the fine art of brickwork - Twisted Pier (1 of 2)

[@tedr.richardson4655]

Great Craftsmanship, thanks for sharing your Video for others to learn from. Turn the bricks over, Froged side down, Wire cut side up, seeing you with a Hoodie on, you must get Freezing Temperatures. Water/Rain filling up the voids with the frog sides up, Ice expands causing internal damage, as well as cored brick, the faces spalling off from freezing and thawing. All bricks should be made solid, a slight impression on one side, like say manufacturer's stamped, Calvert Brick was always laid with the Frog side down and the wire cut side up. The Calvert Brick had a slight lip at the wire cut side allowing water to drip off or flow downward. Absolutely one of the Great Brick Manufacturer's. Historical Mansions always had Solid Brick, Laid with Oyster Shell Mortar, which was the wick of the masonry to release moisture, with walls 1'- 2' or more Flemish or English Bonded thru, always with SOLID bed and head joints, no VOIDS in their structures. The Joint Profile was usually Grapevine joint. I worked as an apprentice under my cousin Norman Victor Filbert, he was a Mason, he uncovered in the Chase Loyd Mansion back to back fireplaces covered over with Oyster Shell Plaster. Said he saw the massive chimney and wanted to see the fireplace inside, someone answered the door and said there's no fireplace in here, well he found them, and I helped restore both of them with him. He eventually Patented Oyster Shell Mortar, he would fire the Oyster Shells in his wife Jo Ann's Pottery Kiln. He's passed away some time ago. Love you Norman. My Dad, everyone call him,Ted, his real name is Edward James Richardson was a Mason, he told me, he worked with his Father on the 25 story Bank of America Building in Downtown Baltimore, on hanging scaffolding. He said everyone was working on the 18th floor, when on side of the scaffolding broke loose and all the Masons and Materials on the section plummeted to the ground. I asked, did everyone stop working, he said Son there were 100 bricklayers on the ground waiting to take your spot, you just kept on working. What a Magnificent Building. My Dad was also a well known window screen painter, him and my Uncle Ben Richardson, Uncle Ben, he never laid brick, lost 4 of his fingers on one hand, working in a factory, but he could play the heck out of a Violin, he may have even challenged the Devil in his day. I'm a 4th Generation of Masons in my family. I now live in Florida and own Masonry Plus Property Services, LLC. One restoration project, and there are many, was on 5th & Ash St. in Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, Florida, the brick was made by S&F these initials are stamped in all of the Solid Bricks. The building framing is all Heart Pine, look it up, one of the 1st building to be 4" veneer, most buildings I worked on are bonded brick 8"- 12" thick walls like the Historical Train Depot. S&F Brick Manufacturing Company, was established in 1855, told to me by my Sister Edna Barney, and said S&F was at one time the Largest Brick Manufacturing Company in America, now that's amazing, and I was Honored to Restore the entire back of the building, the Mortar I mixed and used was Type O, those who don't know the formula, Type O Mortar: 1 part White Portland 1 part " Hydrated Lime" 8-9 parts ASTM C-144 Well Rob, you are a Craftsman at your Trade, NEVER sacrifice the integrity of your Masonry, always FULL joints. The mortar is the life of the masonry. I've never been told, but the quality and my personal touches with my Craftsmanship, has hopefully inspired a young man, trying to figure out what Trade he wants to do for the rest of his life. Ted Richardson MNG MBR

[@welshbrickie]

last time I done this was in college, nice to see the skill has not been lost, nice job mate

[@nicholaswall7677]

Nice job again Rob. This is a simple profile to make - just purchase some aluminium angle profile, use metal drill bit to drill pilot holes for small fixing screws. A lot of the DIY sheds sell aluminium angle, or google a local sheet metal and stock steel supplier. use small self tapping screws (the type used for metal stud work known as wafer screws which have a small cutting tip which drills through the relatively soft aluminium) are ideal but tend to come in large packs. Then, using a set square to ensure each are at 90 degrees, screw each pair of 'L' shaped profiles to each other (one pair upside down of course) but offset by say 10mm at the corner. File or use angle grinder to get rid of any protruding screw points. worried about the screws? Use suitable adhesive instead and clamp together until it goes off. Superglue would do it, but maybe would go off too fast! there, now you have constructed your very own twisted pier profile! Much more satisfying making your own! About £10 should be all it would cost. Once you have the materials it should take no longer making one than I took writing this post!. But I can sell you one for £79.99 if you don't have the time though. Be sure to keep the profile clean of mortar to avoid marking the bricks! happy twisting! Nick Wall Design + Build

[@robsonger1]

Nicholas Wall Thanks Nick, I had this patented in 1990.I have a manufacturer here where I live who has been supplying me with these so far but I am looking into another method now as these are made at a cost that leaves me with no profit. Aluminium is difficult to weld and this increases the time and cost.

