A chat with an old timer changed how I see power trowels

I was working a pour in Tacoma last week, and the guy running the other power trowel was this retired finisher just helping out. I was pushing my machine hard, trying to get a fast finish. He stopped me and said, 'You're dancing on it, not walking. Let the blades do the work.' I slowed way down, barely leaning on the handles, and the finish came out glassy smooth with half the effort. I always thought more pressure meant better results. Anyone else have a simple tip that flipped your whole approach?

3 comments

3 Comments

tyler_hall92mo ago

My uncle used to say the same thing about pressure washers. He'd watch people scrub a deck raw trying to get it clean. A wider fan pattern and just letting the water do the cutting works way better than fighting it. It's a similar idea, forcing it usually just makes more work.

blake4321mo ago

So you're saying you got a nice finish on one pour and that proves the rule? Try that on a slab that's already grabbing the pan because the mix was too hot or they poured it late in the day. I've had plenty of floors where if you don't put some muscle into it and keep your speed up, the surface sets up before you even get a chance to close it. Letting the blades "do the work" is a nice idea until you're chasing a dry edge that's already past its window. Sometimes you gotta dance to keep the whole floor alive.

dakotal192mo ago

Letting the blades do the work" sounds nice, but on a bad slab you sometimes have to dance.