Shop_Talk

Tools

Vise

Vise = sometimes called the "third hand", is an indispensable tool!
holds stuff for you.

mounted on workbenches or such (to hold material in place)
Place bolts in all the holes in the base using lock washers under the nuts.
Mount w/stationary jaw slightly beyond the edge of workbench. (avoids interference from workbench)

Keep workpiece close to jaws to prevent vibration when sawing, filing, etc.

Support ends of long workpieces w/stand, saw horse, etc (avoids straining the vise)
clean/oil all threaded/moving parts
Line the vise jaws to avoid marking soft workpieces

What should I not do with a vice?
try to bend a heavy rod in a light vise.






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Tips on smoothing cement

Pour/place cement, strike it off with a board 
Don't work it again until it appears quite dry. 

WHEN to trowell smooth surface finish your cement?
1-2 hours if sunny, windy, dry and if normal/good cement mix/consistency
3-4 hours if wet/cool/shady (longer to set up time)
starts getting firm- push thumb will not make imprint and not seem slurry
working should NOT bring up lots of water. 


raise up trowell leading edge just a small amount. 
pressure down the trailing part of the trowel 
to pack the cement at the surface
 which also brings up the fines and result in a smooth finish, 

Use broad, sweeping strokes not choppy ones. 
  you should hear it "sing" (a high-pitched, hissing sound) as the trowel makes its passes

Concrete (not cement, that's the gray fluffy powder) 

Finishing Tools 
frisco 
bull float (on a long pole), 
metal trowell
jitterbug

Every concrete mix contains sand. it may not have enough cement. 
You need rocks near the surface to get a good, hard floor. 
A jitterbug tool knocks the rocks down and leaves a weaker layer of sand and cement on top. 

It may be easier to finish, but it's weaker.