[@joemerch8794]

You can make one of these with a piece of plywood the size of the pillar and two markings. Still don't understand why you don't lay the bed for the entire pillar, but some quality brickwork on your channel. That twisty arch is brilliant, template must of took a while to do. Nice to see the craft being carried on!.... YBricky

[@robsonger1]

Joe Merch Thanks Joe.Yes my original template was of plywood, then someone asked me to build 2 piers on a porch, different size, different height, different twist, one clockwise, the other anti-clockwise. So the adjustable one was born.They are selling at £85 at the moment.

[@robsonger1]

rob songer with regard to laying one bed at a time.If you watch closely particularly on the running in videos, there is an action and method for laying that so many people miss. It was developed after I was pinning up internal walls using a hop up.I would step up with my trowel of mortar, step down, joint the slip block, step up with my block to lay it, step down, step up with mortar.....I soon realised I was stepping up twice to lay one slip block with one hand always idle. Soon my method changed and I worked twice as quick.When raising a pier, the first brick needs 4 actions Level, Gauge, Plumb, Range, (please see Victorian Weave) thereafter each brick needs 3 actions, so together with lime in the mix, sunshine and absorption from the brick, the bed joint is already starting to tighten. By the time you get to the 3rd and 4th bricks in many cases they would need relaying and the bed joint reworked in the wetter mortar to bring it back to life.I hope this explains.

[@pavchana123]

Great bricklayer! Would love to be able to use that twist tool would make twisted piers so much easier! Should manufacture!!

[@XxWardyboixX]

Very nice rob very good tool

[@TheBolster76]

Great work needed a refesher haven't built one since college.

[@MilanDupal]

Excellent Work! I had enjoyed your professional performance.

[@reginaceliademellominicell9272]

muito legal, assisti seus videos do dia 25/05/2014 achei lindo o trabalho uma obra prima parabéns.

[@deanoboxing83]

It's a great design and I would be interested in buying 1

[@robsonger1]

Thank you for your comment. The way I keep the pier plumb is by using a timber segment. This will be shown shortly on the website film on this. Thank you again

[@muslimzaman]

How much for the tool

[@robsonger1]

They are around the £60+vat and postage

[@muslimzaman]

Do u have a website where I can view and pay

[@muslimzaman]

Do you have a website

[@SnedzTheBricklayer]

Reckon i could build this no problem, isn't it a bit of a mental challenge to build something so contourted and literally twisted? Lol

[@adamstuart944]

Hi Rob lovely workmanship .

[@robsonger1]

Thank you Adam. Please keep watching as I hope to have my most ambitious project to date uploaded.

[@jonathemoana87]

As a fellow bricklayer I've watched a few of your videos, it's great to see quality workmanship. Would be very interested in the twist square profile Rob, have you bought any to market yet, or could I get hold of one as a one off? Many thanks Andrew Jones

[@cuttski]

Fantastic. Finally a twisted pier vid. Rob are those twisted square tools what you designed or available too buy ?

[@pomiked31]

Thank you for making your artwork available! I have to say your work is awe inspiring! Do we have to go on facebook to order one of those jigs? Michael

[@shardegoweendamconstructio2730]

Nice work

[@flyingdoubleleg7952]

Where do you get your squares from & Angle equipment used for building spiral pillars.. I'm a bricklayer & would love to try it

[@alvaromichael6830]

i know it is kind of off topic but does anybody know of a good place to stream newly released tv shows online ?

[@elijaheli8632]

@Alvaro Michael flixportal xD

[@alvaromichael6830]

@Elijah Eli Thanks, I signed up and it seems to work :) Appreciate it!

[@elijaheli8632]

@Alvaro Michael glad I could help :D

[@Maximo010406]

Excelente herramienta.... una pregunta ¿tú las vendes o las compras en alguna tienda en particular?

[@PaddleDogC5]

nice work!

[@bigbadbob36]

Hi rob please could you give me the details where I can purchase one of those twisted pillar profiles again another great video Thanks Bob

[@tonytbone8641]

Hi rob , I was wondering if you sell them twist squares . What a great tool. I'm a Brickie , and like a good tool. I have thought of an idea , to build scalloped brickwork, without having to set up a turning piece With adjustable bits , to allow for different depths and widths of the scallop . But I would really like to buy a twistie square if they are available . Many thanks Great work.

