Thank you. I think more can be gained from watching an idiot work for an hour than listening to an expert for a day! I’ve spent years as a teacher telling students ‘what’ to do, but leading by example is of far greater value.
I would not have used brick powder mortar on diagonal brick design. It looks finished but also fake at same time. Every time I share the picture with someone I am compelled to explain the construction of the diagonal because few would see the extent of your crafting it as opposed to just laying it on top of a brick wall. Beautifully done, though!
Thanks for sharing the video with others. I hadn't considered it looking like applied decoration 🤔🫤. My thought process was that to have angled mortar joints intersecting each diamond would have looks too busy, and draw the eye away from the horizontal courses of brick which are inline with each other. You must have a designers eye, most wouldn't see the minutae! 👍
Really? His wrist control was on point then other parts told me he wasn't. I'm very impressed. I'm a Bricky. And I've seen a lot worse than you on site
@danwaterson356 many brick layers have never done this complex work.. I admire the time it took you.. also, I'm a stone mason and lay a few bricks here and there.. never nothing this amazing.. Great job
The algorithm brought me here and I am so happy it did. Just gives so much joy to see someone investing all this time and effort into making something aesthetically pleasing in this world that is nowadays so dominated by grey, black and glassy boxes.
I know what you mean. There’s a new estate I pass on my way to work which you’ve described perfectly! Glad the algorithm is starting to work for the channel. Thanks for comment.
@@danwaterson356 Mr. Waterson, new to your channel, reading comments and idscovering a little bit more about you. Dumbfounded you're not a bricky by trade. If not too late I vote to keep the wall as is. Magnific!
Having been a bricklayer for many years, (I used to do a lot of work for English Heritage and the National Trust), I must say this video was a joy to watch. It brought back so many memories. I used to love repairing all the old buildings, fancy arches, garden walls with fancy piers and such. People were amazed what you can do with the right bricks and the time to cut and shape the bricks to make beautiful things as you have done here. I left brickwork because I got bored with the square boxes that seem to be the norm these days. But I do miss projects like this. The satisfaction when you stand back and look at the finished job is a feeling I can still remember to this day. Excellent work. P.S. leave the capping as is. Less is more. You will take the eye away from the main feature of the paneling below.
Thanks for sharing your story. Brick is such an amazing medium to work with and some lovely structures can be created. Time and energy are all that is required, as you said. Glad the video spoke to your memories. All the best.
I’m not a brick layer but I’ve done small walls and bbq bit of block to watch you video was great what an amazing project like most things take time and get great results it’s all trial and error in my eyes as for the top I’d leave as is the main feature says it all 👍
Unfortunately I think you were just not able to find the right clients, those with the money do not care about the time or cost of the project just the opulence of the finished product. A £2M + house with gated driveway would pay VERY well to have a 6 foot version leading to the gates, or maybe around a raised flowerbed or pond.
@@ferretfez6976 In my experience, it’s the people with money that are the tightest. Always trying to get the job done cheaper and always trying to save a bob or two. Trust me, if they have the money, they’re always trying to get more or save what they’ve got. 😬
I vote for leaving it square edged. When you proposed rounding it I expected that would be great, but looking at the wall as it stands, the squared edge gives it a definitive upper edge and doesn't distract from the rounded bricks below. It draws your attention down to the curves.
You have proven that with time, interest and YouYube you can do anything! Something to be admired and being at the entrance to your home, it can be admired by you, your family and visitors everyday. You will never grow tired of looking at it! Brilliant!!
You are a natural bricklayer and most of the bricklayers i have worked with in my 40 + years in building trade would not have attempted that wall, give yourself a big pat on the back for a job well done.
🙏 thanks so much. 25 years ago I bought a house in the UK and unbeknown to me my neighbour was a bricklayer. I decided to build a brick wall, and after a couple of days he couldn’t put up with the sound of me pounding on the bricks anymore, so he came around and gave me some pointers……. Sometimes you just need to SEE someone work for it all to click.
@@danwaterson356so right is that buddy. Well done. You have done An amazing job. I think the reason you have done so amazingly well is because you are enjoying doing it. Most brickies like said in the comments wouldn’t even bother.
Coming from a family of Brickmasons, I can say this is a job well done my friend! Whether this is your main trade or not, you've done a splendid job! That red brick touch up with the diamond design on the outside of the cinder block was a fantastic idea and to be quite honest, you've done a better job than most bricklayers I've seen! Hahahahaha... you should be proud of yourself! Excellent work! 💯
you used to be able to buy all them bricks, I lived near a brickworks and it was my playground for many years and the number of different bricks they produced was amazing, it was a hand cast brickworks and I used to watch the men "throwing" them, that's when they slap in the mix and scrape it off with a cheese wire to finish it off, it was a sad day when they blew up the chimney, our school was 200 yards away and we all got off school to walk over and watch the bang and fall of the chimney, we used to make camps in the brick stacks, hollow out a room and during the winter they stayed warm for weeks, might have been days but when your 6-7-8 it seems like weeks, for light we had a paraffin road lamp !
Good times and great memories, sounds better than growing up in front of an iPad! Thanks for sharing. I visited Blists Hill last year and the ruins of the old brickworks are a sight to behold.
I salute your skill and patience. You have created a thing of beauty. So refreshing in today’s cheap, nasty & disposable world. Bring back the arts & craft style of building with you as the leader.
Thanks. There are many examples of great architectural beauty which most certainly portray significant historical design eras; I don't think we're living through one right now!
You are leaving behind kind sir, artistic wall that greatly outlives you and me. I always wished I’d planted some nice Oak trees on our beautiful water front property back when we acquired the land 22 years ago. I guess I still can,
You should be proud of your beautifully crafted work. An excellent example of how much thought and math goes in to brick work. It inset as easy as it looks, as this demonstrates, but you have made what could have been some thing furcal in to a thing of beauty.
