How to use - A level - Basic Skills - Lesson 3

Basic Skills - Lesson 3 - Using the Level

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Nice clear straight forward instructions. If I wasn’t one already, I’d want to be a bricky after watching your tuition videos . Nice work 👌🏼

[@Matt-zi5zl]

Best bricklayer I’ve ever seen. Sir your skill is top notch!

[@broughtonpb]

Another masterclass Rob!watching bricklaying on a Saturday night...i must love my job!!

[@bonanzatime]

You have a natural teaching ability. 👍

[@robsonger1]

thank you, I used to love teaching...

[@scoyle1750]

I have been looking forward to this all week i do not know why as i left college in 1992 and i am well past these stages but i think its well laid out and you are a great teacher and rare breed of bricklayer as been watching most of your videos over last few weeks and you are very efficient and that makes you quicker than you look.But to be honest i am a firm believer in speed has nothing to do with bricklaying as you naturally speed up with experience once you find your own style so till next weeks episode Thanks Rob

[@robsonger1]

thank you Stephen, its really nice to know that you are watching.

[@fredhow89]

Your content is superb. I was an apprentice as a lad but never finished because my firm went bump and now I'm a hod carrier and run the line and I'm trying to get ready for my site assessment and become qualified. I can't articulate just how great these videos are . I'm practicing these practical tests in my garden. Thank you

[@brianngubane7412]

Best videos on brick laying I have ever seen. Great!

[@franklettering]

Best teaching video on KZbin. No faff. Perfect!!!

[@soldtobediers]

''You never know what kind of bricklayer you are... until the time when you pass your skills along to that apprentice that you once were.'' -gilpin 92318

[@EM-vc6qr]

Thanks for reply 👍. Look forward to more of your 1st class vids always to the highest standard, the best bricklayer I've seen.

[@dimik3855]

You sir are a natural teacher. I once helped in a job to build a chimney four stories high. The mason who was in charge wouldn't let me do any of the bricklaying; just carrying bricks to where they were needed, which was too bad because we both could have benefited. I am reminded by your video Rob, of the permanence of building with brick and how it's important to start the job right and to being consistent.

[@robsonger1]

thank you very much, I agree, what we build will be here long after we are gone. So make sure its good

[@kyrajai]

you are so sweet! i did my apprenticeship 15 years ago and still watch your thoughtful vids to watch you teach others. #bestbricklayer

[@robsonger1]

thank Edward, please keep watching as there are lots more to come..

[@stuarthiggins188]

Rob you should definitely be a college lecture wish i had someone like you to teach me. But another great video👍🏻👍🏻

[@robsonger1]

thank you Stuart, I've still got lots more to come

[@stuarthiggins188]

Looking forward to them.

[@brickbybric]

Stuart Higgins kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXTRgZmjfpadia8 he already was Stuart click the link to one of his videos and go to his reply to xtol8 for his reasons why he no longer teaches . Food for thought .

[@veragrepo7397]

Stuart Higgins aa

[@djamalbekluckyboy7968]

Thanks a lot sir. You're very great master on this planet.

[@davelowe1977]

Like evening classes except better and free. Thanks!

[@jamescoleman5195]

Rob u really are the Ronnie O’Sullivan of brickwork and a first class bricklayer all the best

[@robsonger1]

Thank you James, that made me smile

[@MK-yu4mp]

What a brilliant teacher i just hav subscribed and just watching your videos i have learned alot and now i can improve my work and the mistakes i make thank you for the vids

[@mariannemerkus4642]

Thanks for the video Rob. The Skills are the same as in Holland. Nice to see. Great video greetings Jan

[@Carl-yu6uw]

I found the low brick "error" useful, as most bricky videos show it all going to plan with every brick... It is obvious to remake the bed, but I have still wondered if I could just compensate on the next course. Now I know not to. Thank you for the video Rob.

[@robsonger1]

thank you Carl, and thanks for watching

[@disklamer]

Excellent demonstration I like how you explain every detail, also the things you can't see

[@gary24752]

Finally someone who is showing a full head joint.

