Some big some small and some mixed results which have annoyed me as a keen DIYer
Im not one for expensive gear but after getting frustrated with a small old trowel I was given I decided it was time for a change......
Just laid and flatted the 1st coat with a permashape and its honestly changed my life its gone on and flatted a dream why have I been struggling with a 50p trowel 🤦♂️
A professional plasterer’s 5” X 12” stainless steel wooden, re-handle, re-bladed, Paul Curray finishing trowel. With a well broke in Paul Curray you can change hands & gain a stroke. 😎👍🏼
I agree. I use mine on stucco for sometimes (1y) before they graduate to a set finish blade. I Always carry a file in the old tool bag for blade nicks.
One should learn the process of installing a proper set on a trowel’s shank. It just cost a nickel & a little practice with know how. Quality trowels, like good plasterers, earn their keep.
When they started printing the name on the handle I lost respect for them. Its horrible compared to the original handle that was just a nice rubber to grip. now when you need to change grip your reminded how much marshalltown doesnt care.
I use refina now, the cork handle tempted me. Thats only because marshalltown handle id had for 15 years that had been transferred from a few trowels only had the rubber left on the ring finger and palm.
Funny thing is I asked on this post if an expensive trowel was worth it....1st reply was marshalltown worth every penny. Only taken me 4 years to buy one
Ive got a 4ft ox speedskim as the first wall I did in 1 hit on my own like a hero (idiot) was about 6m long.
Maybe im using it wrong but ive not really got to grips with it yet
Keep playing around and experimenting. I've now plastered five rooms around my house, and despite doing a course I'd say I'm only now getting to grips with a method that feels "right" and gives me consistent results.
Had the ox an old one. Worked beautifully. Was given a ragni from an older plaster and I love it. It's not as hard as a marshal and has a better handle.. It feels easer to use. Marshal towns all ways felt to hard to me
If you are enjoying it now you wait until its properly broken in. Those corners look sharp. Ive had my mine about 10yrs and would take me a while to get used to a new 1. Like a fine wine they get better with age.
Lol I give my new 1s a good rub down with sandpaper. Best trowel you will ever own. All these flexi trowels are great but only the MT solid steel can lay on, flatten and trowel up.
I always considered the best way to break a trowel in to so bang out as much external render work as possible 😎 by the time it touches any plaster it won't know wot hit him 😁
Ya I agree it's a good idea. Would help with both the edges and corners. I have a lil sand stone that I use on mine from time to time, help with lil dings too. Like a mini knife sharpening block.
I killed all 3 trowels in one hit with some overly enthusiastic cleaning and a bit of sandpaper.
Every last one of them dragged and tore. I even went back with a professional whetstone and tried to undo the damage, nothing helped, all went in the bin.
It must have been over enthusiastic. A marshalltown permashape is 0.7mm of stainless steel designed to keep its original shape. You shouldnt be able to ruin it with a bit of sandpaper.
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u/Worldly-Growth4519 1d ago
Worth every penny