Speedskim question...

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i did the other day mate it was only a small job onto new plasterboard put first on speedskim off bit of water in mix knock it through second coat speedskim off tidy the edges quick. smoko then it was ready for first trowel
 
can you still use the same mix if you rule the 1st coat??........i normally knocked the gear though again with some water for the 2nd coat if im using the same gear

Yeah but knock it up wetter like you normally would, or just one thick coat. They do get it pretty flat.
 
I always flatten each wall as I go or each bag on larger areas. If you leave it to long the plaster picks up to much and you don't properly get rid of the ridges you get when hand applying. The speedskim does smooth them but as its flexable if they get to hard the speedskim just rides over them.

When one coating by hand we one coat, speedskim, allow to pick up, spray wall with a coat of water sponge, lay back the fats with a speedskim, spat, spat with water that's misted on ,final dry spat.


Some people on here do just totally dismiss these new products. I think they are trying to use these new tools, while using the same methods they have always used. This is why they fail to see any benifits and in many cases I think the finish they have achieved was worse then they normally output.

Not sure why they then feel the need to publicly trash the product. Maybe its to reassure themselves they are still on top of their game.
 
The problems started with the outrageous metreage claims Steve. Also the methods you use don't comply with any product guides for BG finish plasters which are obviously the most commonly used, this could lead to problems at some stage.
The truth is IMO these tools do have a place and have been used for many years (cavity closers), but if you are going to use the "correct" methods of application and have the skill to put on neat and tidy and don't try throwing on more than you can cope with their uses are limited. With spray applied finish they would probably be more or less a must have tool.
By the way I did buy one just to be sure and do use it from time to time but it's no miracle tool.
 
How many metres do you do before you rule it, I tried it and it tore the **** out of it

If theres 2 of us doing a large hit one of us will drop off and start speedskimming it while the other finishes laying on. Best results are when the plaster is soaking wet, after a few months of using it and trying different techniques i can now get my second coat looking near perfect with one pass taking me only a few minutes. Makes your day easier imo.
 
But then you're in a position where you're using water on a wall that might not have been as neat as it could because you've used a huge spat to close it in
 
I have finally used mine, its handy and labour saving especially useful for large ceilings..I think the weaker plasterers as in not able to flatten with a trowel properly will find it essential, its another useful tool overall ,it will suit bad plasterboard work and help eliminate wavy lines on the angle..
 
Why will it suit bad plasterboard if you can only lay on 3mm anyway, I've never met anyone too 'weak' to flatten in surely that's the easy bit and you must be pretty shite if you can't keep an angle straight when you're skimming
apart from that good post
 
Why will it suit bad plasterboard if you can only lay on 3mm anyway, I've never met anyone too 'weak' to flatten in surely that's the easy bit and you must be pretty shite if you can't keep an angle straight when you're skimming
apart from that good post
if I did not love you before I do now,Thanks My new BFF
 
I have finally used mine, its handy and labour saving especially useful for large ceilings..I think the weaker plasterers as in not able to flatten with a trowel properly will find it essential, its another useful tool overall ,it will suit bad plasterboard work and help eliminate wavy lines on the angle..

Cant say av met many plasterers with noodle arms.......................:RpS_unsure:
 
You teach them backwards John or itd be pointless laying a wall on because they can't finish it?
are you sure you started in '87 not 2007?
 
The problems started with the outrageous metreage claims Steve. Also the methods you use don't comply with any product guides for BG finish plasters which are obviously the most commonly used, this could lead to problems at some stage.
The truth is IMO these tools do have a place and have been used for many years (cavity closers), but if you are going to use the "correct" methods of application and have the skill to put on neat and tidy and don't try throwing on more than you can cope with their uses are limited. With spray applied finish they would probably be more or less a must have tool.
By the way I did buy one just to be sure and do use it from time to time but it's no miracle tool.

Hi mate - you are right the problems did start with the metreage claims. We did set our self up for a bit of stick in hindsight. We have (and you may have read in one of our other posts) conceded that the 100% metreage claim was unrealistic. We were very keen (over keen) at the start but did feel this was a true statement of the products abilities at the beginning . We have listened to a number of members including you over the last 12 months - and amended these claims to be more realistic on our website and ebay listing. Now when answering members questions we are able to draw upon the true customer comments and feedback we have received over the past 12 months to give the correct information. Lee and I have grown with the product if you know what I mean.

Regarding British Gypsum - they are using Speedskim in their training academies (they invited us to demo the product at one of their facilities) and so they dont have a problem with using the product on their materials. In fact quite the opposite.

We recommend how to use the tool based on the experience of using our self and other professionals we have feeding back to us on various material applications. We do stand by the fact that it can increase your output (depending on certain conditions and your technique) and make your day easier solely based on what our customers say.

Speedskim is a comfortable, versatile tool with economically replaceable components. It can be used in a variety of plastering and rendering applications and a lot of plasterers find it a great benefit.

In the process of promoting our products we do take notice of any constructive feedback and also constructive criticism. Both are taken on board seriously.

I think its fair to say there isn't a single product on the Forum that everyone swears by..

