Those DIY bricklaying devices from QVC and the like...

[Kuroblack350]

Just wondering is anyone has a view on these, used them? Like/Dislike?

I must admit that they look pretty good (strangely so do most TV advertised things...) and seem to make the whole wall-building process a bit simpler.

Off the back of the 'show us your garden' thread, I've really taking a liking to someone's Mediterranean (sp?) inspired block and white render eating area effort. (well done that PHer!)

So, how hard can this be (famous last words) assuming a decent foundation is dug and filled, how hard is it to build some simple geometric shapes (say 3ft high) with blocks? (I'm thinking of a raised, walled eating area with adjoining raised beds etc.)

Thoughts? Or should I leave this well alone and get a bricky in?!

[Red&WhiteMonkey]

If they're really that good I'd want to know why you don't see bricklayers using them.

[Simpo Two]

This cropped up a few months ago - have a search. IIRC people thought they were quite good.

Bricklayers don't use them because they're already good at laying bricks; the device is to help amateurs.

Edited by Simpo Two on Wednesday 11th August 12:55

[Mr GrimNasty]

It can't help you with setting out, verticals, openings, horizontals, cuts, pointing, keeping the face flat/clean etc......

All it will do is give you a reasonable consistent mortar bed thickness if you aren't a complete 'tard. But that is the easiest bit anyway!

Here is a picture a company selling the product were using! Look carefully. What a God awful mess.

Edited by Mr GrimNasty on Wednesday 11th August 13:11

[rpguk]

Bloody hell, that is a mess!

[Laurel Green]

rpguk said:

Bloody hell, that is a mess!

Disagree! 'Tis more of an abomination and, find it difficult to believe they would use that picture to advertise their product. Incredible!

[Simpo Two]

Somewhat rustic I'd agree.

[Meeja]

I am planning to build a small brick store at the rear of my garage (currently housing a concrete coal bunker/wood store that no-one seems to want!) and reckon it's a DIY job for me and my Father-in-law.

Have seen these products advertised, and have had the same thought process as the OP.

Is that image really being used as an example of how you can DIY using their aid product?!

[Engineer1]

If you are going for block and render then uneven mortar widths will be hidden, the diy thing may help you to get it up reasonably tidily.

[anonymous-user]

[quote=Mr GrimNasty



[/quote]
What a great advert for paying a pro to do a job. Bricklaying is one of those jobs I have always thought would be easy, having watched a pro build a house though I wouldn't even try........

[Davi]

Dave_ST220 said:

What a great advert for paying a pro to do a job. Bricklaying is one of those jobs I have always thought would be easy, having watched a pro build a house though I wouldn't even try........

I laid precisely 2 courses before I got a pro. Not so much that it's hard - it's a skill for sure, but you can do it, its just that it took me several days to lay 2 courses, the bricky I got in completed the entire house in 2 weeks!

[Spudler]

Mr GrimNasty said:

It can't help you with setting out, verticals, openings, horizontals, cuts, pointing, keeping the face flat/clean etc......

All it will do is give you a reasonable consistent mortar bed thickness if you aren't a complete 'tard. But that is the easiest bit anyway!

Here is a picture a company selling the product were using! Look carefully. What a God awful mess.

Edited by Mr GrimNasty on Wednesday 11th August 13:11

Wouldn't mind betting thats in Europe, maybe Germany.
Belive it or not that brickwork is an actual bond. Unlike our traditional half bond, over there the brickie has to lay them anyway but half...even has to put headers and three quaters in. Admittly that pic looks rough but when a whole house is done by a qualified brickie in that bond, and without that st "tool", it can look very effective.