Hi Everyone,

Just received my new grouting system, and power undercut jamb saw. Got a call from Tileworks in Lowell Michigan tuesday, having a sale so I went for it. Gee, got my order in 1 1/2 days.

Anyway, does anyone have any experience? Sure sounds good. The saw is by Roberts, haven't even looked at it yet.

Jaz

Hey JAZ

I think that is the grouting system that John Bridge got recently. I think Ron has one, as well.

Rob

Yeah..I want to buy one of those things from Ron's Dad....the jam saw..I see them for sale at HD...sure would come in handy, when cutting hardwood! :p

Hi Rob, Bri,

I'll find out how the grouting system works soon. I'll be installing one of those tiles that have a bunch of rocks embossed on it. It's going to be an SOB. Tried to talk lady out of it, no luck. May have to use saw for all/most cuts too.

Completed 3 porcelain floors in a row. Two had slate like texture. One of the two was also a rectified, and no cushion edge. What a pain to grout and clean up. I even pre-sealed one, still had to wash with sulfamic and pick out grout with utility knife for hours. Indoor pool room, man in wheelchair so I did final and seal. I'm starting to dislike porcelain.

Bri, you must have better HD's up there. I've look at HD here and couldn't find an undercut. (Couldn't find an employee either) Yesterday I wanted an adjustable molding support/stand they didn't have that either.

In case anyone is interested in these or other tile tools give Tileworks a try. 877-787-6091 ask for salesman Tom. Or www.tiletools4less.com
Some items on sale, no s&h and no sales tax for you guys.

Jaz

Hey Jaz
That's a great site! Lot's of cool stuff...I saw a cabinet guys just the other day with one of those 3-4-5 folding squares...now I see one on this site! I think I'll get one. Thanks!

Hi Bri,

They seem to be nice people. Got their catalog months ago. As I said some items now on sale. Prices are lower than catalog and on site, plus no s&h and no sales tax for those outside of Michigan.

Give them a call on their toll-free, (877-787-6091) mention my name. I just sent them an E-mail thanking for good service and also mentioned Harry's site.

Jaz

Jaz .... I'm looking forward to your feedback on the grouting system. I've been thinking seriously about getting one because I've heard it cuts down the time and does a hell of a job. Plus, my brother Steve who does all the grouting is getting real bitchy lately.

... hehe! ...poor Steve! :p

Harry, All,

You lucky son of gun! The only good thing about grouting day sometimes is that's when I get the final payment.

As I recall..when first introduced grouting system was several hundred $ US. Now under 100. I was surprised at the size of the wiping sponge thingy, it measures, 5x13.75". Comes with video which I haven't looked at yet. I'll let everyone know. This first job may not be fair comparison because of all the textured frigin stones. I already warned the lady that she may have a little more final clean up than normal.

Jaz

I grouted that job last Friday. It was much easier than I expected, because of the stone texture in addition to the normal grout lines. Not a good job to compare with sponging though. I could tell it's going to not only save time and energy, but the Barwalt does NOT pull grout out of the joints. Nice joints, even with very dense tiles.

Jaz

Hi
Ok...thanks to Ron and his father at Tilemaster I received my "grout toy" today...I will put it to work on 700 ft of 12x12 on Friday, and post my review. Thank Ron!

Bri .... I was talking to Ron today to ask him if his dad had any Kerdi in stock and we got around to talking about those grouting systems which are stock items, so I'm gonna to try to get down there tomorrow and buy 1 for me and 1 for Steve aka: "Shoeless Steve".

Ron, I don't know who I was talking to at Tilemaster but he offered to let me use his grouting system to try out which I thought was very generous and helpful, but if he has that much faith in it's capabilities ... I'll just go ahead and get my own. I'm looking forward to trying it out on my next job.

