Masters of Masonry

[@ADBBuild]

It's great to see how the boss regards everyone the same. Everyone has an important job and therefore they are important. Excellent work.

[@MrHellenas23]

He's just being political correct for the sake of the video.

[@dylanpeterson6192]

@@MrHellenas23 So, you know him? Or, are you spewing nonsense? I saw no disrespect, and if you don't know firsthand that there was, then you should stop. Running off professionals is not a good business model, so it seems like his relationship with his crew would be a kind of "I see and respect talent" kind of thing.

[@FWtravels]

just wait til the cameras are off

[@tedreid1035]

@@MrHellenas23 I knew there would be a crappy comment. You didn’t disappoint.

[@jamesbizs]

@@dylanpeterson6192 oh come on now you can’t be serious .

[@sungear]

This guy is a great guest. Let's see more of him.

[@LetsBuildAHouse]

Incredibly skilled, detailed oriented, hardworking masons!

[@davidsawyer1599]

It's been so long since I have seen a high quality block wall..... There are various subdivisions near me. The homes were built 30,40,50 years ago. The blocks were not covered in stucco. The craftsmanship is a beauty to behold. Those men doing the labor have pride in their work. Sadly a vanishing thing. The way the Masons gently bring the blocks in is art.

[@smally8499234]

Agreed, bricklaying used to be an art form, I'm a carpenter and work with brickys often and their work is often poor quality and rushed.

[@wook420]

@@smally8499234 theres still quality masons out there but you pay for quality. The amigos have kept prices on masonry low so its not really worth it anymore. I still hire a quality mason though and the work speaks for itsself. Its one of those items i just simply wont allow to go low quality on, theres not actually many trades that i dont do the highest quality possible on and most of my clients respect that. Only time its an issue is with budgets, thank god i dont get many budget projects lol im use to no budget builds. Way more fun that way.

[@smally8499234]

@@wook420 The problem I'm finding with the construction business I'm working for is that everyone is booked solid and trying to get trades for jobs is a months or year in advance issue and then it's trying to find a decent tradesman to work with, all the good ones are absolutely booked solid for year's to come.

[@wook420]

@@smally8499234 i build in multiple states and it seems to be a problem in some areas more than others. Ive had relationships with subs for years so i seem to do ok that way. Just have to watch their quality as i know theyre busy. Houses im building also have an average of 3 years to completion lol. Somethings just cant be rushed.

[@smally8499234]

@@wook420 I live in Australia and everyone is booked solid for year's to come, my company has jobs for the next three years and the boss is constantly turning down work because we don't have the time/manpower. The. You've also got the issue with resource and personnel scarcity, no one wants to work and if you do find someone they usually last about a month. That's a long time for jobs, we usually complete builds in about 8 months.

[@4g4m3n0n]

Man, this guy makes it look like he's got a magic trowel that just spits out the right amount of mud on those bricks! A pleasure to see this guys at work!

[@williamsmith9026]

His buttering skills are top notch

[@Ikantspell4]

Hard work. Especially in the AZ sun. Glad I'm indoors. Being a mason requires exacting details and fast movement. Laborers have to be strong and anticipate needs really admire these people.

[@joeidaho5938]

My father was a bricklayer....Italian...and very skilled. He built some very nice fireplaces...and could think very well on his feet. His math skills really improved his abilities to do a variety of bricklaying work.

[@kas9653]

I am a laborer / tender for a small but talented masonry crew. Morgan (the boss) is right - every job in masonry is equally important. When we are laying block, I need to be on point all day! Same thing with concrete slabs. Lots of anticipation and communication, figuring out how fast the masons are going, determining when to start making more mud (and how many boards you have), when to start tending more block, when to zip rebar, etc... If I am off or behind on something, the work stops. It is a very hard and physical job, but it is so rewarding to watch courses of block go up level and plumb, and to know that I was a critical part of the process. Great video!

[@brianlogan4740]

I really enjoyed this. Love hearing people who REALLY know their craft.

