Been a labor worker for two guys in a year. Firsr job the guys i worked with didnt want to teach me since they said they dont get paid to teach, i just started with a new guy yesterday and he said he will teach me how to finish in two days. Thank you for this video so i can get a basic understanding before going hands on
Mike, These videos are outstanding! I worked for a concrete company all through college and learned the basics of forming and finishing flatwork and walls. Watching your videos brought back great memories. I worked with a lot of professional concrete finishers but they certainly did not explain the fundamentals as well as you do throughout your video series. Great to see your daughter working with you as well. You must be very proud. Thanks for posting superb videos.
40 years in concrete. Not sure I could do a better job of explaining the process than you do. I was fortunate to have guys years ago with your kind of patience that took time to help me get better at finishing. I would humbly suggest, if I may, that adding 1 extra handle to the broom can help while extending it over to the far edge . It helps offset the weight of the broom and allows you to put 1 hand slightly behind you so you don't run out of handle before you get across the slab. I think that's what caused the young lady to dab the broom in the concrete. I've done that more than I care to remember! Great video!
Man sir you are something special. I currently work with a small commercial concrete company which has become the perfect "school" for me to learn at. Im currently trying to open a business on the side to create the dream I want. I love your videos man and I would pay to just get some advice from you on certain things. I have a few concrete veterans willing to help me along my journey. Im just so excited to learn and I love working concrete so much. Once again, good work brotha.
Brother Mike, I love Concrete. It’s a big part of my life! It’s what we do! I’ve seen so many of ur videos and you do good work. U keep making videos and I’ll keep watching👍🏼👍🏼 Be Blessed
I'd run an edger as soon as I've bullfloated just to move any aggregate out of the away. Then come back once it's begun to set up for a finish pass. That way you're just working the paste and not forcing aggregate into hardening concrete, which can be annoying and time-consuming if it's a rocky mix or you've mis-timed the finish.
Sir, you are the absolute man! Your videos saved my first time pour. I think you could watch all the videos on youtube on concrete work, but until you actually pour your first slab and then be able to correlate what you are saying to what you are working with, we all will have a learning curve. Between my first slab and your videos, my slab will end in success. Thank you for your amazing talent and capturing it in videos. I started pouring around 6 pm a 15 x 5 section and because it dropped down to 50 degrees and I think I used a little too much water, I ended up finishing at 2 am. My next two 5' sections will go much better. Again, thanks so much, you are doing the world a great service! Loved seeing you teaching your daughters!
This stuff is awesome! I'm a framer and really would like to get skilled at concrete work, especially concrete finishing, so these videos are incredibly helpful! Super cool that you're teaching your daughters these skills too! Keep up the good work!
I've not seen anyone else break it down like this on how to finish concrete. You deserve more views. This is good stuff. If a person understands what you are talking about it can help them greatly. I've done it a couple of times. I think for my second time I was finishing, but I was being watched over. It was just a double slab in someones backyard if I remember correctly. Nothing too big. Keep up the great work.
Great video as a gen. Cont. .. I have poured walls , flatwork , etc commercially , I learned on my own . This video filled in a lot of gaps on finish that I should really know… thanks
Groover on the handle is the best time saver I have ever had. Excellent for sidewalks where your doing dozens of control joints. Dang spell checker did me again.
Great video!!! I was taught on the first pass with the edge to use a mag to clean the top of the form, that seemed important. The girls are doing a great job starting out and will have it down in no time.
In 40 yr old I been pouring since I we 14 this yr m going start my own business work for myself great video once to get this stuff in your blood you can't get it out great video.
Being in business for yourself is awesome! Have you signed up on my email list yet. My Business program is coming out soon. I can help you get started and not make all the same mistakes I made.
Always smart to edge right away to push the aggregate out the way then float making sure its level. Then when you run the edger once it gets hard it will go through it like butter. No such thing as to early only not knowing how to do things early. All about holding the tools up and level while its soft dont push down
The purpose of the magnesium float is to bring up the “cream”, and work down the aggregate. The secret here is that the surface of magnesium is perfect for this. If you were to look at it under a microscope you would see that it is kinda like a sponge, it works the cream up. You can also get floats that are made of wood. The fact that magnesium is light is secondary to its purpose, aluminum is lightweight too but it would not be a good material to make a float. The microscopic surface of magnesium is what makes it the best for this job. A steel towel would be the wrong tool for this initial finishing step, as it tends to “close” the surface of the concrete with its super smooth steel surface.
