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c/concrete-finishersreese_fisherreese_fisher1mo agoTop Commenter

Showerthought: everyone swears by magnesium floats for a slick finish, but I'm sticking with my wood

Had a big pour for a garage floor in Springfield last Tuesday, about 40 yards. My crew was all set to use the magnesium float, saying it's the only way to get that perfect, smooth surface. I told them to hand me the wood float instead. They thought I was nuts. The wood takes more passes and you gotta keep it damp, but I find it gives me way more control over the cream. With magnesium, I feel like it's too easy to overwork it and pull up fines, especially in this heat. We finished the whole slab, and the client called yesterday raving about how flat and even it turned out, no crazing at all. So yeah, I get the hype, but sometimes the old way works better for the hand you have. Anyone else still using wood for their final finish?
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3 Comments
loganbaker
loganbaker1mo ago
Pull up fines" in the heat is exactly why I switched back.
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christopherross
My old truck's AC went out in July three years ago, and I swear the vinyl seats hit 120 degrees. I had to keep a towel on the seat just to drive it. That feeling of getting stuck to your own car is the worst, so I totally get why @loganbaker switched back. It makes you rethink every little choice about what you drive. You just want something that works without those surprise punishments in bad weather.
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bettywilson
Vinyl seats are a special kind of torture in summer. My first car had them and I still remember the smell of hot plastic. @loganbaker is right to ditch anything that makes driving a punishment. You start making choices based on pure survival, not what you actually like. It ruins the whole point of having your own vehicle.
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