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
@Junior-es7mu making it flat and level lol 😅 if you havnt burnt a pad in before then you dont truly know what flat and level is. Its like that episode of Rick and forty when forty stands on the perfect level bit of floor 😅😂
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
excellent video, i was doing a slab on my patio and did everything well except finishing, now I got a mess of sanding it trying to get right just creating more work for me its driving me crazy lol
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ... 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!
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 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
Is there 2 different edging tools. You edged before you mag floated and broomed and then came back with a finish edger. Is the edger the same tool you used twice.
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 mike ive been working concrete as a small part of building electrical service pads and we use a 45° angle edge and i feel like the concrete you do is more forgiving then the mixes that ive been dealing with what do you have in the mixes
What if I'm working on a three sided slab against a wall? How do I finish the unreachable areas up against the wall that I can't reach from the 3 sides before I broom? thx!
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
Such bullshit that some guys are like that. They had to be taught
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
@Junior-es7mu making it flat and level lol 😅 if you havnt burnt a pad in before then you dont truly know what flat and level is.
Its like that episode of Rick and forty when forty stands on the perfect level bit of floor 😅😂
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 always clean the form before edging makes for cleaner work later
How would you go on about doing that? With the edger?
@Junior-es7mu You can use a trowel, or float the scrape the concrete off the top of the form.
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
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.
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
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.
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,
thanks man i’m a 19 year old just learning and this is extremely helpful
how did I miss this one ...... great vid for everyone
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?
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!
excellent video, i was doing a slab on my patio and did everything well except finishing, now I got a mess of sanding it trying to get right just creating more work for me its driving me crazy lol
Thank you, very thorough & basic vocabulary, no lingo or jargon language, simple, I'm going to give my footpath a go, wish me luck.
Love the simple videos- reinforces the the basics for us “once in awhilers” ✌🏼
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.
Hello, very informative video. How far away from each other should joint lines be? Thank you in advance.
Awesome to see the gals learning a trade. Great job......
Great videos you have produced. It is a little harder to finish concrete you mixed yourself then what comes out of a truck.
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"
About time! Finally found videos that explain in depth instead of just showing workers doing the work. Appreciate the videos!
I’m on the west coast and we do it a little different but I learn from mike too it only makes me better .
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!
Hey, this is really good info for Metal guy. He doesn’t really know the five points of finishing concrete. This is really good thanks.
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!
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 🇳🇿
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
Best instructional videos on RUclips Mike! Great job keep 'em coming!
Great video! Very well done and easy to understand. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Just got in the Operative plasteres and Cement masons Union , Love watching these Videos to gain some knowledge and tips 👍🏽
What about to start finishing where is shade and leaving the sun ray's help you with the speed setting process
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.
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.
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.
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?
Hi Mike
Why broom it out? Why not leave it smooth? Is that an option?
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.
Cushnok brewing on N Belfast Ave...😉👍
Your Broom marks are by far the best....
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.
Excellent Video , I learned a few things to enable me to do a professional job .
Nice tool to cut in I need to use pool joints difficult so sometimes 2 pours over 800 so I wish
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
Hey mike how do you finish a garage floor so water doesn’t run in under garage door?
great information, any pointers to compensate family members working for us especially kids...thanks
Definitely the video I was looking for! Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
I'm looking for the link you mention, 'When To Start Finishing Concrete'. I don't see it.?
Make, this is a great instructional video. I'm interested. respect.
Thanks 😊 I needed this
I just poured a 20x4 back poarch. Your skills 👌🏿 👏🏾
You taught me made me look like a semi Pro.
Tell us more about the cadillac groover & funny float ...real nice
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.
@chuckmitchell4608 can you explain why you chose the laborer union over the carpenters union?
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. Thanks I'm looking to pour my own garage floor. Want to do as much research as possible.
Good luck!
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 ... 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!
Excellent tutorial. Thank you.
You're welcome!
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!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge
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.
You have really helped me, thanks so much
You are awesome Mike! Thanks so much for these videos.
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
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, wish I was a younger man and got a chance to learn from you, excellent teacher.
Looks good👍🏻. Getting an idea for when I start to learn.
Great video! Explained perfectly.
Very nice work it’s my favorite job
I live on rocky clay soil, do I have to pull all the rocks out of the soil before I pour the concrete?
This is really informative. Thanks so much.
Those skids look like a real time saver. Wish I knew those existed. Lol
great trade school info mister... perfect content master
Great video for the beginners Mike. Keep up the great work
Thanks Aaron!!
Mike's videos are excellent, have watched many recently and learned so much, very helpful👍
Excellent video
Thanks I appreciate it!
Excellent video, well spoken, and informative.
Man.. so helpful I appreciate your help and videos
I really enjoy your videos. You are going places.
Is there 2 different edging tools. You edged before you mag floated and broomed and then came back with a finish edger. Is the edger the same tool you used twice.
Same tool
Excellent. Thanks. Very helpful. God bless.
How do you edge a curve? Nice video.
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.
Your videos are awesome brotha! Thanks!!
Hey mike ive been working concrete as a small part of building electrical service pads and we use a 45° angle edge and i feel like the concrete you do is more forgiving then the mixes that ive been dealing with what do you have in the mixes
As always, you make it look easy, Mike.👍
What do you think of saw cutting
That’s what I like to do
We do a lot of that also. Most bigger pours are saw cut for us.
Great video, Thank you for sharing
Great video. Simple and straightforward. Thx.
Mikes good but you should check out west coast custom concrete .
Thanks Mike. Excellent video!!! Hope to find a lot more information in your channel!!!
Nice information thanks very much.
Awesome video and awesome teaching skills
Awesome work! Thanks for the videos these really help.
What if I'm working on a three sided slab against a wall? How do I finish the unreachable areas up against the wall that I can't reach from the 3 sides before I broom? thx!
Great Video
Very Helpful
Thanks
I don't understand joints and rain together? Aren't they organizing future damage by catching water?