Finally got a straight line on a 4-foot curb after 3 tries

Had a job last Tuesday over on Maple Ave, just a small residential driveway apron. The homeowner wanted a nice clean edge on a 4-foot curb section that had a weird dip in the subgrade. First pass I fought it and got a wavy mess, second attempt I overworked it and ended up with a rough finish. Third time I walked away for 20 minutes, let the mix set up a bit more, then came back with a fresh trowel and a level. That straight line just flowed out of the tool like butter. Felt like I finally had my touch back after a rough spring. Anyone else have days where you just gotta walk off and come back to a pour?

2 comments

2 Comments

park.wyatt1mo ago

Did your buddy try the ol' 'lean on the shovel' trick for a few minutes first?

finleylopez25d ago

Ha, nah that trick only works if the shovel's got a decent blade on it. But honestly that 20 minute break is pure gold, sitting there watching the mix firm up does more than any tool trick I've tried.