[@bradley3549]

I'm fascinated with laying block. It's one of the few things I've personally tried in the construction trade and both simultaneously absolutely sucked at and hated with a deep passion. Watching the pro craftsman working their magic with block is so impressive to me.

[@peterfitzpatrick7032]

I know where you are coming from.. 🙄 I think its because unlike many other trades, it isn't "formulaic" ... a cabinetmaker has certain steps to prep his material, joints to cut, carcass assembly etc... & if you follow those steps you will be (for the most part) successful... but this is almost like an art... certainly theres muscle-memory.. the ability to use a trowel like its an extension of your arm... and then theres the ability to "eye it up" ... even before using the level... It is a skill borne of experience... kinda like plasterers are too.. I love watching it, I hate doing it.. because like you, I suck at it & I don't usually suck at stuff... I'm a retired machinist whose hobby is woodworking, I have re-plumbed & re-wired my own 100 y.o. farmers cottage, I have lowered every ceiling height & insulated it to the max... most of my building/ construction skills are courtesy of KZbin tradesmen sharing with us. This is a level I will never attain because I could never build up enough experience at it.🤨 From the Emerald Isle 😎👍☘🍺

[@brandonlevy6980]

Anyone can do it buddy. If you can read a level. You will pick it up.

[@bcase5328]

It might be hard work but the skill is a thing of beauty. Hopefully their work will stand for generations.

[@1Akanan1]

its a thing i was thinking about the whole time, the workers are so skilled, perhaps far more than this younger contractor (boss). Boss ''have it easy'' (he is clearly not an imbecile), but man, the precision of these block layers, the perfect way they they cut the mud on their trowels... it takes them half a day what I've done last year in 2 weeks! (decorative wall between us and neighbour)

[@unclefester9113]

I've done a teenie bit of mortar work fixing a stone wall in front of a church. Nothing at all on the order of what these highly skilled craftsmen do. Rather amazing. I really appreciated the detailed description of the job site and the individual jobs. Workflow and planning. Amazing.

[@r90fan1]

This video makes my back hurt, I was a Mason for 30yrs. Can't say I miss it too much 👍

[@brandonburdette7895]

Me to buddy I definitely don't miss it it made my back the way it is now

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

I could watch these guys buttering blocks all day...they're so smooth and graceful with those trowels

[@stantheman5163]

I took a summer brick masonry class at the tech school between college semesters back in the '70s. My teacher was an old retired mason who had a lifetime of experience. I remember being amazed at how he handled the mortar and trowel like a magician. He taught us well as my first project after that summer was to put in an entire fireplace and chimney in my wife's grandparents' house. I just copied plans that were in a home improvement book. It worked well for many years until later owners decided to add a new wing to the house and took it out. Backbreaking labor is all I can say and I respect those in that trade.

[@dorsetengineering]

As a Brit, nice to see some blockwork going up over your side of the pond. Makes a change from sticks

[@BrittCHelmsSr]

Amazing to watch these craftsman lay that block, and those that support their efforts.

[@edelm6062]

A very important aspect is how they all act as one. No one more important the other. A very good job by all!!

[@teter129]

I have such a huge respect for cement masonry, its such an undervalued art. And that’s from an OSHA guy. They are a national treasure we need to protect. . .

[@Force5_Eye_Dev]

More of this guy. Supper knowledgeable and well spoken. Looking forward to pt at the next site!

[@Fireball9394]

Brings back great memories...early 70's! Glad that I had a chance to work with some the countries finest mason's and little did I know then that it would be doing a lot of my own masonry work! Noticed they were laying some of the block upside down. I know why, does anybody else? Great video! Like to see more of him! He is a master mason!

[@SLOWBRAIN211]

Better grip

[@francoisbouvier7861]

Hard work and pride in the task. Thanks for bring this to us.

[@kevinm5564]

Having worked for a few years as a mason myself. Inteally appreciate this one

[@peteheslop456]

This is a quality video. I enjoy seeing videos highlighting specific sub contracting jobs with someone as learned as Morgan and his guys.

