Switched from a basic magnesium float to a Fresno trowel for the final pass on a 30-yard slab last Friday.

The Fresno just glides over the surface and pulls up way less water, leaving a tighter finish with almost no pinholes. I used to fight that last bit of bleed water for an hour, now it's done in twenty minutes. Anyone have a favorite brand for those big Fresnos, or is it all about the handle?

3 comments

3 Comments

mason.brian9d ago

Honestly, you got that lucky with a Fresno? Every time I've tried one on a big pour it just seems to seal the surface too fast for me. I end up with more crazing, especially if the sun hits it. I still lean on a magnesium float and then a steel trowel, lets me work the cream up slower.

williamb299d ago

Yeah, it's like that with a lot of tools. You find the one that clicks with your timing. Mason.brian is right about the magnesium float buying you time. I see the same thing with people and their favorite drills or saws, they stick with what gives them control even if there's a newer tool out there. The right rhythm matters more than the tool sometimes.

mason.brian9d ago

That last hour fighting bleed water is the worst part of the day. I've had the same trouble with a Fresno locking things up before I'm ready. It feels like a race against the clock once that surface skins over.