Hey ... thanks for the great video. I am a design engineer and have clients from India who own property in eastern Canada. I am sending them a link to your video to shown them exactly what their project will look like when completed. Thanks again for the great video. PS: half of my family is from Northern Maine.... I miss the accent!
Mike I have really enjoyed All your Video's and lessons I Have some projects around the house And feel a lot more confident in completing these projects with a professional touch Thanks Buddy
Mike, I love your videos! They’re extremely helpful. Like having a uncle who can teach you stuff lol. I was wondering if any of your videos show a closer view of the surface as you’re floating and what details in the concrete you’re looking for as you float. Is it just like smoothing icing on a cake?
Thank you for sharing these skills, awesome video. I have a side patio slab project at my house that decided to pour a 4 inch slab; the area is 21 feet by 7; it is just me and I have a little 2 bag mixer to do it and some basic expensive tools as well; I just flatten the ground with a stomper, not using gravel or any reinforcement as the area will be use for just storage after it is done; i was told since it is just me to do it in 2 or 3 sections, dividing it with a 2x4 from side to side, then once that section is ready to walk on do the next and so until reaching the oposite end; the area is enclosed as the strip has on the left side my home side wall, on the right the cinder block wall that is property fence and at the front has another cinder block wall , so no way to run the edgers like you show here; i di not think I would need to run 2x4 along the edges of the walls right?, so being accesible from only one side I was thinking starting pouring mix on the far side working the way down to the other side of the 21 foot; is this an ok way to do this job or should I consider do it in one shot? i have only that small mixer and 145 bags of 60 pounds quickrite ready to mix cement, being by myself that is why I was advised to do it in sections, once one section dries, remove the crossed 2x4 then continue; this way I do not have to run an edger from side to side; I was planning to run edge every 7 feet that way running the crack twice in the whole length of the project; also the broom finish can that be done from to to bottom rather than from side to side? remember this is an enclosed walkway. Thanks for any tips on this. I am a carpenter but have never worked cement.
@@siilkyjohnson5779 and that is why you would be scraping or grinding the tops of all my metal forms. If you was working for me. But you are not as experienced as I am. If you was! you would know why? a good finisher Does. Keep at it you will figure it out. Maybe?
Mike Day Everything About Concrete your girls are very lucky to have access to such a craft. In Australia, there are no more technical schools as a part of general schooling, so unless you decide to pursue a trade at the age of 17-18, you don’t really have an opportunity to learn skills beyond a basic level. Thanks again mate.
9:32 would a 20x5 pool trowel be good for stairs instead of a funny float? Just a diyer. Also the tip to push down the rocks with the joiner and to scrape up cream is amazing. Thank you for this.
Hey, Mike. Great videos! I used to do concrete in Maine before I joined the military, living down in VA now but I love the videos! Glad I found your channel. I was talking to my wife and we were taking bets as to if you toned down the Maine accent for the videos 😂 anyways, thanks for sharing!
Hi buddy I have been watching your videos for a week now I wanna do a 24/24 slab at my house , I do autobody for a living n I think I'm ready to do it looks almost like spreading body filler.
Hey Mike I have never seen a tool like that up here in NYC, I’m a concrete carpenter and I’m thinking of starting a business before I retire to get the young generation in the business! How do you get your customers!!
Tha ks Mike ,I'm 72 but still like to concrete. Your posts are a must see .one question, do you wash the broom inbetween strokes or knock the cream of (snot) Australia, Cheers.
Been a labor worker for two guys in a year. Firsr job the guys i worked with didnt want to teach me since they said they dont get paid to teach, i just started with a new guy yesterday and he said he will teach me how to finish in two days. Thank you for this video so i can get a basic understanding before going hands on
Mike, These videos are outstanding! I worked for a concrete company all through college and learned the basics of forming and finishing flatwork and walls. Watching your videos brought back great memories. I worked with a lot of professional concrete finishers but they certainly did not explain the fundamentals as well as you do throughout your video series. Great to see your daughter working with you as well. You must be very proud. Thanks for posting superb videos.
Finish work is so underrated, concrete work is not a easy as people think. Respect!
Thank you!
What’s the hardest part you would say is?