[@van_dutch]

Great video! Question, why would you set two 8” walls side-by-side, versus pouring concrete on that section? It seems like it’d be a lot cheaper to pour that lower foundation section, but I also am not in this trade.

[@jollyroger6258]

I thought the same thing. Interested in hearing the various factors that go into deciding on blocks vs. pouring.

[@nicholasimhoff9230]

So the final price of temporary concrete forms, be it lumber or metal, vs CMU blocks, currently is close, but block is a bit cheaper after you factor that the setup time is nearly the same, but the forms have to be disassembled. So it all comes down to $$

[@van_dutch]

@@nicholasimhoff9230 totally get the math and the cost factor, which is what prompted the question. It just seemed like such a large crew, plus material, would be more than pouring. Again, not my area of expertise it’s just the first thing that came to mind when I saw that part of the video.

[@philotown]

Top video. It`s great to see real pro`s at work. Like a well oiled machine. Well done Nate for yet another high quality, excellent piece of film making. Looking forward to the next one. Thank you👍

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

I worked for a masonry company in my teen years. It's hard work and these guys look to be top notch. Well done!

[@diverdave4056]

AGREE ... they are all Shoe Maker's - not a Boot Maker on the wall ! I hope he pays them very well $$$

[@xcal_99_industries32]

When I went through trade school, we spent 2 weeks training with the AZ masonry council. They make that look easy, they do some good work.

[@jchasew342]

Ah masonry. One of my favorite trades. I’m not a mason and don’t deserve to hold one of their trowels. I’ve been a superintendent for commercial construction for a while now and block buildings are my favorite but tilts are a close second. It’s real work and can look absolutely beautiful. I was a super on a high school in northern Utah and there were 150,000 block on that job. It was a great experience to work on that project and the masons were fast and precise. Also, shout out to the footing crew. They looked flat and it’s not easy placing bar in block cells that aren’t there yet. I’m sure the masons had to coax some over here and there. But in all, looks great. I love it!

[@805Dak]

nice video brother, I just got into the Bac1 apprenticeship program. I'm excited to get his journey going.

[@BeefbrothHD3L]

Learning how to be a mason, love these vids.

[@spidersinspace1099]

Great subject matter and fabulous video detail showing real men at work.

[@brandonburdette7895]

I did this kind of work for years it's hard work you got to love it to do this kind of work we sometimes had people that wouldn't even last a week it's hard to find good workers these days

[@joshanderson9971]

Good to hear Nates voice in another place then the podcasts!

[@ethanheyne]

Various brimmed hats, long-sleeve, pale shirts-- woven, many of them-- bandana under the back of a baseball cap, using a shirt as a quick dust mask at just the right time... these guys are wearing stealth PPE.

[@ohwowthatsgood]

nice aerial shot at 10:07 . What are they building? other than a foundation.

[@paulborne6457]

Buy-in is crucial. Great crew.

[@hadencarlson3682]

This was very useful for me I’m currently in a masonry program THANK YOU

[@arainmk]

Even though I will probably never do any of these things, but from a technical and management point of view this is very very interesting. How everythig just falls into place.

[@andresalejandrodelarosadia9868]

Nice touch that 3D rendering for the 16 feet retainig wall explanation... your video editing is getting better!!!

[@johnanderson8096]

Been in The Trades a Long Long Time.... Impressive Crew X 1000!!!!!!

[@battlegalaxy3246]

Outstanding video production, Nate.

[@elruso8675]

Let’s get more of these guys. Great video

[@c0mputer]

Love the music. Makes me think they’re building Helms Deep.

[@flutter1woodcraft]

Or Game Of Thrones :-)

[@cwi39]

Winterfell

[@carter83419]

I liked this guys. I take my hat off Nate, great job 👍🏻

[@arieteeuw237]

this man has given a very good explanation, keep it up!

[@homes24]

This looks like a very professional and efficient crew.

[@juz4kix]

Except the poor guy mixing breathing cement dust. Daniel is asking for silicosis.

