concrete

Working with Concrete
$19.95
I frequently buy Taunton Press books. I usually enjoy their "By Pros, for Pros Series".

That said, I hated this book. The first problem was that I saw duplicate material within 3 minutes.

I own "Additions" by Taunton press, and yup, duplicate material.

This book is "OK" for all you weekend builders, or people with absolutely no experience.

However, any builder would be disappointed, this is an overview of what anyone with any common sense already knows, with no pro tips.

Another problem is that pretty much all the examples show North East or "Cold Location" foundations. They all contain basements, with very minimal coverage of driveway or slab foundation forming.

I don't recall seeing anything about setting "Beater Boards" even though you can get an article about it on [...] (same company, their magazine).

This book would be good for someone who wants to MANAGE FOUNDATION POURS, but not to actually do the work. Maybe a homeowner, who wants it done right?

I would also like to mention there is a NEW VERSION WHICH IS YELLOW, AND LOOKS LIKE RECYCLED CONTENT. I almost bought it, hoping for new content, but all "preview content" seems to show it's just a new cover, and no new material.

ALL IN ALL, NOT VERY GOOD, BUT I LIKE THE COMPANY. Maybe try another product from them?

They need to extensively update setting beater boards, setting, bracing, foundation pours. NOT JUST WITH TWO STORY FORMS FOR BASEMENT WALLS. You should show how to form and pour a continuous slab footing such as is used by IDK THE WHOLE WEST COAST, AND THE SOUTH?

Oh, there is a small amount on building with block too.

Really, they should split it into 3-4 good books, instead of 1 crappy sparse book, which is a good maybe paper weight. Also, quit recycling content. My $15 dollars should get me a real book, not magazine articles thrown together. Especially when I read them in the magazine, and another book first... kinda old content maybe....

Ultimate Guide to Masonry & Concrete: Design, Build, Maintain
$19.95
I really like this book. It lists materials and techniques that I had not really considered before. Although it did not answer all my questions it gave me a really good preview of what is out there and what it takes to use it. I think this will be a good book to have around for years to come. I am glad I bought it.

Bosch 1773AK 5-Inch Concrete Surfacing Grinder
$736.00
This reallly is a great tool. It grinds down concrete with little to no mess. This tool works very well for cleaning paint, thinset, drywall mud and splattered concrete off of slabs. It is also great for smoothing joints or cracks and for making minor slope adjustments in concrete to eliminate standing water. I am amazed at the number of uses I am finding for this tool!

I do have a few tips. Dewalt makes a grinding wheel that fits this machine, part number DW4774. It costs about half what the Bosch wheels costs and lasts more than twice as long. It is available at most Lowes (usually only one per store) for about $60. It is slightly smaller in diameter (4.5in vs. 5in) so it does not get as close to the edge of the shroud. You will also have to use a spacer on the grinder shaft towards the end of the DW4774's life (use one clamping nuts that come with the grinder).

The tool _must_ be on its own 20A branch circuit. Do not run your vacuum on the same branch circuit! I have had no trouble with breaker tripping, but the tool does peg my current meter at 18.5A.

I docked one star mostly due to price. There are a few other minor issues. There needs to be a way to secure the vacuum hose in place other than friction. You don't want the vacuum hose to come off, even for a second! A high-power, low-power switch to reduce current and prevent breaker tripping would be nice. I would love to see a wet/dry version of this tool. I would also like to see a larger version (may have to be 240VAC).

Dap 31084 Concrete Patch Interior and Exterior 1-Quart
$9.43
QT, Ready Mixed Concrete & Mortar Patch, Convenient Latex Based Product For Repair Of Concrete & Masonry, Use Also For Tuck Point Brick Work.