Power Assist Boxes are They Better or More Work?

Recently I tried the power assist 12 box from AMES. It would be in my arsenal of taping tools if I did a lot of up and down commercial work but as
for me just doing homes and small residential jobs it wouldn't be practical.
Sorry I know it has its place but not for me.
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[@Bigrush310]

You have to hit the brake and sweep the wheels of the wall about 4-6 inches from where you want to stop! That will disengage the power assist and it will stop pushing mud out!

[@openix4987]

I've been finishing here n WV for 20 years....I think u r 1 hell of a finisher....we do a lot of the same things

[@malvarez8484]

My 12” is a power assist I only use it for awkward heights . I unhook the springs and put a paper clip thing on the brake for regular use

[@BikingWithBailey]

I bought an 8" Columbia power assist box a long time ago and brought it back into the rotation just recently. I'm trying to get used to it but sometimes I have to slam it on the wall to get the wheels to engage. It gets pretty annoying but I like the size of the box instead of my 10" tape tech box . I just bought a 12" tape tech power assist maxx box and I absolutely love it. The wheels engage so easy compared to the Columbia so I'm glad I switched. Still getting used to it though but my back doesn't hurt so much, lol.

[@ashtonlong1235]

I have a ten and a 14" columbia power assist and they are nice and dusty from sitting on the shelf. I used them for a year and replaced them withe the inside track columbia boxes which have been great. The power assist boxes would probably be worth it if you did commercial stand ups all the time but for residential they just do not seem to be worth the extra mess.

[@rtemplar4004]

Ashton Long are your boxes for sale

[@Ocanadakiter]

I agree.. lots of guys in my area /old bosses like to hand finish on skim day. Now I'm on my own I always double box the ceilings😆 unless it's really small job .I still hand finish buttjoints and beads.

[@joserobles3637]

theyre awsome.... dont push like a normal box.... it does it itself as soon as you put it on the tape

[@stephen271]

Your definitely a great at your trade thanks mate👍

[@rononyourleftretired5144]

Thanks for your honesty! Good job.

[@joellajuett1060]

Have you ever tried the 9" paint roller to apply mud, then wipe down by hand ? Works well if you thin mud down a little bit. Oh and can only do flat's. To do corners use a 4 inch roller and only do 1 side at a time.

[@THEDRYWALLDOCTOR1]

Yes I even have a video series in my playlist beginners that does exactly that for people who have problems putting mud on

[@joellajuett1060]

@@THEDRYWALLDOCTOR1 I've taught beginners to use a banjo for 1st coat. Roller on 2& 3. Simple simple.

[@aarongraham2271]

Take your time figure it out and you will love them ! Put the blade on the wall first release brake let wheels hit the wall and go😎😎😎

[@chriskeel3096]

id give just about anything to see videos on these things where the tools actually look used for once

[@claudiopvazquez2556]

Everybody use's these tools now! Unless its a costume job! (Example round ceiling dropping into a 45 degree angle level 5 finish high Sheen paint and led lighting!) Then i would finish by, hand with, a láser to find my center point!) There is no comparison in, regards from hand finishing to using production tools. Top 2 choise's for production 1, Tape-Tech 2, Ames rental tools, they are built to take a beating and continue operating! I would've picked Ames over Tape-Tech but, Tape-Tech is just fast, lighter, not as durable as Ames, but if one cleans tool's at the end of day and, a few drope's of oil its ready!

[@claudiopvazquez2556]

Thank you for your time to read about this subject! I almost forgot about the bazooka compared to hand taping! I was a union trades man for 30+! Not bragging but, I could string 38-40 rolls of 500 square ft rolls of tape! I learned on my summer vacations from school. I believe if you learn anything in, life at a young age you will have a extra bonus compared to others!

[@claudiopvazquez2556]

The Drywall Doctor, how long have you been doing this type of work or art? I call it art due to it is art work! Physical, dead lines, sometimes it can be very stressful! Especially if it's commercial work.

[@THEDRYWALLDOCTOR1]

Started in 1976

[@claudiopvazquez2556]

@@THEDRYWALLDOCTOR1 That is amasing working in, this type of work since 1976! That's over 40ty years of working in, this young man's trade, I started in, 1983 as a journeyman, but, was learning as a apprentice since 1975-1976? Graduated HIGH SCHOOL and, was a journeyman at 18 years of age! My oldest son is a Taper! I didn't want him to work in, the trades due to injuries, Physically demanding, but, he's been with the same company for, 15 years now! He got lucky due to I use to work with , the new superintendent back in, the day so with 1 phone call he was hindered & as a foreman! $2 dollars over union scale, paid parking, 2 week paid vacation per year, I quess I did my part in, regards to him being able to defend himself in, life and, with all the benefits, like medical, hospital, Drs consultations all paid for 100%. Plus if he choices he can retirer in his 40tys like I did! If he has the required points =1.5 per year maximum 30 points minimum! 1.5 points a year = 20 years of hard work but, has options to continue or retirer a young man! It's all up to him. I have bad knees, aches in, my spine, when I was just starting in, this trade one is young and one's body can endure many different injuries! Or just plain wear and tear! It's not till you are in, your 50s that you feel these area's of your body! So if one has the opportunitie to study and go to work every day without putting a strain on your body, do so or you will feel it in your later years!! Yes pay is discent plus all the side work= more$$ pension is excellent when you receive your lum sum and then direct deposit every month! Plus if your a married man & happen to pass first as long as your wife fits requirements pension enters her #! One has to take the good with, the bad! It's like commercial compared to residential work, per square feet and your young and fit and want to make more money than commercial workers you have options! Commercial is fairly easy on your body and, your still getting a descent income! My last 8 years I was promoted to superviser, which wasn't bad! Just checking job sites, seeing if material was needed ,extra ticket work was signed by General Contracter! Measuring footage to be able to deliver job as per contract agreement! I never laid off a worker due to his skill level might not be at par compared to others! I would see were he could be helpful in the field and if I saw with my own 2 eyes he was trying to make his square feet per day I would keep him working were he would produce! I never liked the politics in this trade, one or 3-4 workers trying to get a guy laid off by coming to me like a little girl and tattle taling on some one! I would just say do and finish area that I a signed you and I'll take care of the rest!