[@JeanRoi]

Nice video today. Whenever I try putting mud on the sides like that it falls right of at the last minute 😄

[@Kim-ek2mt]

Thanks Nate good stuff Big time Craftsman I wonder where the water is coming from for the new tenants

[@thisguygardens]

I love how the pod carrier (laborer) at 9 minutes just uses a bandana to prevent the dry mortar mix to get into his lungs.

[@markb.1259]

Very much appreciated this video... Thanks!!!

[@ChicagoWoodworks]

Great and informative video. Out of curiosity, what makes block desirable over setting forms and pouring concrete walls in this retaining wall application?

[@Bill_N_ATX]

I was wondering the same thing, unless it’s for the visual effect.

[@morganpew3924]

This block has impregnated color and a textured (shot blasted) finish. It also has a water repellant to help it withstand the test of time. These blocks are 7-8x the cost of normal blocks but look incredible, and even with the additional material cost, it’s quite a bit cheaper to make a block wall look good architecturally than a cast in place wall.

[@alisharif1997]

Good man very professional 🏫

[@aaronmohr5285]

Great video! curouis why some block were laid with the web down?i caught holy hell for that when i was learning..

[@jimcameron4672]

Everyone making it look easy, awesome

[@bevo65]

Total n00b question here about the rebar. Do they fill in the cells to encase the rebar rods? Or do they sit there in space? (And if the latter, how do they stiffen anything?). Thanks! 😊

[@Corsonmcnash]

Yeah the cells will get concrete to tie everything together.

[@bevo65]

@@Corsonmcnash Thank you!

[@casycasy5199]

this was so well done .great work guys

[@RILEYLEIFSON_UTAH]

It's so satisfying to see a course of block being laid by 2 masons that start on opposite ends and when they meet in the middle having that last block fit perfectly. Or be "dead-nuts" as we say. If your block are off by even 1/16" and you've got 30 laid on each side...it doesn't take very many before you're off and that last block either doesn't fit. (bad) Or you've got a 1" joint on both sides. (worse)

[@CleaveMountaineering]

I was a mason laborer for a few months... I don't miss carrying block and mud all day. Maybe with the epic music it would have been more fun. Morgan sure seems more well spoken than the men I worked with.

[@TwoSinningHands]

Waited for this video thank you essential craftsman

[@StallionFernando]

Very cool, more Masonry videos please

[@stevetaylor996]

Great video. Not knowing much about masonry I was curious about the section with the double blocked wall. ( 2 eight inch blocks next to each other.) I would think that the blocks would be placed in a staggered pattern in relation to the wall its butting up too, if that makes sense, but would you use mud in between the 2 walls or would they butt rite up to each other?

[@johannjanson31]

Skilled tradesmen. Just wondering why block wall is used for retaining purposes and not a concrete wall.

[@buckwheat2356]

A poured-in-place concrete (PIP) wall requires forming to hold the shape while it cures. A masonry retaining wall can be built in pieces and grouted solid later which makes for a cheaper product. The tradeoff is that a PIP wall is typically stronger (everything else held constant) and allows for more flexible rebar spacing.

[@wook420]

Do you haul around an extra trailer just for your osha caps ?

[@longcaster]

Pew showed it just right, thanks.

[@corrosive72]

I was a bricklayer/stonemason for 26yrs and don't miss it one bit lol

[@lobsteruc5865]

Why?

[@AtmosphereCinema-gh8fd]

Considered . This is a good job .

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

I enjoyed this video guya

[@jerrystark3587]

As a young man, I often mixed masonry mud for "Flat" Ramert, the best mason in 100 miles, according to my dad, the contractor. I was both the "Mud Man" and the tender. Watching these masons makes me think of working on basements and walls with Flat Ramert in southwestern Minnesota. I love watching masons do their work. It is endlessly interesting and impressive. Thanks for the video -- and the memories.

[@OneShot_G]

Seems like a great crew but I wonder if they do things differently down there but they were laying those block upside down.

