Need info on Vertical Artisans training

[Paul Labelle]

I've been looking through the free videos and I've seen amazing stuff ! I would really like to learn how to do this myself. Before getting too exited, I'd like to know a few things about the process and subscription for the training videos.

Do all wall-cladding projects seen the the free section require admixtures or other materials not readily available, or can I make do with Home Depot materials? Shipping to Montreal, Canada from US suppliers is a killer ($).

I have Keith Tutor's DVD on rock making and the quality is excellent, either on my laptop, or on my Sony 52" TV. But on the web, Youtube videos I've seen so far don't have the same resolution and are quite grainy at fullscreen size. Any opinions on this from subscribers?

I'm sure that the training material content is well worth the subscription price. I would like to know if I could really use it without having difficulties sourcing materials as I can with Keith's DVD.

Thank you for taking the time to answer.

[Nathan Giffin Vertical Artisans]

As the owner of Vertical Artisans, I can answer all of these questions, but that may be received in a different light, so I will wait until others have posted up on this topic.

[Nathan Giffin Vertical Artisans]

Your First Question......
Do all wall-cladding projects seen in the free section require admixtures or other materials not readily available, or can I make do with Home Depot materials?

The projects that are on the free videos are mostly using bag mixes. There are none that are using " Home Depot " or home grown mixes except the video on the Mexico Project. We did use local materials only.

Shipping to Montreal, Canada from US suppliers is a killer ($).....that's why Walt has come up with the Tru Pack. and it is shipped all over the world. Just mix with your local materials and you are ready for carving.

I have Keith Tutor's DVD on rock making and the quality is excellent, either on my laptop, or on my Sony 52" TV. But on the web, Youtube videos I've seen so far don't have the same resolution and are quite grainy at fullscreen size. Any opinions on this from subscribers?

I will be the first to tell you that the quality on the web doesn't even compare to a DVD. However, are you looking for quality of picture or are you looking for the over all concept and the tricks of the trade? I would almost kill for the data I have made available on my site just 12 years ago, and it would have mattered little of the quality of picture or ease of viewing. Despite the difficulties of the Internet, I will say that the site will no doubt give you more than your moneys worth.

I would like to know if I could really use it without having difficulties sourcing materials as I can with Keith's DVD.

Teaching people how to fabricate their own mixes is not what Vertical Artisans does, there is information through out the site on the mixes and one could if they researched a little, come up with enough data. As a matter of fact, I started out with the "Keith Tutors" mix recipe. I mean this is not rocket science here guys......but it is more difficult to work with in a vertical app.
It would also be very unfair to all the manufactures who support this site and others to try to undermine their efforts in provided a well researched and money investment found in their bag mixes. Canada is not that far, I send mix to guys in Canada all the time.

It would be better for you to educate yourself and buy bag mixes first to learn what should be, than to chicken soup your own mix in the dark. This is just my opinion and trust me I started out with NO bag mix just sand, portland and water....that's it! I for one am very happy to see the bag mixes in the industry today, they make my job a lot easier. As far as the cost of bag mixes, well let me put it this way, to the artist that knows what he is doing, it doesn't matter what the cost is..... $14.95 to $39.95 and even higher...it matters little. There is just not that much mix to be used that should effect you.

If your using 50 bags for a project at $35 a bag ( $1,750 ) if if you had to pay $500 in shipping totaling ($2,250.00) That's nothing compared to what you should be charging.

Thank you for IM me on this ...I had forgotten to follow up with you...as for the rest of you , what are you afraid of? Weigh in on this with your experience PLEASE :)

[Paul Labelle]

Thanks for answering. This stuff looks really interesting. I'm hoping to buy the subscription in July or August. Right now, I'm waiting for Keith's 2nd DVD to arrive from down under.
As far as Tru pac goes, 10 bucks a bag is inexpensive but the $52 shipping to Montreal per bag hurts. Anyway, I can't wait to get started learning.
Very nice photos of projects on this site. Thanks again.

[David Watson]

I am only interested in this craft as a DIY'er. I too have gotten Keith's videos. They are good yes.... but different. I was able to go to one of Nathan's hands on projects that we JUST finished. It was amazing. I can tell you before joining this site I look EVERYwhere on the web to try to find info without spending the money. I can tell you now, it was WELL worth it.

I spent one week watching ALL the videos and then went to the project and was surprised at how just watching Nathan's videos I was able to go and just start working. Plus it was such a GREAT time. I can tell you, if you want this for a DIY kind of thing or even to start a business, the amount of information you will receive is outstanding.

The "quality" of the video... yes it is via the internet, so it is not DVD "quality" but that is not an issue. Once you watch the videos and then see the pictures on the site you have everything you need. Warren is right, Nathan does zoom in and show you almost every detail you need to see and the quality is fine.

So speaking from one month of experience in EVER fiddling with concrete, I can tell you the price is well worth just the information alone that you will get from the videos. I would also agree with Warren with regards to the tools. You can make your own tools from Home Centers, which Nathan also teaches you, and looking at the price of some pre-made tools, that alone will save you for what you paid for this site.

Hope this post helps.

[Tru Pac/Walttools/Don]

Paul, I am not sure how you checked the price of shipping the Tru Pac to you, but I am sure that the cost of shipping is not $52 per bag. 3 pacs are $58 to Montreal and the price goes down from there. I agree, not entirely inexpensive but compared to obtaining hefty 50lb bags it is quite the bargain, with considerably more coverage. If you need more help with figuring the cost, just give us a call.

[Paul Labelle]

Thanks Don,
I had called Walt tools and the price given may be for a single bag by USPS. I like your price better !! Anyway, to know the real total price (import duty and any other taxes/fees) I guess I'll just have to order and see. I'm sure that your product is excellent but I'll want to try it on a small scale as I learn. I will definitely call when I'm ready to order.

[Gabe Polanik]

Paul order enough of the Tru Pac, you dont want to be distracted by second guess mixes while learning this craft!