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!
I'm a builder of many years down in nzI don't do much concrete these days but Im recently doing a few projects at home for myself I watch a tonne of vids to refresh my skills by far the best an informed I've watched I knew everything you were highlighting I just forgot well done great information mate I've saved you for future vids regards from down under mate ❤️
You are from new Zealand? Does the southern hemisphere feel they are on the bottom of the globe? Are your guy's relative position to Australia upwards or downwards?
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.
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!
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 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
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'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!!! 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.
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.
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?
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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!!
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.
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.
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
How you getting on in your job buddy
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
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!
I'm a builder of many years down in nzI don't do much concrete these days but Im recently doing a few projects at home for myself I watch a tonne of vids to refresh my skills by far the best an informed I've watched I knew everything you were highlighting I just forgot well done great information mate I've saved you for future vids regards from down under mate ❤️
Thanks John!
You are from new Zealand? Does the southern hemisphere feel they are on the bottom of the globe? Are your guy's relative position to Australia upwards or downwards?
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.
how did I miss this one ...... great vid for everyone
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
all of mikes video's is worthwhile i find.. they've been such a help for me,
I learned by trial and error, mostly error. Excellent tips, Mike. Thanks!
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
Love the simple videos- reinforces the the basics for us “once in awhilers” ✌🏼
thanks man i’m a 19 year old just learning and this is extremely helpful
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!
Thank you, very thorough & basic vocabulary, no lingo or jargon language, simple, I'm going to give my footpath a go, wish me luck.
I always clean the form before edging makes for cleaner work later
How would you go on about doing that? With the edger?
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"
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!
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’ve been a form guy and Rake. I’m ready to start finishing and getting more money! Thanks for the video!
Great video thanks lots of tips very good. Leeston New Zealand 🇳🇿
Great video! Very well done and easy to understand. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome to see the gals learning a trade. Great job......
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 videos you have produced. It is a little harder to finish concrete you mixed yourself then what comes out of a truck.
I’m on the west coast and we do it a little different but I learn from mike too it only makes me better .
Just got in the Operative plasteres and Cement masons Union , Love watching these Videos to gain some knowledge and tips 👍🏽
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.
Best instructional videos on TH-cam Mike! Great job keep 'em coming!
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.
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.
Thanks 😊 I needed this
I just poured a 20x4 back poarch. Your skills 👌🏿 👏🏾
You taught me made me look like a semi Pro.
Excellent Video , I learned a few things to enable me to do a professional job .
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?
Definitely the video I was looking for! Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
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.
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!
You are awesome Mike! Thanks so much for these videos.
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
Make, this is a great instructional video. I'm interested. respect.
Hello, very informative video. How far away from each other should joint lines be? Thank you in advance.
Your Broom marks are by far the best....
I can tell you badass ..mad skills with them hands
Thankful I had a father that started me finishing with an edger when I was 13.
Looks good👍🏻. Getting an idea for when I start to learn.
Excellent tutorial. Thank you.
You're welcome!
You have really helped me, thanks so much
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
Great video! Explained perfectly.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge
This is really informative. Thanks so much.
Man.. so helpful I appreciate your help and videos
Mike's videos are excellent, have watched many recently and learned so much, very helpful👍
Your videos are awesome brotha! Thanks!!
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!
Very nice work it’s my favorite job
I really enjoy your videos. You are going places.
Excellent video, well spoken, and informative.
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.
great trade school info mister... perfect content master
Great video for the beginners Mike. Keep up the great work
Thanks Aaron!!
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
Excellent. Thanks. Very helpful. God bless.
Great video. Thanks I'm looking to pour my own garage floor. Want to do as much research as possible.
Good luck!
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.
As always, you make it look easy, Mike.👍
Excellent video
Thanks I appreciate it!
Thanks for the tips Mike.
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.
Great video. Simple and straightforward. Thx.
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.
Awesome work! Thanks for the videos these really help.
Mike, wish I was a younger man and got a chance to learn from you, excellent teacher.
Awesome video and awesome teaching skills
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!
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
Tell us more about the cadillac groover & funny float ...real nice
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
Cushnok brewing on N Belfast Ave...😉👍
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.
Nice tool to cut in I need to use pool joints difficult so sometimes 2 pours over 800 so I wish
Great Video
Very Helpful
Thanks
Thanks Mike. Excellent video!!! Hope to find a lot more information in your channel!!!
Those skids look like a real time saver. Wish I knew those existed. Lol
Great video, Thank you for sharing
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.
Great video, thank you for putting this out! 5 Star
Glad you enjoyed it!
great information, any pointers to compensate family members working for us especially kids...thanks
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.
Nice information thanks very much.
Thank you 👍🏻🇦🇺
Hi Mike
Why broom it out? Why not leave it smooth? Is that an option?
Great video
Awesome video. Very very useful
Thanks Mark, I appreciate it.
Thanks, very informative!
great videos,I always like to keep learning better ways.
Thanks Mike.
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.
Nice job I wish my channel was this good learned alot
Very nice!