[@robsonger1]

Hi Tony, unfortunately the tool you see in the video is still the prototype. Many people have asked if it is available but it would be too expensive as a one off (c£85) but I am now speaking to someone who may be able to make some in bulk for me. I'm building twisted piers at the moment so within the next 6 weeks I should have a new video on, and hopefully more information about selling the tool. Thanks for your comment

[@aochurrasco]

very good

[@grinner317]

Next time Rob make a gauge rod, but well done.

[@markoliver5908]

hey Rob would love to try one of theses but would need the twisted square, could I buy one of you

[@johnskelly2542]

this looks like the sort of result i would get if i was trying to lay a straight peer

[@josephclarke2339]

hi rob that very gd work im a bricky myself and thats my 1st time seeing twisted piers where would i get my hands on the templates

[@robsonger1]

Hi Joseph, thank you for your comment. I have these made by a company in small amounts but I hope to produce more if the demand was greater. The price is around £60 at the moment

[@josephclarke2339]

rob songer could I get ur email so I can contact u if I do buy it

[@norddeutschermaurer4635]

Good Job 👍😁🥇

[@reginaceliademellominicell9272]

Salve! mestre magnifico, vou aproveitar, esta ideia.

[@reginaceliademellominicell9272]

maravilhoso,e que capricho!

[@tonymaunder9736]

hi rob nice work on pier have you made this tool or can i buy one please let me know if can buy cheers

[@kirkdyer1613]

Hiya rob how can I get hold of one of these templates thanks kirk

[@Fresh_Baklava]

When you pull your measurement vertically from the top left corner (camera view angle) is that how you're keeping it plum? Thx for sharing the video and great craftsmanship.

[@Fresh_Baklava]

I didn't read the comments first. Someone has already asked.

[@robsonger1]

john athas that is just keeping gauge

[@Fresh_Baklava]

ohh ok. thank you

[@SnedzTheBricklayer]

I'm going to build these EVERYWHERE! Lol

[@nathanlucas6483]

Hi Rob, first of all great job an second do you have anymore of those squares available for purchase or could you tell me the measurements for it please

[@robsonger1]

hi Nathan, yes there are 3 twist templates left. thet are £85 + postage...uk is £12

[@threewhywhy]

Smashing job but how do you keep it plumb?

[@andrewburns68]

Hello mate is that a tool you made yourself to get the twist right . Excellent work !

[@robsonger1]

thank you Andrew.

[@fredblair8694]

great work Rob 👏 👍 can you possibly email me dimensions for the jig

[@weirdal2012]

Can I buy a square too,im ready to get TWISTED,do you have any square templates left

[@daveedmonds4854]

Hi Rob, thank you for your videos. I want to make one of these for a mailbox. However I cannot find that twist and square tool anywhere. I am not a bricklayer so I think I really need it. It comes up on no searches anywhere. If you have no idea either, may I rent yours? Pay for shipping both ways/leave deposit, etc? I live near SF......just a thought? Dave

[@robsonger1]

Hi Dave, it's a tool I invented a little while ago (1990) I have a manufacturer who has some already made and these will be available through my website soon. They retail at £85 + p&p

[@alexanderartemenko7628]

rob songer address of your site.?

[@pedro-luisrodriguez6165]

@rob songer Where can I get that mold? (Angle mode)

[@michaelmaciolekjrmickey5205]

were can i get a square im a mason and would really like to have one.

[@log8628]

How do you control the verticality of the post?

[@m2tchell]

where can you buy the squares from please

[@wayneed3705]

where can i get the square from???

[@phillipcamper6853]

How do you keep it plumb?

[@zackzander4425]

Nice work! Would you ship this template to United States?

[@robsonger1]

Thank you and yes I would

[@93eze2]

Hi rob really want your twist square been trying for 2 years now could you please let me know how to get my hands on your one please

[@robsonger1]

Kristian Cooper they are being made as we speak

[@93eze2]

Can't wait you are a true pro sir a credit to the trade

[@robsonger1]

thank you

[@nanos44]

hey rob where can I get a twist and square

[@deanoboxing83]

Have you designed square yourself or can you by it

[@robsonger1]

it is my design, but if enough people wanted one I would look into manufacturing enough to sell to interested ones.