@@Junior-es7muid say having an eye for imperfections not leaving bumbs or dents
40 years in concrete. Not sure I could do a better job of explaining the process than you do. I was fortunate to have guys years ago with your kind of patience that took time to help me get better at finishing. I would humbly suggest, if I may, that adding 1 extra handle to the broom can help while extending it over to the far edge . It helps offset the weight of the broom and allows you to put 1 hand slightly behind you so you don't run out of handle before you get across the slab. I think that's what caused the young lady to dab the broom in the concrete. I've done that more than I care to remember! Great video!
Man sir you are something special. I currently work with a small commercial concrete company which has become the perfect "school" for me to learn at. Im currently trying to open a business on the side to create the dream I want. I love your videos man and I would pay to just get some advice from you on certain things. I have a few concrete veterans willing to help me along my journey. Im just so excited to learn and I love working concrete so much. Once again, good work brotha.
Brother Mike, I love Concrete. It’s a big part of my life! It’s what we do! I’ve seen so many of ur videos and you do good work. U keep making videos and I’ll keep watching👍🏼👍🏼 Be Blessed
thanks man i’m a 19 year old just learning and this is extremely helpful
I'd run an edger as soon as I've bullfloated just to move any aggregate out of the away. Then come back once it's begun to set up for a finish pass. That way you're just working the paste and not forcing aggregate into hardening concrete, which can be annoying and time-consuming if it's a rocky mix or you've mis-timed the finish.
Yeah thats what I do as well.
Yeah me too but it depends on the aggregate. Big rock gets edged right away, pea gravel i wait a bit
I always clean the form before edging makes for cleaner work later
How would you go on about doing that? With the edger?
Sir, you are the absolute man! Your videos saved my first time pour. I think you could watch all the videos on youtube on concrete work, but until you actually pour your first slab and then be able to correlate what you are saying to what you are working with, we all will have a learning curve. Between my first slab and your videos, my slab will end in success. Thank you for your amazing talent and capturing it in videos. I started pouring around 6 pm a 15 x 5 section and because it dropped down to 50 degrees and I think I used a little too much water, I ended up finishing at 2 am. My next two 5' sections will go much better. Again, thanks so much, you are doing the world a great service! Loved seeing you teaching your daughters!
I learned by trial and error, mostly error. Excellent tips, Mike. Thanks!
all of mikes video's is worthwhile i find.. they've been such a help for me,
how did I miss this one ...... great vid for everyone
This stuff is awesome! I'm a framer and really would like to get skilled at concrete work, especially concrete finishing, so these videos are incredibly helpful! Super cool that you're teaching your daughters these skills too! Keep up the good work!
Thanks Drew!
I've not seen anyone else break it down like this on how to finish concrete. You deserve more views. This is good stuff. If a person understands what you are talking about it can help them greatly. I've done it a couple of times. I think for my second time I was finishing, but I was being watched over. It was just a double slab in someones backyard if I remember correctly. Nothing too big. Keep up the great work.
Love the simple videos- reinforces the the basics for us “once in awhilers” ✌🏼
Thankful I had a father that started me finishing with an edger when I was 13.
Great video as a gen. Cont. .. I have poured walls , flatwork , etc commercially , I learned on my own . This video filled in a lot of gaps on finish that I should really know… thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Groover on the handle is the best time saver I have ever had. Excellent for sidewalks where your doing dozens of control joints. Dang spell checker did me again.
Not familiar with the “Grover”. What is it? Maybe it’s called something different in my area.
Ahh. “Groover”, I shoulda known that’s what you meant.
"walking jointer"
Man I’m so proud of those young women getting out and working a hard craft.so many young people don’t want a trade job no more
Thank you, very thorough & basic vocabulary, no lingo or jargon language, simple, I'm going to give my footpath a go, wish me luck.
Great video thanks lots of tips very good. Leeston New Zealand 🇳🇿
I’ve been a form guy and Rake. I’m ready to start finishing and getting more money! Thanks for the video!
About time! Finally found videos that explain in depth instead of just showing workers doing the work. Appreciate the videos!
Great video!!! I was taught on the first pass with the edge to use a mag to clean the top of the form, that seemed important. The girls are doing a great job starting out and will have it down in no time.
I’m on the west coast and we do it a little different but I learn from mike too it only makes me better .
Great videos you have produced. It is a little harder to finish concrete you mixed yourself then what comes out of a truck.