[@claudiopvazquez2556]

I remember falling 3 story high detailing stairway with stilt on but plank slipped just enough for me to lose my balance and down I went! I was young and agile, landed straight up with stilts still on my legs! That is why my left knee is bone on bone! The later years I tore my A.C.L and had A.C.L Reconstruction. Funny about A.C.L. tears I know when it's going to rain or not! I've been putting off a knee replacement for some years now! Hoping for newer advancements in the knee department? Stilts with time are really bad for knees! Study is a wise choice....

[@fatcat-hc4pj]

Hey Ray question for how thin do you make your mud when running those boxes is it different between a 10 and a 12 how much water do you add?

[@THEDRYWALLDOCTOR1]

The water is different for any box of mud cuz every box of mud is thicker or thinner if I hold my box sideways and the mud is just pouring out it's too thin but if it's just starting to run out it should be good for 12 box mud 10 box mud shouldn't run out at all but still pump easy.

[@fatcat-hc4pj]

@@THEDRYWALLDOCTOR1 Thanks I just bought a 10 and 12 box can't wait to try them out tomorrow

[@invnog]

Run your mud a little thicker. Great for high butt joints on walls

[@ModernGentleman]

@@invnog 😆

[@rodfriesen4370]

You have to stop a foot earlier as it stops applying the mud a tad late

[@rseebs]

Lift the wheels about a foot early, an you're -as the kids say- Gucci!

[@jonathangiraldo2148]

Use one spring on the power assist when running the 12 box. Both springs are too much pressure Doc.

[@jonathangiraldo2148]

There’s another set screw on the push plate you can put the other spring on.

[@THEDRYWALLDOCTOR1]

Thank you

[@jeffreyferguson83]

Drywall Doctor, couple Question, one what makes it a power assist box? You didn’t show that. Two why only one screw in the field of the drywall, with screws I thought it was 12 inches on center. Thanks, P.S. why you leave Beautiful Arizona 😎

[@THEDRYWALLDOCTOR1]

the power assist box has a different spring system so when the wheels touch the wall springs actually pull the back of the box into the mud. Everything's glued here so you don't need as many screws. and I left Arizona because of family I would have never met my wonderful wife if I didn't

[@stevenpiehl6199]

Are pushing on the box for too long ? Almost made a purchase don’t think I will thanks for the demo, Ray.

[@countingtrumps2005]

Hi again, been offline during heart surgery but seems like a lot of ppl have been posting your vids on other channels when I googled, shame the channel hasn’t grown more last year, u should be over 100k subs, thought youd be at the top, guess quality isnt appreciated more, and other people taking what you do for their owner

[@THEDRYWALLDOCTOR1]

Thank you

[@clintasia31]

what do you think about the platinum line of flatboxes,,they are cheap ,are they worth trying?

[@THEDRYWALLDOCTOR1]

It looks right from the pictures just make sure the blades and shoes match Ames and drywall master or you could have trouble getting part's

[@clintasia31]

@@THEDRYWALLDOCTOR1 ..they dont sell in my country ,i have to order them ..thats why im kinda worried...

[@THEDRYWALLDOCTOR1]

If you can order the parts online go for it. But check it out first. Let me ask my KZbin audience and see what they say. I'll do a live stream Thursday 12 noon Chicago time.

[@carlosdeleon2805]

Do you always run your flat box with an overhand grip on the brake? I find it easier using an underhand grip.

[@palewriter1856]

Huh? Where did you learn THAT??

[@carlosdeleon2805]

Pale Writer running a flat box on my butt joints. A lot of guys look so awkward trying to use an overhand grip on the brake when doing butt joints.

[@carlosdeleon2805]

I can do it both ways. The brake grip is pretty ergonomic. Same product no mess. Just felt better for me I guess

[@carlosdeleon2805]

Pale Writer having an underhand grip on the brake let’s your elbow/shoulder rest in a more natural position (at your side elbow pointing to the floor) as opposed to it being at a 90 degree angle pointing to a wall all day. It’s less taxing and your body

[@palewriter1856]

@@carlosdeleon2805 Yes, pulling butts up from the floor - that's a given - but anywhere else, I don't see it. Whatever floats your boat, as they say. In this trade you'll find ALL SORTS of "innovations," but many look to me like some back-woods yokel that never got around to work with guys that are a cut above. Most of them could learn a LOT on THIS very channel.

[@leopoldoguerra9849]

Where you located sir are you always work self?

[@THEDRYWALLDOCTOR1]

Chicago West suburbs

[@mdmd-mf3bg]

not crumb cake... lol :P

[@kirkdunn1379]

maybe your pressing too hard?.....lighten up the pressure or thicken the mud or both

[@THEDRYWALLDOCTOR1]

You don't really press on the box it releases and you have to run. (I'm to old to run )

[@DylanSpencer.270]

Mud is to thin