Replies

1. 
   GoldenWreckedAngle | Oct 25, 2003 12:25am | #1

   I'm not a drywall expert but I get decent results with a trowel in one hand and a knife in the other. That is, when I can't find someone else to do the mud work for me. :-)>

   I use my 14" trowel primarily like a mason's hawk. I load it up with mud and work off of it with a knife. On the final coat I usually lay the mud on with a 10" knife and float it smooth with the 14" trowel. The ends of the trowel serve as a second knife on occasion too. It's a whole lot easier than scooping muck out of a trough and it keeps a usable tool in both hands.

   My best work still takes a good final sanding, and I would need a lot more practice to make a living doing drywall, but I enjoy playing in the mud every once in a while. If you have a 14" trowel, try ditching the trough for a while and see how you like it.

   Kevin Halliburton

   "I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity."  - I.M. Pei -

2. 
   EricPaulson | Oct 25, 2003 02:53am | #2

   On butts and tapers I always use a 14" curved trowel after the scratch. Next is a 16" straight trowel to finish, sometimes a 12". I try NOT to sand and if I do it's 180 or 200 black paper (like the body shops use) just to wipe off the snots and ridges.

   Works for me. I've seen guys do the knife thing, often I still see tape but the joint seems smooth. It looks like coating inside corners is a thing of the past too with some newfangled tape they have!

   Eric

3. 
   calvin | Oct 25, 2003 06:11am | #3

   I finish often in remodels, unless I can get majic dave.  I've used both but have gone to the knife only.  Can't get a liking to a mud pan, load up the 12" knife, apply with a 6" and run smooth with the 12.  No sand between coats, final is more than enough.  If I did it more, I would get the pc sand vac.  Homowners die for no dust.

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time

4. 
   Zano | Oct 26, 2003 01:25am | #4

   The best seams I have ever seen was a fella using a throwel - but you have to press hard on it - final result no sanding at all and laser level straight. 

   Whatever your used to as long at it worls!