In 40 yr old I been pouring since I we 14 this yr m going start my own business work for myself great video once to get this stuff in your blood you can't get it out great video.
Being in business for yourself is awesome! Have you signed up on my email list yet. My Business program is coming out soon. I can help you get started and not make all the same mistakes I made.
@@MikeDayConcrete can you do a video on your mistakes? that would be a good learning video.
Just got in the Operative plasteres and Cement masons Union , Love watching these Videos to gain some knowledge and tips 👍🏽
Thanks Mike ,I'm in the Laborers Union did Carpentry all my career, love your methods for explaining and simplifying things!
@Chuck Mitchell what local you out of ?
@@raycosar2983 laborers 603 Erie P.a. Ray.
Awesome to see the gals learning a trade. Great job......
Always smart to edge right away to push the aggregate out the way then float making sure its level. Then when you run the edger once it gets hard it will go through it like butter. No such thing as to early only not knowing how to do things early. All about holding the tools up and level while its soft dont push down
Thanks 😊 I needed this
I just poured a 20x4 back poarch. Your skills 👌🏿 👏🏾
You taught me made me look like a semi Pro.
The purpose of the magnesium float is to bring up the “cream”, and work down the aggregate. The secret here is that the surface of magnesium is perfect for this. If you were to look at it under a microscope you would see that it is kinda like a sponge, it works the cream up. You can also get floats that are made of wood.
The fact that magnesium is light is secondary to its purpose, aluminum is lightweight too but it would not be a good material to make a float. The microscopic surface of magnesium is what makes it the best for this job.
A steel towel would be the wrong tool for this initial finishing step, as it tends to “close” the surface of the concrete with its super smooth steel surface.
Best instructional videos on UA-cam Mike! Great job keep 'em coming!
Your Broom marks are by far the best....
Mike, wish I was a younger man and got a chance to learn from you, excellent teacher.
Great video! Very well done and easy to understand. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent Video , I learned a few things to enable me to do a professional job .
Hey ... thanks for the great video. I am a design engineer and have clients from India who own property in eastern Canada. I am sending them a link to your video to shown them exactly what their project will look like when completed. Thanks again for the great video. PS: half of my family is from Northern Maine.... I miss the accent!
Mike I have really enjoyed All your Video's and lessons I Have some projects around the house And feel a lot more confident in completing these projects with a professional touch Thanks Buddy
Mike, I love your videos! They’re extremely helpful. Like having a uncle who can teach you stuff lol. I was wondering if any of your videos show a closer view of the surface as you’re floating and what details in the concrete you’re looking for as you float. Is it just like smoothing icing on a cake?
when cod or home owners call my office for concrete i tell them to watch your vids, my drivers are good and will help home owners stay on track
2:28
Definitely the video I was looking for! Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Mike. great videos. doing a pour tomorrow and you info is truly honest and helpful. keep it up I'm now a subscriber.
Awesome! Thank you!
Nice work. Those girls are gonna have one heck of a resume !
i dont know how much he pays them but i cant get my guys to do concrete at 29$ hour
I can tell you badass ..mad skills with them hands
Thank you for sharing these skills, awesome video. I have a side patio slab project at my house that decided to pour a 4 inch slab; the area is 21 feet by 7; it is just me and I have a little 2 bag mixer to do it and some basic expensive tools as well; I just flatten the ground with a stomper, not using gravel or any reinforcement as the area will be use for just storage after it is done; i was told since it is just me to do it in 2 or 3 sections, dividing it with a 2x4 from side to side, then once that section is ready to walk on do the next and so until reaching the oposite end; the area is enclosed as the strip has on the left side my home side wall, on the right the cinder block wall that is property fence and at the front has another cinder block wall , so no way to run the edgers like you show here; i di not think I would need to run 2x4 along the edges of the walls right?, so being accesible from only one side I was thinking starting pouring mix on the far side working the way down to the other side of the 21 foot; is this an ok way to do this job or should I consider do it in one shot? i have only that small mixer and 145 bags of 60 pounds quickrite ready to mix cement, being by myself that is why I was advised to do it in sections, once one section dries, remove the crossed 2x4 then continue; this way I do not have to run an edger from side to side; I was planning to run edge every 7 feet that way running the crack twice in the whole length of the project; also the broom finish can that be done from to to bottom rather than from side to side? remember this is an enclosed walkway. Thanks for any tips on this. I am a carpenter but have never worked cement.