Thank you for the comment. You right, it’s adding that little something extra that takes all the thought and planning. Understanding maths and geometry is the cornerstone of any DIY project, if only kids understood that whilst they’re in school!
Wow, what an amazing project. Great Work. I hate to think what some of the professional British Bricklayers I follow, Steve and Alex, Izzy the Bricky, Stu Crompton, would charge for a project like this. It goes to show, there is still a place in this world for DIY'ers with patience and determination.
Thanks, it was fun to build. Some entertaining channels you mention there of some professional gents. I’m a big advocate for DIY- sometimes you just need to be shown how to do something and that’s enough to get you going. After all, that’s how the professionals learnt their trade!
Thanks so much for the viewing time, much appreciated especially as it’s a long video. It’s been great fun making this retaining wall series of videos so I’m excited to get stuck into the next project.
I absolutely love this type of stuff. These types of details and unique designs is what makes a property amazing. Real craftmanship art! I would leave the edge sharp. It's a nice contrast to all of the other curves. it makes it pop more IMO.
Agreed, it’s doing things differently that adds a touch of uniqueness to a property. Stay tuned for more! Judging by the votes it seems most would agree with your opinion on keeping the top edge as-is.
I can’t believe I watched this whole thing, but I was just amazed the whole way I like the square straight edge at the top, but I am also exhausted just watching this
Stunning ! A thing of beauty. It's been an absolute pleasure to watch you demonstrate skills I thought were lost in the passage of time. It is a work of art in its own right. A credit to you sir.
Thanks, the tip I’ve taken from the video is using the laser and trowel to level the curved wall I’ll be using it next time I build a curved wall regarding the flat wall ties I did some time working in germany they had similar stainless steel ones very popular the tip I got from Dean from Reading was bend them to about an eighty degree L shape and after laying the block slide the tie in with the L up and because it’s over 90 when you push the bottom tight to the wall the top edge will be tight against the wall and not catch your hands as you work
@@peterthebricky Nice one, that would keep the ties out of the way. I had no idea whether the ties would align, as the reclaimed bricks varied from 69-75mm thick. I would've referred wire brick ties, but just can't get them in NZ.
First class. Renovating my 200 yr old stable yard and gates showed the skill of the old boys. In the tudor style, rubbed bricks, broken specials with hair thin mortar to use them and ground brick dust were all there. Bricklaying is one of the most satisfying and challenging of jobs but it never ceases to amaze how accurate we can be by eye and with basic tools. When I built my house, all the correct coins to ward off spirits were put into the corners, fireplaces and chimneys. I am not a professional but 50 years on, the glow of hand made swanage brick and flush white lime mortar with local grit sand stands true. Of course I can still see all the little errors. Thank you posting.
As a cabinet maker I spend so much of my time inventing systems for repetitive work, not that much different to this. One wrong measurement puts the next out of line and gets steadily worse. Experience teaches you to take the time to do it right. Love the result, it looks magnificent!
Absolutely! Jigs, fixtures, templates and systems are the stable of any good workshop and help you keep your sanity and avoid time consuming mistakes. One of the projects I’m working on is to design and build a workshop near the cabin, where I’ll get back into cabinet making and steel fabrication with some cool projects. Of course it’ll all feature on the channel 😀
Dan Your bricklaying skills are excellent, I’ve been a brickie for 30 years, I’ve learnt a few tricks from this video. I would lend you my bricksaw if you need it. We never get to do ornate brickwork like this, it was nice to see. If I ever get a chance to do it I’ll rewatch your video.
Thanks so much. There’s a saying that you can learn more from watching a fool work for an hour than you can listening to an expert for a day. If you do end up doing an ornate job make sure you charge twice the price you think it’ll be! 🤣
As a retired bricklayer, the job you done was very time consuming, but an amazing finish, keep the coping as it is, looks great, happy there are still people out there that can do this type of work, its all wack em and slash em today, some rubbish been built, no pride in their work, well done👏👏
You are an artist, sir. Reminds me so much of the beautiful decorative 19th century brickwork on so many buildings in Oxford, which I have always admired. Why have dull run-of-mill architecture (for that is essentially what this is) when you can have something creative and playful. I applaud your artistic achievement; bravo!
Thank you for the kind words. Oxford is a wonderful old city; there are so many examples of great architecture in England, I wish I'd taken the time to see more when I lived there!
It's incredible looking as it is, keep 'em sharp. 👍🏻👍🏻. Can't wait to find out about the new project.. 😃. Ps. Don't go driving over it and ruining it lol.
Mr. Waterson, I'm so happy YT suggested your video. Your skills and patience probably would be the object of envy for many bricklayers of Victorian times. It would be nice if you could offer classes, pass on your skills to younger generations. Wait! I just spotted on the comments someone saying you're not a bricklayer!!?? Serious!? I'm confused. You got a like and a new subscriber who will binge watch your previous videos. Cheers!
Welcome to the channel and thanks for viewing the videos. Not a bricklayer, just someone who loves designing and building stuff! Loads of projects to come, so stay tuned 👍
I know nothing about bricklaying, I just know that I love bricks! This is really impressive, and more so seeing as you've done it by yourself. The diamond pattern is really striking.
@@danwaterson356 I think its something to do with it being a natural material. I also love how every builder has a different pattern or style. There is so much opportunity for variation!