[@shabbirraja4320]

thank you somuch for thid vidio i learent alot from this

[@robmiller5593]

I really enjoy your videos Rob I feel “able” after watching. I have done a few block wall and retaining walls in my time but I started watching you lately as I’m building a wood fired oven and I wanted to dress up the front and possibly a twisted chimney but I can’t find your aluminum twist square for sale anywhere, I guess I’ll have to make one out of wood. CHEERS keep up the good work ! I have visited London England twice. I currently live in the states.

[@robsonger1]

Hi Rob, thanks for watching and keep me updated with your progress!

[@ianbarnard5163]

Hi Rob, love your tutorials buddy, you've just got this natural teaching talent which is so good to watch and I'm not even in the trade!

[@robsonger1]

thank you so much, and thank you for watching.

[@Jim_Newlands]

You have some very lucky students in your college class, Rob. Absolutely superb clarity in your presentation which makes it so much easier for keen would-be brickies to grasp the basics. I remember I had one particular journeyman who just had me continuously laying beds on a spot board for hours at a time, at the time I thought "bloody hell this is boring", but it gave me really good trowel control at the start of my apprenticeship and it helped make me the brickie I am today.

[@robsonger1]

yes, we had a site manager who would get the apprentices to do what seemed monotonous tasks, I remember one time he got one to de-nail all the timber that came from a demolition job to make it safe, then the apprentice said "what shall I do now?" Tony said "straighten all those bent nails and put them in this bucket" after a couple of hours the apprentice said "what shall I do now?" Tony said "put them in the skip"

[@bengreen1262]

Looking forward to each new post - christened a new Tyzack with some footings for a garden wall - the Mrs said why do you have to fussy when the brickwork is going to covered - rolled my eyes - I need the practice for the bricks above the ground.......(I really do) I have not picked up a trowel for 30 years plus - so just hobby work now- keep up the good work Rob

[@everettwhite9874]

Watched three of your videos and they were great demonstrations. 👍🏽 Subscribed 🛎

[@paulross7204]

Very well explained. I don’t need a wall but this is making me want to buy some bricks to have a go.

[@robsonger1]

do it! create something to be proud of, practice first until you feel confident...then, just do it tell me if you have something in mind (pizza oven perhaps) and I'll keep in touch

[@philippussandt6445]

Rob mentor Thanks for all the videos I learning so lot all the measure height bubble level sides thanks I practical on your hand and same time clients ask me if I'm qualify Then I said I have a mentor trainer where I learning from Thanks I'm do maintenance on houses and shops Thank mentor God bless

[@johnbob82]

Great teacher.

[@kenboon1478]

Good teaching techniques with well documented instructions

[@brickbybric]

Excellent foundation lessons for anyone wanting to learn the trade.

[@robsonger1]

thank you.

[@robsonger1]

thank you. as I mention in the first video of this series, some will like these videos and some won't, but its up to the individual to decide on his method, baring that in mind I believe Lesson 4 will get a bit of hate mail...haha

[@robertorubenvillafuerte3322]

Muy buena enseñanza 👍

[@jimjam1934]

Thanks Rob, excellent demo

[@vincevengeance9755]

after watching 3 of your valuable videos, i subscribed. thanks for your videos.

[@robsonger1]

and thank you for watching. lots more to come.

[@venuspsychic]

fantastic channel you make me want to learn this !!!

[@robsonger1]

thank you, why not join the Saturday fun club.....sorry, Saturday Workshop... starting again later this spring

[@joanna257.]

Yes, it makes sense. Thank you sir

[@garethharris946]

Your are the master my friend. I’ve been watching you content for years, all the others are leagues below. 😂

[@oldmanfromyork]

To avoid crabbing or twist i place the level in the middle of the brick before tapping down plumb, if you bed is right in the first place you normally end up plumb with no crabbing accros the width of the brick., boat level to check.

