Comment by Ed Warren on September 17, 2010 at 4:26pm

Did you have much problem with the mix pushing thru the lathe?

Comment by Christian Maucieri on September 17, 2010 at 6:05pm

no problems, I used a modifier with the mortar that made it a little more sticky. I then formed it into 3/4 inch - 1inch patties and pushed it on all the way around. takes a little practice not to push all the way through, once you figure that out it works just fine.

Comment by Tru Pac/Walttools/Don on September 18, 2010 at 6:48am

One other way to avoid the "pushing" problem is to add fiber to your scratch coat. This really gives it more body AND when you rake it, it also leaves fibers available for your top coat to bind with.

Comment by Ed Warren on September 18, 2010 at 3:36pm

Great! both good ideas. thanks.

There is a mega-texture machine for rent at Home Depot. Every time I see it I wonder if it would blow cement?!?!

Comment by Nathan Giffin Vertical Artisans on September 18, 2010 at 8:40pm

Just a pointer...if you watch the videos we have on rock making, you will find that your rebar should be anywhere between 8" to 12" max on your grid. There are a few areas in this photo that show a very large bar grid. This just means it is not as stable as what most codes may want. Just for your information.

Comment by don yeager on September 19, 2010 at 9:43am

I have found you can go to larger spacing if you use stringers of material the day before for support of the structure

Comment by don yeager on September 20, 2010 at 12:42pm

AS you said, "engineered this way" I have plans that specified rockwork in landscape applications with rebar at 16 " to 18" o.c. sealed by an engineer, and in structural applications to the extreme of 8"o.c double curtain . We are discussing a landscape boulder in a yard and his armature looked fine .I work a lot in large commercial applications where Value engineering is the norm for saving the owner Time and money ,which is really all they are concerned about

Comment by Nathan Giffin Vertical Artisans on September 20, 2010 at 2:56pm

Perhaps both perspectives are right, I just thought people should know what goes on in the industry, then they can ultimately take responsibility for their practices.

Comment by Christian Maucieri on September 20, 2010 at 3:15pm

I agree with both of you and appreciate any advice. This boulder that I've created has concrete footings 36 inches deep for frost 3 pieces of rebar secured in each. I agree that the rebar could have been closer together in a number of areas, however it has no real structural requirements, similar to a completley mobile boulder constructed around a solid foam block.

Comment