[@muslimzaman]

I wan to purchase for 60 plus vat how can we proceed

[@thanxx]

whats the difference between a pillar and a pier Rob Please? (excuse my ignorance)

[@robsonger1]

Basically, a pillar is a column, like they had on the temples and some call isolated (detached) piers this too. Piers are normally those that are tied into the wall (attached piers)

[@hp90095]

Hi rob I would like to purchase one of your templates for twisted pillar how do I go about paying for it thanks tony

[@robsonger1]

Emma Bruce Hi Tony, if you look at the video 'Twist and Square' the postage costs are on there together with the cost of the tool. If you email me your mail address and payment to [e-mail] then I can send you one.

[@brad265]

It looks good but very slow. Why do you only lay one brick at a time?

[@kierenboimufc5940]

What is the mortar you using here is it like mortar you buy in the bags or have you made it your self? If so could you tell me the mix thanks

[@robsonger1]

I'm using a 1:3 Hydrated lime/building sand so that I can take it down and reuse it

[@kierenboimufc5940]

rob songer I’m one your videos you say you like to use a 9-2-1 mix. Is that strong and apart from shovelling how would I get that in a mixer lol as I do buy buckets normally

[@robsonger1]

9:2:1 is a very soft and creamy mix that is perfect for soft red brickwork, because remember, the mortar must never be stronger than the brick it is used with. To gauge it into a mixer you'd probably have to do what I do, use a smaller bucket but then make a plywood box and put the 9 sand in, draw a line around to mark where the 9 come to. By doing this you'll never have to count out the 9 sand each time....believe me, the slightest distraction and you will lose count! I hope this helps, and thank you for watching

[@kierenboimufc5940]

rob songer thanks mate does this mix come out a lighter colour and would white cement be ok to go with it. Just worried it would weather more easily

[@robsonger1]

It will definitely dry whiter, but using a white OPC would give it a much better finish.

[@britincali]

How much and how do I pay you ?

[@iantedder3301]

Were would I buy a spiral square from

[@robsonger1]

+Ian Hi Ian, I still have a few of the first batch left for sale.if you find my facebook page they are on there

[@iantedder3301]

Hi rob thanks for getting back to me, unfortunately I'm not on face book, how do I go about know, my number is 07712404213

[@danieldore4103]

retired bricky. can't you make your own template from 2 pieces of aluminum angle iron?

[@robsonger1]

yes, that is what I did. But you need to have the holes in the crucial places for the twist to remain true

[@colinwaterfield5763]

Hi Rob are the templates still available?

[@robsonger1]

I'm sorry but there are only 6 left but they are at the manufacturers and he has priced them beyond what I sell them for. So they will remain there, until I find another supplier. Thank you for watching, lots more to come in the new year.

[@lessismore83009]

@@robsonger1 hi Rob, any news on the jigs?? Cheers 👍

[@brendacruz4902]

tu vendes las escuadras

[@philippope1]

could whach that all day

[@liamwalters5029]

Rob are theses still available ?

[@robsonger1]

yes Liam...

[@liamwalters5029]

rob songer is there a link to where I can buy it rob ? I’ve got a client that’s interested in a very large twisted pier !

[@robsonger1]

whereabouts are you from?

[@liamwalters5029]

rob songer I’m in Tonbridge Kent mate

[@robsonger1]

yes, I can get one to you. I will contact my manufacturer, keep in touch

[@pavankumar8542]

Rob I need one piece from where can I buy this product

[@robsonger1]

+pavan kumar Hi, yes. I sell them. Depending where you are though because they are made for English metric bricks.102 x 215 |(without joints) USA bricks differ in size so have those made especially for them

[@pavankumar8542]

I'm from India so I need as my Indian bricks 190*90*90 mm Can u send it to India

[@robsonger1]

yes, I can send to India, but I need to have one especially made for the size of your bricks I will let you know a price soon

[@williamfrankross8789]

can i get the template in india

[@robsonger1]

I may have to have one especially made for you...These are made purely for English metric sized bricks

[@stevetompsett4479]

rob songer what's the gauge now..used to be 3 inch when I was there laying .

[@weirdal2012]

Please contact me on purchasing a square thanks buddy

[@robsonger1]

I am really sorry but the company that was making these for me has stopped as they were not selling enough of them. sorry again. May I suggest doing what I did when I first started doing these and that is to cut 2 square angles out of plywood and fix them together at the angle required.

[@willdunn3078]

yeah but whos going to pay to have a chimmney built in there back yard?plus its all wonky!! smh

[@jasonmlaverty]

this is the worst twisted pier so slow and never lay the bathtube up brick talk laying one coarse in 4 minutes is a good way to get let go

[@jamesjardine6895]

Do you have or ever had a girlfriend

[@robsonger1]

haha, I've been selective throughout my life with women, there was a time when I would have died for the mother of my children. Apart from her there were 3 very beautiful women in my life.