[@bobt9948]

Good crew with a clear foreman. :-)

[@jeffreyplumber1975]

That is so darn easy!! LOL not . Great episode and good to see the pro at work Morgan explains well a good Representative for Pew.

[@slpeteyAZ]

I know Larry Pew well. Cool video.

[@pouet4608]

very interesting. thanks a lot! are the blocks filled with mortar when the required heigth is reached ?

[@foyjamez]

Filled in 4 foot lifts

[@bonanzatime]

Thank you, EC. You know I like me a good masonry flick.😂🤖

[@danvisser5921]

Gotta love the excavator leaving all the dirt next to the hole

[@billbubnis3128]

you can hear the "proud" in this man as he talks his trade.

[@joegulley3355]

Very cool, thanks

[@hugomerino1442]

we need part 2!!!

[@madintheheid]

The music fills are a bit loud, but quality never goes out of style. Thanks, folks.

[@mcflyguy12345]

Good to see more affordable housing going up in Arizona.

[@gardenman3]

That does not look affordable

[@iMergeAndSee]

This episode sure got Epic.

[@firemanj35]

Great stuff Nate

[@mackellyman5642]

What would be nice to see would be the lunch truck?

[@Aimsmallmiss]

Are block walls stronger than a poured wall ?

[@noahmyers8037]

Very nice video! It's great to see professionals at work. One thing I didn't love was the background music. For me, it took away from the subject matter and was a bit distracting.

[@davidmatke248]

Keep up the good work!

[@geico1975]

The line never lies:) MUDD! LOL!

[@tukkus2]

Outstanding

[@puma_plays1750]

hey loved the vid!

[@livingtowork7297]

This man is the last remnant of how America used to work! We must learn

[@jollyroger6258]

"used to" wasn't all good

[@gregcollins3404]

How many blocks per day are these pros doing? Looks like summer too...

[@BigTee-lp7qu]

They're working in the shade dude, see all those sombrero shade awnings!

[@wakeupmofoers691]

on accord great as it gets

[@andresalejandrodelarosadia9868]

Thank you!

[@badlandskid]

So no footings?

[@Historicallybuilt]

I think they go down with some sort of footing & 21 AA base with Slag on top leveled for pitch & then block! At least here in MI we wouldn't do it with out a 48" footing below frost line.

[@MusicBent]

They talked about the footing when they were talking about the survey, but didn’t show it. They said it was T shaped

[@badlandskid]

@@MusicBent ahh... got it, thanks. I missed that.

[@badlandskid]

@@Historicallybuilt I find it interesting how building techniques vary from region to region, even from one city to another in a given region. For example when I learned to trim house, all our windows came with the extension jambs installed because that’s what the market dictated. I bid a trim job for a friend in a town 100 miles away and imagine my surprise that the trim carpenter was expected to install the EJ. “Well, that’s how it’s done here.”

[@hotshot619]

8:57 OSHA approved silica respirator right there 😷

[@WerezerRoo]

I may give it try

[@stephenlane80]

In Ireland, cavity blocks are 9 inches wide and the walls are a lot thicker and heavier, they cannot be lifted with one hand, these little blocks are interesting!

[@elliotsmoothy4581]

I thought they were just monstrously strong! But yea also not a full front and back 🤣

[@stephenlane80]

@@elliotsmoothy4581 I know lol, took me a bit of googling to figure it out!

[@chuvvyyk]

I hope these guys are paid decently, just like US citizens. Especially the guy that mixing the cement mortar without a respirator

[@bobsaul4568]

They are. And they likely pay no taxes.

[@pdroflores6412]

@@bobsaul4568 bull shit every buddy pay taxes do you pay your???

[@jollyroger6258]

@@bobsaul4568 How do you know either of those statements? Just curious.

[@Bogsbinny831]

@@jollyroger6258 he thinks they get payed cash because theyre mexican I doubt it tho, most places I've been and worked on they make them sign the tax form to get paychecks, and if they do get payed cash it's more than what you get payed in check

[@powewq1748]

That guy mixing the cement is gonna get silicosis... may he rest in peace