Hi Dan, I stumbled across your channel this morning. I can’t believe I’ve not found it before. This has to be one of the best things on TH-cam and I’m gonna be making sure I tell everyone about it because you deserve lots more subscribers. I have my own TH-cam channel and I know how hard it is to gain subscribers but you should have hundreds of thousands if not millions. Your work is incredible Terrythemaker
Hi Terry, that's so kind of you to say. Yes it's a hard nut to crack this TH-cam algorithm so any recommendations to others are most welcome! All the best, and I'll check out your channel. Dan
Well all my years of watching bricklaying.i have never seen such a detailed design and a finish to a curved brick wall.i take my hat off to you not only on the final look and finish but to the design the workings out for the curviture the alignment for the perps .this is a genius at his work a master in the world of bricklaying.never have i seen the likes of it .and its been my pleasure to watch you at work.i salute you sir.keep up the fantastic work❤
you tube is such a good resource for learning from each other, of course you get the odd negative comment, but on the whole its great to share knowledge with each other, i do woodworking as a hobby and got into CNC and incorporated it into my work all through online help. im amazed people take the time to explain tips and techniques, just goes to show we never stop learning, cheers from a new subscriber...P.S, i laughed when the festool sander came out for shaping the bricks, hope its an old one 😄
Never stop learning, the brain is an amazing organ that should be constantly nurtured. Good work on incorporating CNC, it's such a great resource when combined with other skills. I've been very lucky to continue my learning through my work as a teacher, experimenting with CNC, 3D printing and laser cutting. Thanks for the subscription, and well spotted on the Festool! I've had the Rotex for around 10 years now and it's done everything from cabinet making, sanding whole house floors, even polished a concrete floor with it! (and now shaping bricks).
this is fantastic, remembering my own poor attempts of bricklaying in our own garden. I am really amazed by what you have accomplished. Unfortunatly i won't be able to share this video with my wife, since that might put me in a position i will certainly regret later. Leave the top row as is - it's just perfect.
Thanks. Just show her the latest video where I discuss the costs; that’ll likely put paid to any notion of adding to your job list 🤣😂🤣 My first attempts 30 years ago were also very poor, but fortunately my neighbour was a brick later (unbeknownst to me) and when he heard me pounding on the bricks he just couldn’t stand by, so gave me some pointers. Sometimes you just need to SEE how something’s done, which is why TH-cam is such a great resource. Top row is going to remain, it seems most people agree with you.
Hey Dan, thank you for the quick respnse. Unfortunately i also added old bricks to my pile of future projects and after seeing your latest video i think costs are generally a bit lower here in germany. Since my labour is free of charge and being sure i am not as patient as you are i stick to no show. Until the next time i have one too many beers. Love your channel.
I’ve been a carpenter for 40 years, I now just build bespoke wardrobes and cabinets but I’m always in awe of other trades such as brickies and plasterers. And you’re not even a bricklayer! Never a doubt that the Festool sander wouldn’t do the job either. Great work fella
Nice work transitioning into cabinetry. I played at being a cabinet maker in a past life, and will be building a workshop so I can get back into some wood construction and steel fabrication. Festool do make some fine gear don’t they? I’ve even ground and polished a bathroom concrete floor with the Rotex! 👍
Master Class in Brick Laying. you Sir are a true Craftsman! A true Professional Beautiful piece of art you've built thank you for sharing with the world.
Reminds about the very classy brickwork, with various (always glazed) special bricks, mouldings, profiles, various colours, you can see on Swedish houses from the 1800:s... Smaller towns often had wood houses, the cities required brick, which.often was very nice & fancy, even for the working classes (which could have e.g. 1 floor brick, 2 floors wood, slightly smaller in scale, otherwise same styles as for the wealthy).... 1900 there were around 500 brickyards in Sweden, using circular kilns where a worker were supposed to move 104000 bricks per week, in and out of the Kiln, each stone 4,5 kg, totally around 47 tons. Temp around 70° C, and the work described as "As close to Hell as you will ever get"... I can imagine, in those days, you could order any kind of special brick for your project, in small amounts & handmade and it would not be expensive... One of the traditional kilns still exist, Bältarbro Tegelbruk. I guess, mighty expensive today...
Hallå and thanks for comment. Swedish architecture is often quite spectactular but I'm glad we've moved away from those horrendous working conditions! It sounds appalling, but I guess that was the norm back in the day. Bältarbro Tegelbruk looks very similar to the derelict brickworks around England. I guess the technology was the same no matter the location.
Just want to say how enjoyable it was to follow your journey building a stunning wall, you are a natural artisan with great tutoring skills, you could turn your hand to absolutely anything I'm sure all those in the comment section would agree. 👏👏
that looks absolutely fantastic mate, i did something similar a few years back, i found the easiest way was to get all your cuts done, they i laid it out dry on the floor and just transfered it to the wall as i need it, you made a lovely job of that
I wish detailed beautiful work like this was the norm. I live in Birmingham and love the care old masons and stone workers used to take on pattern work and decorative elememts the lift buildings from functional to beautiful. The old railway works, train stations and telecom buildings have some mind bending brickwork on them. Love the video
Thanks. There are some stunning buildings hidden around the UK, harking back to the Industrial Age. Architectural minimalism has its place, but nothing beats quality crafted design.
Mate, that is stunning, I was in the building game for 20 years and I don’t know anyone who would undertake that project. I tip my hat to you Sir. 👍 leave the sharp edge on it.
I feel so stupid hoping this video would come out sooner! So much work, and great work at that! I would leave it a sharp hedge, makes it look stronger and safer imo.
Amazing work Dan, I’ve been in the building industry 40+ years, and never seen a bricklayer attempt anything like that. Complete masterpiece, oh! and leave it as it is 👍
Thanks for the comment, maybe a bricklayer would have the sense not to attempt such a pattern! 🤣. I’ve just published the last video in this series and I’m taking your opinion ands leaving the top as is. 👍
Looking great Dan! I reckon the hard edge looks good. If you rounded the top you might then want to round off the bottom and terraced parts. Then where does it end?!?!
Using a bucket to measure the sand and cement will give you a consistent mix. It takes a bit longer to put into buckets. But it’s worth it for a uniformed finish 😊
Great tip, thanks. Consistency is the key (which is why I like the Trade Mortar as it guarantees 12.5MPa strength after 28 days). I guess you could use a bucket to measure water also.