[@russellscott1151]

Excellent as always

[@adrianmills7805]

Thanks Rob for videos. I find them very interesting and learn a great deal from them. One question please 'Could you explain how you get your whitesh colour mortar? What are the materials? and at what quantities are you mixing them together? The white mortar enhances the red bricks and shows them off well! Looking forward to seeing some interesting videos in the near future.

[@marvinc999]

Adrian Mills - "What are the materials?" I was wondering that, too, Adrian. It LOOKS like a sand - lime mix (no cement), with a really good quality sand (Pendean, perhaps ?). You get a nice buttery mix that way, with minimum brick-bashing necessary to get them into line ;-) And, of course, you can scrape it off later, and re-use. Lime's a beautiful material - whose virtues were forgotten for many a long year. It's back now, though.

[@louf7178]

Just want to pass on my humorous story: not ever messing with bricks before, I have a partial-wall fascia that I needed to fix a loose brick or two at bye top. It quickly escalated into almost non-stop destruction. I stopped where I could and began rebuilding. It was wintertime also. Happy with the wall back up and at least holding, I stepped back and thought "Eh, not too bad". Later that year a home roofer/renovation/sider friend came over and was almost insultingly quiet - he goes "Well, it won't hold water". - crooked as sh-t, and I didn't even know it was supposed to have some slope. I still laugh at that.

[@robsonger1]

thank you...made me smile..

[@buildingservice]

Good master

[@gingerbreadman2051]

Thanks learn a lot from watching your videos

[@robsonger1]

thank you for watching and I'm glad they are helping.

[@love.pugsss449]

I love watching your videos

[@robsonger1]

thank you

[@garypearson4836]

thanks rob great video in everyday language

[@bengreen1262]

Rob - I cannot help spotting horrible zippers in walls now after watching some of your back catalogue videos reminding me of what not do....

[@robsonger1]

Ben, I am so pleased that you are seeing these things. Years ago bricklayers had time to make this the fine art that it is. Unfortunately, nowadays the powers that be demand faster jobs for tight deadlines and that is killing the skills that were still being used as I came into the trade. How many can set out a flat arch and hand cut the bricks these days? its not the bricklayers fault or lack of knowledge, its not the lecturers fault, they teach what they are told to teach. I hope these videos will keep the some of the former ways alive to a few.

[@bengreen1262]

Finders-Keepers UK going down a similar route ......

[@Orlena2525]

@Finders-Keepers I would if it payed. Did it for four years. Lived with others sleeping on couches. Loved the work but not practical to continue.

[@DonnyBwelding1]

Terific lessons. Absolute quality craftsmanahip. What is your preferred method of cutting bricks ?

[@james20620]

Hi Rob would you not gauge off top of first course of brickwork if ground isn't level?

[@krisg6365]

Hi Rob, Brickie from Canada here, would be curious as to why you level first then gauge. I was taught to gauge first then level. As if you are low, you will have to re lay the bed once even if you level it. Whereas if you gauge first, you will know right away that you are high or low and then can adjust accordingly then level. But is there a reason you do it the other way around ?

[@robsonger1]

Yes, they are both done together, so level first then check gauge so that you have a level brick to tap down to gauge. If you gauge first, then level, you will only have to check gauge again as when you level it, it will alter the height/gauge.. So my rhyme is, level gauge plumb range

[@krisg6365]

I follow you, thank you very much for your reply and thanks for the generosity in sharing your knowledge on the channel, really goes a long way in helping.

[@michaeloliver3547]

Great work

[@cwc8979]

Thanks for the video Rob. Have you done a video on mixing the mortar and what type of mortar to use?

[@Pithead]

He did one on mortars in 2013 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqalaZyajLt7pac

[@robsonger1]

the video "Mortar" explains different mixes, but the video "Mixing Mortar" is a bit old and needs updating as it doesn't explain things. I have about 20 videos coming so the remakes will be a little while in coming. thanks again for watching

[@cwc8979]

Thanks Rob....Keep up the good work

[@cwc8979]

Thanks

[@Adamsmithv]

you need to open a patreon so people who want can donate.

