Watch out for that new quick-set mortar mix from the big box store

I was laying a herringbone patio in Austin last week and a veteran mason on the crew said my joints looked 'sloppy and weak' because I was mixing the whole bag at once. He told me to only mix half a bag at a time, because this stuff starts to set way faster than the old formula. How are you guys adjusting your mix times for these newer products?

3 comments

3 Comments

wendy_henderson211mo ago

That mason is just old school and resistant to change. I've mixed full bags of the new Pro-Set brand all summer in Phoenix heat with zero issues. The key is using a drill with enough torque and not adding extra water. My joints are rock solid.

carr.abby1mo agoMost Upvoted

Seriously, what drill are you even using?

betty_perry241mo ago

Wendy_henderson21 is right about the torque thing lol. My crew uses a heavy duty half inch Milwaukee mixer drill. That thing could probably mix concrete, not just thinset. Anything less just bogs down and makes weak mud.