I've done a decent amount of brick work here in philly, but; and I don't say this lightly, YOU ARE A BEAST! Doing all that by yourself! I know union bricklayers I'd say you're right there with them...
Great craftsmanship and what patience. As a carpenter and teacher at a crafts school, I know what it's all about. Keep up the good work Greetings from Denmark
I coulde see your not a bricklayer but wow the cuts the design the intricacies in that wall is absolutely amazing I love it very very well done .leave the top as is for me .inspiring work ❤
![[UNCUT] The Loyal Pin ปิ่นภักดิ์ EP.4 (4/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/d3l5rxl5CVo/mqdefault.jpg)
Leave it as it is… absolutely perfect
Thank you, noted.
Agreed!
Yeah agreed
Absolutely leave it!
agreed
When the wall beds into it's surroundings people will say "you don't get craftsmen like Victorians anymore" 😂
Excellent job.
Ha! That’s the plan! Now I’ve got to make the rest of the place match though…..🤔
I'm a real Bricklayer and your hard work and enthusiasm is something for young lads to admire and strive towards.
Thank you. I think more can be gained from watching an idiot work for an hour than listening to an expert for a day! I’ve spent years as a teacher telling students ‘what’ to do, but leading by example is of far greater value.
Madness pure and simple.
I would not have used brick powder mortar on diagonal brick design.
It looks finished but also fake at same time.
Every time I share the picture with someone I am compelled to explain the construction of the diagonal because few would see the extent of your crafting it as opposed to just laying it on top of a brick wall.
Beautifully done, though!
Thanks for sharing the video with others. I hadn't considered it looking like applied decoration 🤔🫤. My thought process was that to have angled mortar joints intersecting each diamond would have looks too busy, and draw the eye away from the horizontal courses of brick which are inline with each other. You must have a designers eye, most wouldn't see the minutae! 👍
😂🤣😂
Can't believe my new favourite Bricky on TH-cam ain't even a bricky 🤣🧱🧱🧱
🤣😂🤣sorry! I like to have a go all many different trades, as you’ll see in future videos.
Check out Rob Songer.
He's the master.
@@fritzdrybeam He certainly is! I've just been introduced to his channel @Robsonger
The fact your not a Bricklayer makes this 1000x more impressive.
Incredible work!
Thanks so much. I'm just glad the real bricklayers haven't slated my work!
@danwaterson356 if you didn't lay with your trowel hand on occasion I would never of noticed!
Really? His wrist control was on point then other parts told me he wasn't. I'm very impressed. I'm a Bricky. And I've seen a lot worse than you on site
@markmorgan6231 no I mean he lays with his trowel hand. Meaning he puts his trowel down to lay a brick.
If he didn't do that I wouldn't have a clue.
@danwaterson356 many brick layers have never done this complex work.. I admire the time it took you.. also, I'm a stone mason and lay a few bricks here and there.. never nothing this amazing.. Great job
The algorithm brought me here and I am so happy it did. Just gives so much joy to see someone investing all this time and effort into making something aesthetically pleasing in this world that is nowadays so dominated by grey, black and glassy boxes.
I know what you mean. There’s a new estate I pass on my way to work which you’ve described perfectly! Glad the algorithm is starting to work for the channel. Thanks for comment.
Leave it sharp. Looks so good already. You are an absolute craftsman.
Thank you for your kind words. It’s looking like the sharp edge gets to stay unless there’s a sudden sway in the votes!
@@danwaterson356 Mr. Waterson, new to your channel, reading comments and idscovering a little bit more about you. Dumbfounded you're not a bricky by trade. If not too late I vote to keep the wall as is. Magnific!
Having been a bricklayer for many years, (I used to do a lot of work for English Heritage and the National Trust), I must say this video was a joy to watch. It brought back so many memories.
I used to love repairing all the old buildings, fancy arches, garden walls with fancy piers and such. People were amazed what you can do with the right bricks and the time to cut and shape the bricks to make beautiful things as you have done here. I left brickwork because I got bored with the square boxes that seem to be the norm these days. But I do miss projects like this. The satisfaction when you stand back and look at the finished job is a feeling I can still remember to this day. Excellent work.
P.S. leave the capping as is. Less is more. You will take the eye away from the main feature of the paneling below.
Thanks for sharing your story. Brick is such an amazing medium to work with and some lovely structures can be created. Time and energy are all that is required, as you said. Glad the video spoke to your memories. All the best.
I’m not a brick layer but I’ve done small walls and bbq bit of block to watch you video was great what an amazing project like most things take time and get great results it’s all trial and error in my eyes as for the top I’d leave as is the main feature says it all 👍
Unfortunately I think you were just not able to find the right clients, those with the money do not care about the time or cost of the project just the opulence of the finished product. A £2M + house with gated driveway would pay VERY well to have a 6 foot version leading to the gates, or maybe around a raised flowerbed or pond.
@@ferretfez6976 In my experience, it’s the people with money that are the tightest. Always trying to get the job done cheaper and always trying to save a bob or two. Trust me, if they have the money, they’re always trying to get more or save what they’ve got. 😬
I've been a mason since 1967 and i can tell you that was a major task you took on there. Well done sir! Looks great.
Thank you so much. It was a major undertaking!
I vote for leaving it square edged. When you proposed rounding it I expected that would be great, but looking at the wall as it stands, the squared edge gives it a definitive upper edge and doesn't distract from the rounded bricks below. It draws your attention down to the curves.
I think you’re right. I was concerned it’d look unfinished, but instead it does look defined as you say. 👍
I agree sharp edge. Excellent job!
You have proven that with time, interest and YouYube you can do anything! Something to be admired and being at the entrance to your home, it can be admired by you, your family and visitors everyday. You will never grow tired of looking at it! Brilliant!!
Yes, I have to look say this wall every day- so very glad I put the extra time and effort in now!