I hope this sounds reasonable and sincere :RpS_thumbup:

Scott
 
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Can I suggest then, that you make the bit that you're fingers sit in deeper.

Hi mate - we have got other products lined up in 2013/2014 and improvements like these are being considered :RpS_thumbup: The blade slot wont change so anything we produce will always be compatible.

I think they say improvement is a journey - not a destination :)
 
I have to buy another one for a plasterer who is labouring for us at the minute due to been quiet... Cheers John
 
Hi mate - we have got other products lined up in 2013/2014 and improvements like these are being considered :RpS_thumbup: The blade slot wont change so anything we produce will always be compatible.

I think they say improvement is a journey - not a destination :)

i think the ally that holds the plastic blade needs to be wider,as I'm sweeping it over the wall my fingers are resting against the wide plastic making the plastic bend,perhaps the plastic needs narrowing and the ally needs widening IMO, hope that makes sense.
 
i think the ally that holds the plastic blade needs to be wider,as I'm sweeping it over the wall my fingers are resting against the wide plastic making the plastic bend,perhaps the plastic needs narrowing and the ally needs widening IMO, hope that makes sense.

As clear as mud :D
 
Hi mate - you are right the problems did start with the metreage claims. We did set our self up for a bit of stick in hindsight. We have (and you may have read in one of our other posts) conceded that the 100% metreage claim was unrealistic. We were very keen (over keen) at the start but did feel this was a true statement of the products abilities at the beginning . We have listened to a number of members including you over the last 12 months - and amended these claims to be more realistic on our website and ebay listing. Now when answering members questions we are able to draw upon the true customer comments and feedback we have received over the past 12 months to give the correct information. Lee and I have grown with the product if you know what I mean.

Regarding British Gypsum - they are using Speedskim in their training academies (they invited us to demo the product at one of their facilities) and so they dont have a problem with using the product on their materials. In fact quite the opposite.

We recommend how to use the tool based on the experience of using our self and other professionals we have feeding back to us on various material applications. We do stand by the fact that it can increase your output (depending on certain conditions and your technique) and make your day easier solely based on what our customers say.

Speedskim is a comfortable, versatile tool with economically replaceable components. It can be used in a variety of plastering and rendering applications and a lot of plasterers find it a great benefit.

In the process of promoting our products we do take notice of any constructive feedback and also constructive criticism. Both are taken on board seriously.

I think its fair to say there isn't a single product on the Forum that everyone swears by..

I hope this sounds reasonable and sincere :RpS_thumbup:

Scott

Hi Scott that's a very reasonable reply and I think you're doing the right and decent thing in reigning in the meterage claims.
I wasn't suggesting that it was unsuitable for use with BG products because it clearly is, it's just that the methods that Steve Currier recommends are not those set out by BG for use with their products e.g. one coating with Multifinish and sponge floating....well, any of their finish plasters.
As said I've used other products for years to do exactly what I consider the Speedskim to be suitable for but the handle on yours is much more ergonomic than the bit of batten I had screwed to the closer.
I would also add that I've done a lot of rendering both internal and external and know how a rule needs to behave and not even the thinner lightweight alloy featheredges are suitable at anything over about 1.2m IMHO, let alone something as flexible as the Speedskim. The fact that lots of guys are using it for that purpose really doesn't mean they're suitable, as the majority of plasterers I've come across in the last thirty years are just interested in making a quick buck and not in the standard of work they leave behind them.
If I were you I'd say it's a good tool for flattening between coats and maybe a quick flatten of the top coat for the less able spreads and perfect for the initial flattening off of Thistle Spray Finish. I reckon you'd still sell loads and would never be accused of trying to put it across as some sort of tool for all occasions.
Wishing you continued success and all the best
Andy
 
Wise words Grasshopper.

BTW how much are the poles?

The universal pole attachment is 15.99 (inc vat) + shipping (4.00) To be honest we are going to do another exclusive offer on the Forum for members. We are just waiting for our website payment request system to be updated with the latest PRO sets and pole attachment. This is the system we use for the special offers and the Forum 'private message' system of ordering. It seemed to work quite well last time and also raised some money for Danny's 1500 mile challenge which was quite nice. Realistically the exclusive offer wont be put up for about a week yet.

The Speedskim pole attachment is compatible with any professional 'threaded' extension pole and fits all Speedskim units. Great with the smaller sizes but also with the 1800 if you have the areas! As a note for people who do need an extension pole we will be stocking Hamilton's 'ERGO' extension poles (very lightweight and easy to clean) which can be purchased with the pole attachment as a combination set.

