracticalStonemason]

Wow Allison this is exactly what I’m putting these out for this makes me extremely happy. Good luck with your barn and I think the Scottish no bullshit lends itself well to the Aussie! 😎 keep me updated on your barn!

[@benllewellyn1887]

Question, are you primarily a banker Mason? Or did you start there.... Do you find it odd, that only Stonemasons use flush cut blades,? I often wander why other trades don't. There a must! 😂

[@ModernPracticalStonemason]

An absolute lifesaver. They’re all scared of the big bad blades I think that’s why lol. So, primarily, I’d call myself a banker mason. BUT. My apprenticeship was mainly conservation, ripping out and matching to existing so I got a good variety because my college course was very heavy on the banker. I’ve worked with bricklayers for almost 2 years now, I had my own company for 4/5 years so again I just was in about every aspect. Cladding, rubble, ashlar, surface finishes, huge moulded cornices, staircases, crane lifts… Also I have a background as a steeplejack, I done that from 16 through to 22. When I get some more subscribers and if anyone else is interested I’ll possibly do some of these types of videos. Explaining what masons do, how we get here, how the trade is etc.

[@benllewellyn1887]

@ModernPracticalStonemason thanks for the reply! Steeple Jack, you say? I love watching Fred Dibnah!! Carry on the good work 👍

[@ModernPracticalStonemason]

@@benllewellyn1887 don’t have to thank me mate I love it lol that’s why I do it. I always look for your comments. Yeah I got sacked before I finished my college course and took it back up just never qualified. Done my stonemasonry apprenticeship with the same company too! When you asked if I said I was mainly a banker mason, I actually would say my man strength is building huge stones and the rigging, ropes, chains etc. What’s your speciality?

[@benllewellyn1887]

@ModernPracticalStonemason I work with a soft limestone mainly, it's called Bath stone (it's quarried from the bath area) There are a lot of properties in bristol, rows, and rows of Victorian terraced streets. They all have bath stone cladding. Basically, all the decorative surrounds. Jambs, mullions, cant mullions, cornice, transom windows, etc. The panels between the bath stone are mainly pennant rubble. These where all built with Lime and Ash. I Basically repair and restore these types of properties, as well as new build, stacks, garden walls, paint removal (a lot of properties have been painted, now are extremely damp) Also, work on churches and listed buildings. Everything and anything to do with stone really 🤣. I started with my dad, no college, doing bits of everything I've mentioned. Started learning banker work around 2 years in, just doing cornice and simple stuff. That was by hand, then I saw what the flush cut could achieve.....18 years later and I have only got through around 6 blades, that's how soft the limestone is! That's the small one. My 9 inch.....10 years strong 🤣 👊

[@ModernPracticalStonemason]

@@benllewellyn1887 well I’m glad I’ve got at least one subscriber who knows exactly how I’m feeling at any point in the video! Glad to have your views, please give me pointers here and there if you see fit!