Talked to an old timer at the supply yard who said I was overthinking my mortar mix

Guy was loading his truck next to me, must have been 70 easy. He saw me buying three different bags of additives and just laughed. Said he's been laying brick for 50 years and only uses sand, cement, and water. Told me that if your base sand is good and you mix it right, half the extra stuff people buy is just for show. I mean, I've been watching YouTube videos about super precise ratios and coloring and all that. Now I'm wondering if I'm just wasting money on stuff I don't need. Anyone else ever get told to simplify their mix?

2 comments

2 Comments

william_harris1mo ago

Yeah, old timers usually know best on that one.

lewis.finley1mo ago

Those vintage car guys who've been wrenching since the 70s seem to know exactly which distributor to swap in for better timing. Do you think that's mostly because parts were simpler back then, or did they just learn from burning through a few motors? I'm curious what specific lessons stick with you from the old school that newer mechanics seem to skip.