You are awesome Mike! Thanks so much for these videos.
One on the left had the yams
Excellent tutorial. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Mike's videos are excellent, have watched many recently and learned so much, very helpful👍
Make, this is a great instructional video. I'm interested. respect.
A good finisher scraps the top of the form off!
No they dont
@@siilkyjohnson5779 and that is why you would be scraping or grinding the tops of all my metal forms. If you was working for me. But you are not as experienced as I am. If you was!
you would know why?
a good finisher
Does. Keep at it you will figure it out. Maybe?
Thank you 👍🏻🇦🇺
The first video that explains how to fill those rock voids. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Mike Day Everything About Concrete your girls are very lucky to have access to such a craft. In Australia, there are no more technical schools as a part of general schooling, so unless you decide to pursue a trade at the age of 17-18, you don’t really have an opportunity to learn skills beyond a basic level. Thanks again mate.
Looks good👍🏻. Getting an idea for when I start to learn.
Those skids look like a real time saver. Wish I knew those existed. Lol
Tell us more about the cadillac groover & funny float ...real nice
Great video for the beginners Mike. Keep up the great work
Thanks Aaron!!
Excellent video, well spoken, and informative.
You have really helped me, thanks so much
9:32 would a 20x5 pool trowel be good for stairs instead of a funny float? Just a diyer. Also the tip to push down the rocks with the joiner and to scrape up cream is amazing. Thank you for this.
Man.. so helpful I appreciate your help and videos
great trade school info mister... perfect content master
Nice tool to cut in I need to use pool joints difficult so sometimes 2 pours over 800 so I wish
As always, you make it look easy, Mike.👍
Hello, very informative video. How far away from each other should joint lines be? Thank you in advance.
Great video! Explained perfectly.
Thank man I'm moving to texas and building my own home . You explain it very well. Cant wait to be looking at these videos wile my concrete sets ..
Awesome Alex. Hope the videos help.
If its tight enough for joints, its edgable.
Great video. Thanks I'm looking to pour my own garage floor. Want to do as much research as possible.
Good luck!
This is really informative. Thanks so much.
Your videos are awesome brotha! Thanks!!
I really enjoy your videos. You are going places.
Thanks for the tips Mike.
Hi Mike
Why broom it out? Why not leave it smooth? Is that an option?
Very nice work it’s my favorite job
Thank you very much Is mike
Hey, Mike. Great videos! I used to do concrete in Maine before I joined the military, living down in VA now but I love the videos! Glad I found your channel. I was talking to my wife and we were taking bets as to if you toned down the Maine accent for the videos 😂 anyways, thanks for sharing!
Excellent video
Thanks I appreciate it!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge
Cushnok brewing on N Belfast Ave...😉👍
Hi buddy I have been watching your videos for a week now I wanna do a 24/24 slab at my house , I do autobody for a living n I think I'm ready to do it looks almost like spreading body filler.
Excellent. Thanks. Very helpful. God bless.
Mike your a great tradesman any advice what to do when your topping gets washed off in the rain
If it's a broom finish then use a product like Sakrete Flo-coat. If it's a smooth floor then a product like Sakrete self leveler.
Great video. Simple and straightforward. Thx.
Hey Mike I have never seen a tool like that up here in NYC, I’m a concrete carpenter and I’m thinking of starting a business before I retire to get the young generation in the business! How do you get your customers!!
Knock on a door, hire canvassers
Great video, thank you for putting this out! 5 Star
Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome video and awesome teaching skills
Thanks Mike. Excellent video!!! Hope to find a lot more information in your channel!!!
Awesome work! Thanks for the videos these really help.
Nice to see the Grace product
Tha ks Mike ,I'm 72 but still like to concrete. Your posts are a must see .one question, do you wash the broom inbetween strokes or knock the cream of (snot) Australia,
Cheers.
Very informative as always! Nice work.
Thanks Jon, are you a subscriber yet?
Yes sir, have been for a little while now. I get all your notifications and try to watch them all.
Just recently got into concrete work and you explain in detail the correct process. Look forward to your work.
Very nice!
awesome, thanks
great videos,I always like to keep learning better ways.
Thanks Mike.
Great video, Thank you for sharing
Great Video
Very Helpful
Thanks