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Just laid my first clean 50-foot run of soldier course without a single plumb bob check
For years I'd stop every 3 feet to drop the line, which made a simple wall take all morning. Last month, an old timer on a job in Charlotte showed me his trick with a tight mason's line and a 6-foot level. What's the longest straight run you guys trust without checking?
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gonzalez.wesley1mo ago
Feeling it in your hands sounds like a good way to end up with a wavy wall. That tight line can sag or get bumped without you noticing until it's too late. I still drop a plumb bob every 8 feet, maybe 10 if I'm feeling bold. Why risk a whole run for the sake of a few extra seconds?
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christopher_ross7d ago
Man, I used to be all about the laser level for long runs. Thought it was foolproof. Then I had a helper bump the receiver on a 40 foot basement wall and we laid block for two hours before I caught the drift. Now I run a tight line and check it with a 4 foot level every few feet like you said. That combo catches a sag before it becomes a problem. You just can't beat that physical string.
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jessec351mo ago
That old timer wisdom is gold. A tight line and a long level change the whole game. I've pushed it to 60 feet on a foundation, but only if my pins are solid and the line is singing. You start to feel it in your hands when something's off, right?
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