The PRO sets are available now on the website and on eBay for those that would like to purchase.

hope this is helpful..:RpS_thumbup:
 
Hi Scott that's a very reasonable reply and I think you're doing the right and decent thing in reigning in the meterage claims.
I wasn't suggesting that it was unsuitable for use with BG products because it clearly is, it's just that the methods that Steve Currier recommends are not those set out by BG for use with their products e.g. one coating with Multifinish and sponge floating....well, any of their finish plasters.
As said I've used other products for years to do exactly what I consider the Speedskim to be suitable for but the handle on yours is much more ergonomic than the bit of batten I had screwed to the closer.
I would also add that I've done a lot of rendering both internal and external and know how a rule needs to behave and not even the thinner lightweight alloy featheredges are suitable at anything over about 1.2m IMHO, let alone something as flexible as the Speedskim. The fact that lots of guys are using it for that purpose really doesn't mean they're suitable, as the majority of plasterers I've come across in the last thirty years are just interested in making a quick buck and not in the standard of work they leave behind them.
If I were you I'd say it's a good tool for flattening between coats and maybe a quick flatten of the top coat for the less able spreads and perfect for the initial flattening off of Thistle Spray Finish. I reckon you'd still sell loads and would never be accused of trying to put it across as some sort of tool for all occasions.
Wishing you continued success and all the best
Andy

Hi Andy - Thanks for the reply :RpS_thumbup:

We take on board all of your points and dont disagree with anything you have stated. Its true the standard of work has gone down the pan a lot (not everywhere of course), lack of proper apprenticeships, poor prices etc . Its a real shame and I feel particularly sorry for young guys coming through. Pretty grim!

With regard to rendering etc anything I have stated or that's in our literature is really based on what is fed back to us. So from our point of view we are confident to run with it. In all honesty at the beginning we didnt even try the Speedskim on render but we've had that many customers telling us (in their opinion) that it ticks the box we just cant ignore it. We are in the process of selling to an Australian company that are using just on render.

I think it leads back to the usual situations that everyone has their own opinion and beliefs when it comes to correct plastering and rendering procedure. I think that's what makes the Forum a good place (that and the lively banter!)

Really pleased you like some aspects of the Speedskim though and feel its useful in some applications.

cheers mate,

Scott
 
Tried out a speedskim today as one of the lads working for me has one. I followed his method which was lay on, speedskim, lay down, speedskim let it pick up a little then wet cross with my usual trowel and finish with a flash with a plastic trowel and I found it took a lot of the work out of flattening and the finish looked great so will be buying one:RpS_thumbup: what's the offer coming up next week and how much please
 
Tried out a speedskim today as one of the lads working for me has one. I followed his method which was lay on, speedskim, lay down, speedskim let it pick up a little then wet cross with my usual trowel and finish with a flash with a plastic trowel and I found it took a lot of the work out of flattening and the finish looked great so will be buying one:RpS_thumbup: what's the offer coming up next week and how much please

Hi mate - glad you like it :)

I cant say for sure what the offer will be - we've got to consider it but it will be a saving for TPF members. Sorry if that's a bit vague...

Will stick it up asap once the details are sorted and we've run it past Danny.

Cheers

Scott
 
Hi mate - you are right the problems did start with the metreage claims. We did set our self up for a bit of stick in hindsight. We have (and you may have read in one of our other posts) conceded that the 100% metreage claim was unrealistic. We were very keen (over keen) at the start but did feel this was a true statement of the products abilities at the beginning . We have listened to a number of members including you over the last 12 months - and amended these claims to be more realistic on our website and ebay listing. Now when answering members questions we are able to draw upon the true customer comments and feedback we have received over the past 12 months to give the correct information. Lee and I have grown with the product if you know what I mean.

Regarding British Gypsum - they are using Speedskim in their training academies (they invited us to demo the product at one of their facilities) and so they dont have a problem with using the product on their materials. In fact quite the opposite.

We recommend how to use the tool based on the experience of using our self and other professionals we have feeding back to us on various material applications. We do stand by the fact that it can increase your output (depending on certain conditions and your technique) and make your day easier solely based on what our customers say.

Speedskim is a comfortable, versatile tool with economically replaceable components. It can be used in a variety of plastering and rendering applications and a lot of plasterers find it a great benefit.

In the process of promoting our products we do take notice of any constructive feedback and also constructive criticism. Both are taken on board seriously.

I think its fair to say there isn't a single product on the Forum that everyone swears by..

I hope this sounds reasonable and sincere :RpS_thumbup:

Scott


good lord. and to think i got slated for suggesting what youve just admitted 6 months ago! :-0
 
well, this my first time on here in about a month and its good to see the same old debates are going.

i honestly cant believe that its still an argument over something that is so stupidly obvious

it doesnt make you produce double the work. weve worked that out now

you cant trowel up with it, i think were pretty much there on that

ruling off with, regardless of what anyone says is ridiculous, any decent spread knows that to pull a rule on a wall and for it to be properly flat it needs to be rigid, especially with heavy renders

it IS a tool worth considering for spray finish.

it will roughly lay down your first coat quickly if this is a method you choose to use

it will lay down you 2nd coat to an average standard.

that is it. thats all it does. it roughly flattens skim when its wet.

sell it as a tool for flattening mp finish and spray skim and as something that can make life easier to flatten a first coat. then everyone wuld look at it and go, its fairly priced compared to alternatives, it does what it says.

originally making ridiculous claims that seemed to target people learning or maybe people that were a bit dim isnt the right way to promote a tool and make friends

its good to see youve listened to people that have done it for years and do probably know more than yourself about the tool and its uses

:)
 
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