Thanks for the comment 🙏
You are a natural bricklayer and most of the bricklayers i have worked with in my 40 + years in building trade would not have attempted that wall, give yourself a big pat on the back for a job well done.
🙏 thanks so much. 25 years ago I bought a house in the UK and unbeknown to me my neighbour was a bricklayer. I decided to build a brick wall, and after a couple of days he couldn’t put up with the sound of me pounding on the bricks anymore, so he came around and gave me some pointers……. Sometimes you just need to SEE someone work for it all to click.
@@danwaterson356so right is that buddy. Well done. You have done An amazing job. I think the reason you have done so amazingly well is because you are enjoying doing it. Most brickies like said in the comments wouldn’t even bother.
Coming from a family of Brickmasons, I can say this is a job well done my friend! Whether this is your main trade or not, you've done a splendid job! That red brick touch up with the diamond design on the outside of the cinder block was a fantastic idea and to be quite honest, you've done a better job than most bricklayers I've seen! Hahahahaha... you should be proud of yourself! Excellent work! 💯
you used to be able to buy all them bricks, I lived near a brickworks and it was my playground for many years and the number of different bricks they produced was amazing, it was a hand cast brickworks and I used to watch the men "throwing" them, that's when they slap in the mix and scrape it off with a cheese wire to finish it off, it was a sad day when they blew up the chimney, our school was 200 yards away and we all got off school to walk over and watch the bang and fall of the chimney, we used to make camps in the brick stacks, hollow out a room and during the winter they stayed warm for weeks, might have been days but when your 6-7-8 it seems like weeks, for light we had a paraffin road lamp !
Good times and great memories, sounds better than growing up in front of an iPad! Thanks for sharing. I visited Blists Hill last year and the ruins of the old brickworks are a sight to behold.
I salute your skill and patience. You have created a thing of beauty. So refreshing in today’s cheap, nasty & disposable world. Bring back the arts & craft style of building with you as the leader.
Thanks. There are many examples of great architectural beauty which most certainly portray significant historical design eras; I don't think we're living through one right now!
That is simply old school craft. just stunning.
Thanks. Old school, I’m liking that!
No way he did all this job and keep talking so calmly.... 😅
What a great work! Real art!
Ha! 🙏 thanks. The inner turmoil was real though…🤣
I have been a mason for 43 active years, and i would have never attempted all the cutting and itricate work , lob well done lookes great!
You’ve more sense than me then! 😂
Thanks for the comment.
My vote is for leaving it sharp, as you say. Great craftsmanship.
Thanks for the vote to leave it as-is, and thanks for the comment.
You are leaving behind kind sir, artistic wall that greatly outlives you and me. I always wished I’d planted some nice Oak trees on our beautiful water front property back when we acquired the land 22 years ago. I guess I still can,
Absolutely you still can. There's something quite impressive about a slow growing majestic tree such as the oak.
Wow. If NZ has a lets-give-this-trade-a-whirl competition, you'd win first prize. Skilled, clever, beautiful and a joy to behold.
🙏 thanks for the comment and your kind words.
You should be proud of your beautifully crafted work. An excellent example of how much thought and math goes in to brick work. It inset as easy as it looks, as this demonstrates, but you have made what could have been some thing furcal in to a thing of beauty.
Thank you for the comment. You right, it’s adding that little something extra that takes all the thought and planning. Understanding maths and geometry is the cornerstone of any DIY project, if only kids understood that whilst they’re in school!
Wow, what an amazing project. Great Work. I hate to think what some of the professional British Bricklayers I follow, Steve and Alex, Izzy the Bricky, Stu Crompton, would charge for a project like this. It goes to show, there is still a place in this world for DIY'ers with patience and determination.
Thanks, it was fun to build. Some entertaining channels you mention there of some professional gents. I’m a big advocate for DIY- sometimes you just need to be shown how to do something and that’s enough to get you going. After all, that’s how the professionals learnt their trade!
Saw the thumb and thought I'd flick through. Watched it all. Not only a fabulous wall, terrific presentation as well.
Thanks so much for the viewing time, much appreciated especially as it’s a long video. It’s been great fun making this retaining wall series of videos so I’m excited to get stuck into the next project.
I absolutely love this type of stuff. These types of details and unique designs is what makes a property amazing. Real craftmanship art!
I would leave the edge sharp. It's a nice contrast to all of the other curves. it makes it pop more IMO.
Agreed, it’s doing things differently that adds a touch of uniqueness to a property. Stay tuned for more!
Judging by the votes it seems most would agree with your opinion on keeping the top edge as-is.
I can’t believe I watched this whole thing, but I was just amazed the whole way
I like the square straight edge at the top, but I am also exhausted just watching this
🤣😂🤣 thanks for the comment, and taking the time to watch all the video- much appreciated!
Stunning ! A thing of beauty. It's been an absolute pleasure to watch you demonstrate skills I thought were lost in the passage of time. It is a work of art in its own right. A credit to you sir.
Thanks for your kind comment and hope you'll stick around for the million projects I've got buzzing in my head!
Leave it It's beautiful as it is. My mind would have exploded doing this hats off to you
Thanks, the top edge is staying as-is. 👍
Thanks for the mention made me smile on father's day
Happy Father’s Day. And thanks for the tip, really was much easier.
Thanks, the tip I’ve taken from the video is using the laser and trowel to level the curved wall I’ll be using it next time I build a curved wall
regarding the flat wall ties I did some time working in germany they had similar stainless steel ones very popular the tip I got from Dean from Reading was bend them to about an eighty degree L shape and after laying the block slide the tie in with the L up and because it’s over 90 when you push the bottom tight to the wall the top edge will be tight against the wall and not catch your hands as you work
@@peterthebricky Nice one, that would keep the ties out of the way. I had no idea whether the ties would align, as the reclaimed bricks varied from 69-75mm thick. I would've referred wire brick ties, but just can't get them in NZ.
