| Masonry Mailbox |
| A masonry apprentice gets his wings working on a concrete-core mailbox. |
From "Trade School"
episode DTRS-201 |
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(Continued from page )
After Tony throws a line of mortar down, he sets the stone (figure J). He checks for level both front to back, and side to side. Working quickly, he continues the process—turning the mortar every so often to maintain consistency. Once Tony reaches the top of the core, he adds a layer of mortar and sets a course of stone around the perimeter, this time leaving an opening on the front for the mailbox. Tony smoothes a layer of mortar within a perimeter, and then gently sets the mailbox (figure K) so that the door can open freely. The last course of stone is set up along the outer edge.
To arch over the mailbox, Dave demonstrates how to use a diamond blade grinder to fine shape the two wedge shaped stones (figure L). Once the last course is set, Tony uses stone and mortar to fill in, and then tops with a final layer of mortar (figure M). The capstone is then set to finish the mailbox (figure N).
In the next segment, Tony steps it up by building a stone patio and walkway.
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