If you are interested in learning the basics of masonry, the first tool you will need is a good trowel.
Types of pallets
There are different types of pallets for various types of work. A good masonry trowel should be made from forged steel, which provides a higher level of durability. Blade length will be an important consideration, as larger tools are more difficult to maneuver in small spaces for more delicate jobs. If you are repairing an existing wall or column, then a shorter blade will be more suitable for that type of job. The smaller versions are also useful for removing excess mortar. The smaller leaves vary in length from around four to seven inches. The largest options can be between nine and twelve inches long, not including the handle. Finally, many forms have been developed over the years. London and Philadelphia are the two most popular options today, but the choice will also depend on the type of work you intend to do.
Holding the paddle
Depending on the type of tool you have chosen, the handle can be made of wood or plastic. The material of the handle is irrelevant to its performance, especially when compared to details such as the length and shape of the blade. Still, some people have a personal preference for one of the two main types of handles. When comparing the feel of different options at the hardware store, it is important to hold the instrument correctly. The work will go much more smoothly with a proper grip. Some amateurs grip the handle like a baseball bat, but the most common grip among professionals is different. Instead, put your thumb on the metal band and use only all four fingers around the handle.
Pallet loading
Working with mortar is one of the greatest challenges when it comes to practicing and art of masonry. Seasoned professionals hit the mortar with deceptive ease, but it’s a finely tuned process that takes decades to master. When loading the trowel with mortar, you can cut from the top, side, or front. Then you will break the wrist so that the mortar sits on the tool. This movement prevents the material from sliding off the edge of the sheet. This step is especially important at times when a mason is “smearing” vertical surfaces such as head joints. The head joints are the vertical edges of the individual bricks.
Butter joints
As you go along the horizontal line of bricks, this horizontal line along the top of the bricks is the bed joint. Professional masons will prepare the bed joint for a few bricks at a time. It’s best to start small while learning this new craft, only trying one or two at a time. When applying mortar along the surface of a brick, the trowel blade should lightly scrape along its length. This repeated contact is one of the main reasons durable forged steel is preferred.
Ultimately, masonry is a very complicated skill that requires many years of training. Learning the tools of the trade can make your job much easier.