Labour of love.The only way to explain you is your a genius.
You’re too kind. It was a labour of love though👍
First class. Renovating my 200 yr old stable yard and gates showed the skill of the old boys. In the tudor style, rubbed bricks, broken specials with hair thin mortar to use them and ground brick dust were all there. Bricklaying is one of the most satisfying and challenging of jobs but it never ceases to amaze how accurate we can be by eye and with basic tools. When I built my house, all the correct coins to ward off spirits were put into the corners, fireplaces and chimneys. I am not a professional but 50 years on, the glow of hand made swanage brick and flush white lime mortar with local grit sand stands true. Of course I can still see all the little errors. Thank you posting.
Thanks for sharing. Historical architecture and building techniques can be fascinating. Enjoy the old stable.
Wow! The retaining wall series is so informative. Pleasure to watch your videos with all the knowledge and chill. Absolutely beautiful work
🙏Thanks, your comment is very much appreciated.
Square finish on the top.
THAT! is a work of art. Thank you for sharing 🙂🙂
Thanks for commenting 😀 Square top is definitely getting the most votes!
Great attention to detail and unbelievable patience. Beautiful work a master victorian bricklayer would be impressed by👏
Thanks for the comment, Glad you liked it! 🙏
Thank you for sharing Dan. What a monumental effort.
Leave as a straight edge
Thanks Peter, your vote is noted.
As a cabinet maker I spend so much of my time inventing systems for repetitive work, not that much different to this. One wrong measurement puts the next out of line and gets steadily worse. Experience teaches you to take the time to do it right. Love the result, it looks magnificent!
Absolutely! Jigs, fixtures, templates and systems are the stable of any good workshop and help you keep your sanity and avoid time consuming mistakes. One of the projects I’m working on is to design and build a workshop near the cabin, where I’ll get back into cabinet making and steel fabrication with some cool projects. Of course it’ll all feature on the channel 😀
I have nothing to do with bricklaying but this is just like an art. Masterpiece.
Thanks for the comment, much appreciated. Just to prove brick work doesn’t have to be plain and boring! 😀
Dan
Your bricklaying skills are excellent, I’ve been a brickie for 30 years, I’ve learnt a few tricks from this video. I would lend you my bricksaw if you need it. We never get to do ornate brickwork like this, it was nice to see. If I ever get a chance to do it I’ll rewatch your video.
Thanks so much. There’s a saying that you can learn more from watching a fool work for an hour than you can listening to an expert for a day. If you do end up doing an ornate job make sure you charge twice the price you think it’ll be! 🤣
Masterful work, and delightful commentary.
Thank you 🙏
I think it looks perfect as it is. No radius cut.
Thank you for the vote 👍
I would leave it as a sharp edge personally... What a beautiful job you have done! I love traditional building methods like that!
Thank you, and it looks like the edge will be remaining sharp.
As a retired bricklayer, the job you done was very time consuming, but an amazing finish, keep the coping as it is, looks great, happy there are still people out there that can do this type of work, its all wack em and slash em today, some rubbish been built, no pride in their work, well done👏👏
Thanks for the comment. Time consuming is right. If you don’t take pride in your work then there’s no point in doing it.
You are an artist, sir. Reminds me so much of the beautiful decorative 19th century brickwork on so many buildings in Oxford, which I have always admired. Why have dull run-of-mill architecture (for that is essentially what this is) when you can have something creative and playful. I applaud your artistic achievement; bravo!
Thank you for the kind words. Oxford is a wonderful old city; there are so many examples of great architecture in England, I wish I'd taken the time to see more when I lived there!
It's incredible looking as it is, keep 'em sharp. 👍🏻👍🏻. Can't wait to find out about the new project.. 😃.
Ps. Don't go driving over it and ruining it lol.
Ha! Running into it wouldn’t cause much damage, beyond a bit of extra ‘character’ 🤣.
Mr. Waterson, I'm so happy YT suggested your video. Your skills and patience probably would be the object of envy for many bricklayers of Victorian times. It would be nice if you could offer classes, pass on your skills to younger generations. Wait! I just spotted on the comments someone saying you're not a bricklayer!!?? Serious!? I'm confused. You got a like and a new subscriber who will binge watch your previous videos. Cheers!
Welcome to the channel and thanks for viewing the videos. Not a bricklayer, just someone who loves designing and building stuff! Loads of projects to come, so stay tuned 👍
I know nothing about bricklaying, I just know that I love bricks! This is really impressive, and more so seeing as you've done it by yourself. The diamond pattern is really striking.
Thanks for the comment. I know what you mean, there’s something so appealing about bricks!
@@danwaterson356 I think its something to do with it being a natural material. I also love how every builder has a different pattern or style. There is so much opportunity for variation!
Nice job, you need to leave it square. I appreciate how you were patient in keeping your joints plumb and keeping bond throughout.
Thank you. Looks like I’ll be leaving the top edge square. 👍
A True artisan - with good standards.
You can’t go far wrong in life with good standards and high expectations.
Hi Dan, I stumbled across your channel this morning. I can’t believe I’ve not found it before. This has to be one of the best things on TH-cam and I’m gonna be making sure I tell everyone about it because you deserve lots more subscribers. I have my own TH-cam channel and I know how hard it is to gain subscribers but you should have hundreds of thousands if not millions. Your work is incredible Terrythemaker
Hi Terry, that's so kind of you to say. Yes it's a hard nut to crack this TH-cam algorithm so any recommendations to others are most welcome! All the best, and I'll check out your channel. Dan
Mr. Waterson, Respect!
👍 thanks!
radius and round edge. Amazing and beautiful job!!
Thanks. Your vote has been noted.
The top is perfect as is the rest of the way. Don't change a thing. Fantastic job!