[@robsonger1]

its a nice idea Adam and thank you, but as much as money helps us to do things, my job provides that. the videos were always intended to be for my students and it grew from there. I would never expect money from them, so I don't expect money from anyone. if these videos just help a few to appreciate that this trade is an art form then I'm happy. and if I may quote the words of the greatest man to ever lived "you received free, give free"

[@everettwhite9874]

rob songer I’m enjoying watching your videos and after reading your comment, “you received free, give free”, I’m more impressed my friend. Best wishes

[@stanbury69]

very nice,but i noticed at 11:12 you didnt have a bond on the brick you laid,it looks as if the brick you laid was just smashing the mortar and wasnt wet enough to adhere to the brick

[@588158]

Rob I need some advice about wetting brick. I am repairing a set of brick steps and am using brick from a back yard wall that was knocked down because it is the same type of brick that was used on the steps. In order to used the brick I knocked off most of the old mortar with a chisel and I used a angle grinder with a masonry grinding blade.to clean up the bonding surfaces of the brick. I think I perhaps made the brick too porous by cleaning the surfaces with the grinder. Should I soak the brick before laying and if so, for how long?

[@robsonger1]

In hot weather and only if the bricks or porous we would either hose the bricks stacks or, as we are doing at the moment, we are dipping them in a bucket of water as we spread the bed, as soon as the bed is done the brick is just right to lay. Never lay it while water is still on the surface, it must soak into the brick.

[@588158]

thanks so much! i love your videos, they have taught me so much.

[@Musicalbluewolf666]

thanks Rob

[@Ivanovandthetree]

Best , hi from russian!!!

[@smasica]

Does it matter if you lay that type of brick with the frog facing up or facing down? I've seen mason's doing both ways.

[@frankholehouse1393]

Am I right in thinking the gauge keeps going up 75mm example 75mm 150mm 225mm 300mm 375mm which would be 5 brick high ?

[@robsonger1]

Yes, absolutely

[@РифатЯваев-г8я]

Tenky wideo super xeloy Moscow!

[@ricardom.r.6052]

Excelente,,,,gracias...

[@hansparam]

Very informative. How come your mortar is cremish in colour where as in my country in India it's greyesh.

[@arkansas1336]

Great teacher! ....13

[@Mandria73]

Hi Rob. Excellent vids here sir. Could you advise on the mortar mix ratio you recommend when practicing on exercises such as these? Apologies if I’ve missed this on another one of your vids. Thanks. Looking forward to seeing plenty more of your other vids - top drawer stuff!!

[@robsonger1]

Yes of course. 1 part Hydrated lime, to 3 parts soft sand, with a small amount of plasticiser to make it workable.

[@robsonger1]

...where a mask and eye protection when mixing, lime burns.

[@Mandria73]

That’s great Rob, thanks. Appreciate the reply. Wanted to have a go at building a small wall at home and your vids have given me the know how and confidence to have a go.

[@brianglover2753]

Hi Rob. Thanks for sharing your knowledge in the videos. The have allowed me to have some good results as an amateur. The mortar is the one area I could do with understanding more. Because I am slow how long can you use it for? Can you re wet it? Can you go back to a brick and move it? Thanks

[@robsonger1]

hello Brian, I'm using a training mortar, its a 1:3 (hydrated lime - building sand) with a plasticiser to make it workable, yes you can re-wet it and if you have to readjust a brick thats been laid for a minute or more you will probably have to completely relay it as the moisture would have absorbed by the bricks. This mortar is reusable if you don't let it dry out too much and providing you can crush the lumps out. (sometimes if you drown the used/surplus mortar in a tub of water, drain it off and whisk it up again it comes back ok)

[@brianglover2753]

Thanks Rob

[@AS-mt9gj]

thanks

[@andersonec1]

Great instruction but I have a question, you say you need to work backwards so that you can see what you have already done which means as a right handed worker you will also be using your left hand to control the brick, in this video you need to start from the highest point and you have started from the far right, how would you go about using the same left hand to control the brick and work backwards if the highest point is on the far left or even in the middle? thanks.

