Flint Panel Edging

[Onoff]

Nope. Didn't like the gaps between stones in the lower panel so pulled all the flints off the mesh.

I now have the joyous task of picking all the silicone and knocking all the resin off the back of the flints.

Interestingly the ones above that I cable tied onto the mesh have now set. Cut the ties off and tbh they're ready to be "grouted" with the mortar gun. That is once I put back in the ones that fell off initially! In the top panel the flints are much better orientated and their faces more flush with the surrounding brickwork. The aim all along is roughly a fingers width between flints. It certainly helps being able to see the face of the flint and tweak it.

 

[Onoff]

Well...

Right or wrong I made up a small mix the same as seemed "right" when I was experimenting in terms of colour and the way it moulded round the flints.

3 builders sand

1 sharp sand

1 lime

1 OPC.

Stuck in the bucket and dry mixed first with the Aldi paddle mixer. Then wetted with Everbuild Integral Waterproofer, diluted 20:1.

Most importantly, despite the sharp sand, the mix is easily pumped with it not drying out at all. Must be the lime/waterproofer having an effect and keeping the water in the mix.

Did the half bucket but the Roughneck mortar gun piston broke. Printing a new heavy duty design now in PETG.

The issue is spacing, a bit bigger than a fingers width in places. I'm going to live with it. When a bit firmer I'll go over the mortar with a dry sponge.

 

[Seadog]

 

[Onoff]

Didn't do anymore today (a bit hungover ).

Tapping those bottom flints, either side of the stainless steel surround and they ring a bit hollow. I can only assume I didn't get enough mix in there when I pumped it in.

Was wondering whether I could pour a liquid grout or even self levelling compound, down behind the half panel I've done and it'd find its way down?

Plan C could involve flinging the mortar in off a trowel!

 

[Mick Annick]

The pyramids went up quicker than these flints!

 

[Onoff]

The pyramids went up quicker than these flints!

These flints are coming back out!

 

[galooph]

These flints are coming back out!

I can see now why you're called @Onoff

 

[Onoff]

I can see now why you're called @Onoff

More Off than On sadly...

 

[Onoff]

Tonight's efforts:

 

[123hotchef]

Tonight's efforts:

View attachment 328425

View attachment 328426

U got the hump with them.

 

[Onoff]

I let SWMBO lay the flints out in patterns she chose.

Threw the mortar into the recess off the end of the trowel, pushed them in, more mortar. Ratchet strapped a bit of scaffold against it and walked away. Came back the next day, another small mix to point etc. Rubbed it in with a gloved hand, brush etc.

Bottom panel is going ok I think. Top mortar spacing is too wide but i) hopefully the eye will be drawn away by the coach lantern and intercom, ii) I can't be arsed with it any more.

Based on my test mix it should dry pretty close to the brick mortar in colour but have a bit of sparkle from the fines in the 1 of sharp in there.

 

[123hotchef]

I let SWMBO lay the flints out in patterns she chose.

Threw the mortar into the recess off the end of the trowel, pushed them in, more mortar. Ratchet strapped a bit of scaffold against it and walked away. Came back the next day, another small mix to point etc. Rubbed it in with a gloved hand, brush etc.

Bottom panel is going ok I think. Top mortar spacing is too wide but i) hopefully the eye will be drawn away by the coach lantern and intercom, ii) I can't be arsed with it any more.

Based on my test mix it should dry pretty close to the brick mortar in colour but have a bit of sparkle from the fines in the 1 of sharp in there.

View attachment 342756

View attachment 342757

About time

 

[angellonewolf]

About time

i was down to the 2nd photo not even seen your post and first thing come to mind

about time


give it a month after its finshed you wont even see the spacing

 

[Onoff]

Got a ruddy birds nest in the other pillar! Means I'll have to wait until they've hatched / fledged to do the flints there.

 

[Blobber]

Got a ruddy birds nest in the other pillar! Means I'll have to wait until they've hatched / fledged to do the flints there.

Best be quick they will come back again next year!

 

[Onoff]

Best be quick they will come back again next year!

A robin we think. Probably two clutches this year?

No chance of finishing it as I need to whack some more 20mm holes through the pillar for conduits.

 

[Onoff]

Bit more done.

Told SWMBO the flints need to be first sized cubes really to stay in i.e more flint / less mortar. Would she listen?

I decided to try and knapp one flint that was already half mortared in and the bloody thing fell out!

Painted the back of the flint and recess with SBR, let dry, then glued it back in with Gorilla gun adhesive.

I then gave some of the lower, dryer flints and surrounding bricks a clean down with brick acid then rinsed off.

I reckon I'll get away with it!

 

[Onoff]

For the stubborn bits of mortar I might go with neat acid. Just gave it another 1:1 dilute wash and rinse off. The fines in the mortar are coming through which I wanted to happen. I'll let it dry out over the Summer then give a coat of waterproofer. You can see how the washed face is "brighter" on the brick faces.

Guy came down the other day reckons it's a gate that says "f*** off!"

Aim achieved then!

 

[Onoff]

Reckon that's as clean as the pillar is getting. Chiselled off some stubborn mortar splatters and used some neat Disclean. Did the front, side and back. Fence side I'm not too fussed about. Did a trial fit of one of the lanterns just for effect.

Thinking I put the video intercom too high now. Still, it might deter short trick or treaters come October!

When it's dried out from it's acid wash I'll apply some of this, hopefully by spray:

Got to cut 2 or 3 brick slips for around the control box at some point.

 

[Beeezer]

Not very substantial or fancy is it….