Thank you and your vote is noted.
Incredible work, you have the patience of a saint. well done
Thank you, and I have to have patience- I teach secondary students 🤣
I definitely prefer the sharp edge honestly. The way this blends into the landscape is beautiful though.
Sharp edge it is! Once the greenery grows back it’ll look like it’s always been there.
Absolutely amazing quality work 👏
Thank you 🙏
Well all my years of watching bricklaying.i have never seen such a detailed design and a finish to a curved brick wall.i take my hat off to you not only on the final look and finish but to the design the workings out for the curviture the alignment for the perps .this is a genius at his work a master in the world of bricklaying.never have i seen the likes of it .and its been my pleasure to watch you at work.i salute you sir.keep up the fantastic work❤
Thank you so much for your kind words. Certainly fuels me to keep going! Glad you enjoyed the video 👍
Look forward to seeing more of your creative work i admire your perserverence and patience
Yes leave it, I feel if you round it, it would take away from the pattern below it!
Beautiful work!
I always felt quality takes time
Agreed, the voting is clearly in favour of leaving as-is
Leave it square edged. Wow, I am well impressed and you’re not even a bricky. You certainly are a perfectionist. Well done Dan
Thanks for the comment and the vote. Perfectionism is a curse and a blessing! 🤣
Masterpiece of artwork. It was a pleasure to watch this TH-cam video. And it must have been a large amount of work. Hours and hours.
Thanks so much for the comment, and glad you enjoyed watching. Hours and hours is about right…..
you tube is such a good resource for learning from each other, of course you get the odd negative comment, but on the whole its great to share knowledge with each other, i do woodworking as a hobby and got into CNC and incorporated it into my work all through online help. im amazed people take the time to explain tips and techniques, just goes to show we never stop learning, cheers from a new subscriber...P.S, i laughed when the festool sander came out for shaping the bricks, hope its an old one 😄
Never stop learning, the brain is an amazing organ that should be constantly nurtured. Good work on incorporating CNC, it's such a great resource when combined with other skills. I've been very lucky to continue my learning through my work as a teacher, experimenting with CNC, 3D printing and laser cutting. Thanks for the subscription, and well spotted on the Festool! I've had the Rotex for around 10 years now and it's done everything from cabinet making, sanding whole house floors, even polished a concrete floor with it! (and now shaping bricks).
this is fantastic, remembering my own poor attempts of bricklaying in our own garden. I am really amazed by what you have accomplished. Unfortunatly i won't be able to share this video with my wife, since that might put me in a position i will certainly regret later. Leave the top row as is - it's just perfect.
Thanks. Just show her the latest video where I discuss the costs; that’ll likely put paid to any notion of adding to your job list 🤣😂🤣
My first attempts 30 years ago were also very poor, but fortunately my neighbour was a brick later (unbeknownst to me) and when he heard me pounding on the bricks he just couldn’t stand by, so gave me some pointers. Sometimes you just need to SEE how something’s done, which is why TH-cam is such a great resource.
Top row is going to remain, it seems most people agree with you.
Hey Dan, thank you for the quick respnse. Unfortunately i also added old bricks to my pile of future projects and after seeing your latest video i think costs are generally a bit lower here in germany. Since my labour is free of charge and being sure i am not as patient as you are i stick to no show. Until the next time i have one too many beers. Love your channel.
Absolutely stunning! You are a very patient man to put in the time to make this wall perfect. It is a work of art!
Thanks so much. I do enjoy a challenge, and this certainly tested me at times.
It's so nice to see a proper British craftsman. Attention to detail, skill and preparation are key to any job. Thank you for sharing this.
Absolutely, planning is crucial for any project. Thanks so much for the compliment.
Кирпичное кружево! Как же здорово увидеть, что кто-то этим занимается в наш скучный век минимализма!
Thank you, I like that term - 'brick lace'. Спасибо. Мне нравится этот термин «кирпичное кружево». Прямая однотонная стена наверняка была бы скучной.
I’ve been a carpenter for 40 years, I now just build bespoke wardrobes and cabinets but I’m always in awe of other trades such as brickies and plasterers. And you’re not even a bricklayer! Never a doubt that the Festool sander wouldn’t do the job either. Great work fella
Nice work transitioning into cabinetry. I played at being a cabinet maker in a past life, and will be building a workshop so I can get back into some wood construction and steel fabrication. Festool do make some fine gear don’t they? I’ve even ground and polished a bathroom concrete floor with the Rotex! 👍
Found and joined you on part 4. Absolutely brilliant workmanship. Bravo. Inspiring. Thank you.
So kind you to say 🙏 Thanks for the comment.
Master Class in Brick Laying. you Sir are a true Craftsman! A true Professional Beautiful piece of art you've built thank you for sharing with the world.
Kind of you to say, thanks!
Bullnose please absolutely beautiful brickwork thank you
👍 thanks for the vote and comment
Reminds about the very classy brickwork, with various (always glazed) special bricks, mouldings, profiles, various colours, you can see on Swedish houses from the 1800:s... Smaller towns often had wood houses, the cities required brick, which.often was very nice & fancy, even for the working classes (which could have e.g. 1 floor brick, 2 floors wood, slightly smaller in scale, otherwise same styles as for the wealthy)....
1900 there were around 500 brickyards in Sweden, using circular kilns where a worker were supposed to move 104000 bricks per week, in and out of the Kiln, each stone 4,5 kg, totally around 47 tons. Temp around 70° C, and the work described as "As close to Hell as you will ever get"...
I can imagine, in those days, you could order any kind of special brick for your project, in small amounts & handmade and it would not be expensive... One of the traditional kilns still exist, Bältarbro Tegelbruk. I guess, mighty expensive today...
Hallå and thanks for comment. Swedish architecture is often quite spectactular but I'm glad we've moved away from those horrendous working conditions! It sounds appalling, but I guess that was the norm back in the day. Bältarbro Tegelbruk looks very similar to the derelict brickworks around England. I guess the technology was the same no matter the location.