[@robsonger1]

I'll explain this in 2 videos time, but for now if you watch the start of "Victorian Weave" you'll see I lay at the highest end, transfer to the opposite end then put my line up, so then the line is level and I can start my favoured way of laying.

[@andersonec1]

Had to be a way,,,thanks.

[@seanditch4419]

Hi Rob, i have a question, what about slopes, how would you get straight lines that are horizontal to the slope? thanx for any advice.

[@robsonger1]

I would simply use a profile each end set at a gradient and gaue mark each end

[@seanditch4419]

@rob songer Would you need to put a slope on the brick also? I can't picture in my head how a brick could not slope with the slope, at least not until the brick line becomes level with the top of the slope.

[@KB-ki7um]

Great vid, thanks, where did you get your boots?

[@dondaniels1240]

Hi mate. What mortor do you use for these videos I'm guessing it doesn't have cement in there. As I want to practice as home. Thanks for the videos I watch every one

[@robsonger1]

its a 1:3 hydrated lime:building sand. thank you for watching, still lots more to come.

[@scottleft3672]

It's like i came to tech at lunchtime.

[@EM-vc6qr]

Hi rob great work as usual, just noticed that you still use the dura soft handle and that you have a leather handle marshalltown, how do you find the leather as i could be doing with upgrading myself.

[@robsonger1]

the leather feels good, but I'm so used to the soft handle I still use. I think it could be a little while before I retire this trowel and get into leather..

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

rob songer 😳😂😂

[@EM-vc6qr]

@@SteveAndAlexBuild listen boys you guys are good and would say you're definitely at the high end of bricklaying but just think this guy is like the Ronaldo of bricklaying 😂🤟

[@joanna257.]

how can I make the joints have the same measurements?

[@robsonger1]

when we first started as apprentices, we used gauge rods, normally 12 courses high, all marked equally on the rod. Nowadays its all tape measures ie...75, 150, 225, 300..(then the number repeats as the first number increases...so, 375...450....525....600......again, 6..75, 7..50. 8..25, 9..00 did that make sense?

[@scottgeoffrey1793]

Great video, what are your thoughts on gauging first? Thanks

[@robsonger1]

if you gauge without levelling first, you could mess your gauge up when you come to level the brick, this is why I leave the level on the brick as I gauge. the level, gauge, plumb, range.. needs to be in this order otherwise you could be going back on yourself.

[@scottgeoffrey1793]

rob songer . OK, I'll give it ago that way. Thanks

[@ilegalalien]

I've never done brick work before, so: Does the frog always face up?

[@tomash2215]

Ilegal Alien no it should be frog hahaha

[@jamesfrancis697]

Why do you gauge? genuine question, thanks.

[@ThetaxMaN-f4t]

To make sure it's the right height? And that you have a 10 ml bed like every joint is supposed to

[@aussie8114]

Trowel is getting a bit small.

[@andy43ify]

Hi rob have tried a few ways to contact you been looking to buy a twist square do you still sell them ? Can find no link anywhere tried fb and messenger

[@robsonger1]

Hi Andy, there might be a few left. Billy makes them for me, try and Google S&G Fabrications, Lowestoft. let me know how you get on.

[@andy43ify]

rob songer hi Rob Did find them I rang him but he was out on site will try again tomorrow Cheers

[@andy43ify]

rob songer Hi Rob Have had no luck so far if I had the dims I could probably get one made locally

[@andy43ify]

K

[@jimmychalmers5078]

a tapper lol finger layers are brick layers you have to just use your fingers. tappers not layer you lay a brick

[@jejsndbshjakswjjs7916]

Speed up old timer

[@gobricklaying106]

Can you and Stu Crompton do something together? Maybe just a discussion about brickwork.✌️

[@av97k]

Привет русакам

[@ryanscarrmusic2329]

little bit loowe