Masonry Magazine March 2004 Page. 57
Many of these innovations will not only save time and energy, but will also help with on-site safety.
"The spring assist works like an extra helper," says the Springbarrow's inventor, Nick Benton. "If you have a very heavy load, it will feel like another person is pulling while you push."
"My brother builds cell-towers, and his crew does a lot of concrete work," Benton adds. "He often would have two crewmembers on a wheelbarrow full of concrete, weighing about 300-400 pounds. The spring assist helps to get the heavy load going in the right direction, giving the user better balance and much less back strain for sure."
Benton says that not only will mason contractors and their crews benefit from using a Springbarrow, but that other wheeled devices, such as brick and block carts or mortar tubs, could also be easily fitted with his invention.
Built to Last
EVEN THE TRADITIONAL HODS, which have been around for over a century, still have a long-standing place at masonry sites. According to Tom Hannick, President of Czar Weld, hods were traditionally made out of wood, but after World War II there was a surplus of aluminum.
"They last for a pretty good amount of time," says Hannick. "They're made out of high-quality, aircraft-style aluminum."
"It just so happens that when I started building these things 17 or 18 years ago, the back of the brick was a little bit different configuration, so I changed the hod for a place to put your hand," Hannick tells us. "This past year I had a new home built and the front of it is brick, and they had and they didn't know I built them-two or three new hods, as well as one of the old ones that had to be at least 18 years old because it was the old style."
Czar Weld makes all sorts of parts for other industries, but he says that the hods are one of his biggest sellers, with about 200-300 sold each year. Although they've really never marketed their hods heavily, it could be that the way they're built speaks for itself.
"Everyone here are welders and manufacturers," Hannick states. "I don't have a degree in sales or anything like that. We just build our products from a welders' point of view, not always the cheapest or most marketable way, but as well-built items"
Easier Measurements
TOM BLACK MASONRY'S innovative Grademan tool builds upon the best assets of the tape and transit system and the laser system, making a grading system that's perfect for masons. Black told us that the Grademan is so innovative, that he's having a hard time getting people to understand how much it can assist them in their masonry work.
"For the masons who use a laser level, they can best appreciate how the Graderman can make life a lot easier when it comes to setting the grade for a wall," explains Black. "The Grademan is 66 inches tall, has a built-in story pole, is placed over the grade stake, and supported with the marking ring and the stake brake. The stake brake allows the Grademan to be moved vertically and locked on a grade elevation-typically that would be the height of the first row of blocks being set in wet concrete for a masonry wall foundation. If the wall is long, more stakes are required to attach the masons' line and keep the wall straight and level. The Grademan can be taken from stake to stake very quickly for the placement of elevation marks for the string line to be attached."
The Grademan will not only help you accurately mark off your elevation, but you can do it with only one crewmember, rather than with two like other systems.
"If you can imagine holding a piece of wood six feet long with a laser receiver on the top on a windy day, it's almost impossible to hold it steady and get a good accurate step," says Black. "The Graderman holds itself and, once you lock it on the grade, it won't go anywhere until you move it."
He finishes by explaining why his product, and as well as other innovations, are so important to the masonry industry.
"In my humble opinion, I believe masons have the most general knowledge of construction than any other trade, reason being we deal with structures from the ground up." says Black. "Our work must be level and plumb in order for a project to be successful."
MASONRY RESTORATION SET
OUR MORTAR REMOVAL SET INCLUDES:
* Trow & Holden "Type B" short stroke air hammer with 1" piston"
* 10' air hose assembly with all hardware installed, including Staubli push-button Quick-Connect
* Mortar removal chisels (4) - 1/8" and 1/4" carbide cape chisels, 4-100th carbide ripper, 1/4" steel swept cape chisel (chisels also avail. in thicknesses starting at 1/32")
* Tool pouch & literature on tool use
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET STARTED FOR A SPECIAL PRICE $449
"Use with 5 HP compressor
MADE TO LAST IN BARRE, VERMONT
FTROW & HOLDEN COMPANY
45 South Main Street, Barre, Vermont 05641
Toll Free 1-800-451-4349 In Vermont call 476-7221
www.trowandholden.com
CIRCLE 167 ON READER SERVICE CARD
The Voice of the Mason Contractor
March 2004
Masonry 43