That looks great, such attention to detail.
Leave the corner sharp.
Thanks so much 🙏 and thanks for the vote
Just want to say how enjoyable it was to follow your journey building a stunning wall, you are a natural artisan with great tutoring skills, you could turn your hand to absolutely anything I'm sure all those in the comment section would agree. 👏👏
Thank you so much for your kind words. The encouragement is most appreciated. 🙏
that looks absolutely fantastic mate, i did something similar a few years back, i found the easiest way was to get all your cuts done, they i laid it out dry on the floor and just transfered it to the wall as i need it, you made a lovely job of that
Thank you. Yes, planning and prep is all important. Congrats on your project, I know what you went through!🤣
The sharp edge looks good. It contrasts against the radius of the wall.
Thanks. It seems most people agree with you so it’ll be staying as-is 👍
THAT WALL SIR IS PERFECT AS IS DONT ALTER A THING VERY WELL EXECUTED BRICK LAYING PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK SIR.👏👏👏
Thanks so much for the comment 🙏 and the vote to leave it as-is. 👍
as a brick layer from NZ i take my hat of mate well done!
Kia ora, thanks!
@@danwaterson356 Oh just seen your a kiwi too! chur well done mate!
Round the top. Amazing work!!
Thank you 👍
I wish detailed beautiful work like this was the norm. I live in Birmingham and love the care old masons and stone workers used to take on pattern work and decorative elememts the lift buildings from functional to beautiful. The old railway works, train stations and telecom buildings have some mind bending brickwork on them. Love the video
Thanks. There are some stunning buildings hidden around the UK, harking back to the Industrial Age. Architectural minimalism has its place, but nothing beats quality crafted design.
Insane amount of talent. I can’t imagine what something like this costs
Why thank you so much 🙏. Check you the video I uploaded yesterday to see the costs…..
Mate, that is stunning, I was in the building game for 20 years and I don’t know anyone who would undertake that project. I tip my hat to you Sir. 👍 leave the sharp edge on it.
Thanks for the comment 🙏. Just published the final video in this series, and nearly everyone voted to keep the wall edge sharp.
What a an amazing work of love and perseverance. Well done. I am truly inspired by your hard work and attention to details. Hard edge for me
Thank you, it’s much appreciated. Your vote has been noted.
I feel so stupid hoping this video would come out sooner! So much work, and great work at that!
I would leave it a sharp hedge, makes it look stronger and safer imo.
Don't feel bad, I feel stupid for the same reason!
That is absolutely stunning, leave as it is, congratulations and very very well done. 👌👌👌
🙏 thanks for the comment. Looks like I’m leaving the top as-is!
Absolutely mesmeric. Craftsmanship is always a thing of joy to behold. Outstanding work fella
Thanks and I agree that fine craftsmanship is always enjoyable (more so the less we see nowadays).
very satisfying to watch and the final result is perfection.
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed.
You have a great eye for detail mate 👍
The devils in the detail (so’s the countless extra hours it took to build!)
Amazing work Dan, I’ve been in the building industry 40+ years, and never seen a bricklayer attempt anything like that. Complete masterpiece, oh! and leave it as it is 👍
Thanks for the comment, maybe a bricklayer would have the sense not to attempt such a pattern! 🤣. I’ve just published the last video in this series and I’m taking your opinion ands leaving the top as is. 👍
Stunning
Thank you
Looking great Dan! I reckon the hard edge looks good. If you rounded the top you might then want to round off the bottom and terraced parts. Then where does it end?!?!
Thanks. You’re right- where does it end! Fortunately the votes are heavily in favour of keeping as-is. For now…
Stunning artwork and precision
Thank you, glad you like it
Absolutely wonderful work! Thank you for sharing. Very inspiring!
Thanks for commenting!
Using a bucket to measure the sand and cement will give you a consistent mix.
It takes a bit longer to put into buckets.
But it’s worth it for a uniformed finish 😊
Great tip, thanks. Consistency is the key (which is why I like the Trade Mortar as it guarantees 12.5MPa strength after 28 days). I guess you could use a bucket to measure water also.
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing.❤
🙏 thank you, and thanks for watching.
I've done a decent amount of brick work here in philly, but; and I don't say this lightly, YOU ARE A BEAST! Doing all that by yourself! I know union bricklayers I'd say you're right there with them...
That's very kind of you to say, especially from a seasoned professional such as yourself.
Amazing craftsmanship. Well done! I like the sharp edge.
Thanks, and your vote is noted.
Grandios !!!👍👍👍 This will be a tourist attraction!
Ha! Here's hoping....a future project is to build an off-grid cabin in the hills, and this retaining walled area will become the visitors parking.
Epic indeed, and if I may add, outstanding and beautiful craftsmanship!
Thanks so much for the comment, much appreciated.
Great craftsmanship and what patience.
As a carpenter and teacher at a crafts school, I know what it's all about.
Keep up the good work
Greetings from Denmark
Hej, thanks for the comment and keep up the good work educating our young.
Perfect as it is
Thank you 👍
Looks amazing. Well done 👌
Thanks so much.
I coulde see your not a bricklayer but wow the cuts the design the intricacies in that wall is absolutely amazing I love it very very well done .leave the top as is for me .inspiring work ❤
Thanks for the comment. It’s looking like the top will be left as-is!
@danwaterson356
Blown away but what you did there you should be proud awesome 35 a bricklayer well done to you 👍👊
That is fantastic. I'm in the building industry & I'm 100% sure no bricklayer I know would even attempt this.
Just to add: the tidiness there is really professional & pleasant compared to actual bricklayers
I bet that’s because they’ve got more sense! 🤣😂🤣
It’s all too easy to be tripping over your work; tidiness is the key.