Old mason in Kentucky showed me how to butter a brick one-handed

I was working a foundation job near Louisville last spring and this crusty old guy, must have been 70, came over and watched me for a minute. He said "you're wasting time using both hands, son" and then showed me how to scoop mortar and spread it all with just the trowel in one smooth motion. I practiced it for about two weeks before it felt natural, but now I lay bricks probably 20% faster than before. Has anyone else picked up a weird little trick from an old timer like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

phoenixb342d ago

Wait, hold on. Old Kentucky guy taught you to butter a brick one handed, and you're out here talking about crooked walls? Did you miss the part where the guy is a master mason who probably built half the foundations in that state? I can't believe nobody's clocking that learning a smooth, efficient motion from a guy that seasoned is a whole different thing from just rushing through the job. You think he got to 70 by laying crooked walls?

robert_bell2d ago

20% faster means 20% more crooked walls, probably.

murray.drew2d ago

Figured as much. I mean, rushing always leads to sloppy work, that's just common sense. You can't cut corners on framing and expect it to turn out straight. Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather take the extra time and get it right the first time. Idk, seems like a false economy to me.