Hi
Ok..grout toy Review time.....this thing ROCKS!...I grouted 700 ft of 12x12 tile today...started at 9 am(yeah, bankers hours) and finished at 11:58(what'a you know..just in time for lunch) It is a little different to the tried and true sponge I'm used to...but after a while, I got the hang of it...it really is a time saver..and leaves a nice flush joint(with almost no grout haze left on the tile.
So I give it a thumbs up. Not sure how it will work on a textured tile, or tile with a deep cushion edge..but time will tell. But I was impressed! Thanks Ron!

Hi Bri

Glad you like it.I use this "washboy",as the Germans call it,for almost all applications.Just finished 160 s.f. 4x4 tumbled travertine walls with it.Eeeaaasy job with this tool.Also use it on slate tiles,Mexican clay tiles,etc.With nary a grout haze,if any.

On small jobs,or when it's not ideal to let the grout set up a bit,I wash and tool the joints immediately with it without digging out the joint or over-wetting it.Couldn't work without it anymore.

The only time I don't use it is when I'm working with unsanded grout or tiles with a significant cushion-edge.

I also have a great,big version of this bucket and sponge.This one is for large commercial jobs and for flat,smooth porcelains.The sponge is on a steel swivel head and broom handle,no kneeling required,and the sponge area is about 4 times larger.The bucket has a steel wringer with a long handle.Works well.Also can hold more Grolsch bottles.

Bigger? Handle?...Faster! I want one!..with the cup holder of course! :p

Alright guys, I just ordered mine yesterday. I can hardly wait to try it out.
What did I just say!!!
I hate to grout.
Well maybe I won't mind it as much after I get Barwaltified.
G-man

Tell us what you think of it G-Man after you use it. This could be a trend happening here.

Well, the verdict is in, and this is the only way to go. I'd pay twice as much for the system if I had to. I'll never ring out a sponge again.
My butt is really dragging tonight though. That's just because I've been kicking myself in it all afternoon for not getting one of these babies sooner.
Hey Jaz, I talked to Wayne, the owner of Tileworks, for about an hour the other night. He mentioned how much he and his crew enjoyed your e-mail. Posted it on the bulletin board and all. He loves to talk tile so we got along good.
Anyway, the next tileman that's ready for a pleasant surprise better drop in on www.tiletools4less.com
Later,
G-man

Hi G-man;

We told you! :p Wayne and the people at Tileworks are first class!

BTW, I forgot, you are supposed to send me the other half of the payment.

Jaz

I ended up buying 2 of those grouting systems from Tilemaster in Aurora ..... one for my brother and one for me. Been using it for a couple of weeks now and can honestly say that it makes the job faster and easier. The results to the grout lines are better too.

One for you,Harry?Your brother must be elated that you're actually gonna do some grouting.

hey jaz thanx for the heads up on the site just went there ordered the catalogue and looked around good prices nice stuff they ought to give you some discounts for the biness you're generating for em!

Floorman;

No,No, that's not the it works. Tileworks gives you such good service and low prices they can't afford to give me anything. But YOU are supposed to send me a check every time you make a purchase with them. Since you are kinda new..I'll forgive you..this time only.

Jaz

thanks for your foriveness oh sultan of the sand!

You are forgiven, now I must return to my harem!

Jaz

Great site and sounds like lots of talent here. Does anyone know where to get this Barwalt grouting system in Canada? BC?

Hi Mussalli,

I'm sure it's available near you, but everybody ships materials all over. Try the places mentioned via internet, you'll receive it in a few days. Tell then we recommended them to you. www.tiletools4less.com

Jaz

I want one . Can you hook me up Ron. I'll need it shipped to me. How much? Thanks

Hi Randy

My brother Dave just told me they are $100.It is the German "Kaul Werkzeuge" version.I have had mine for at least 5 years now but they have changed a bit.The rollers are different now.

I suppose shipping would be around $25.

You could contact Tilemaster...

www.tilemasteraurora.com

and ask for Dave.

Here is another link even cheaper. http://www.tile-stonetools.com/Ultra_Grouting_System.asp

they work great.

I'v had this system for a year and I'm on my second set.
The first set was $200., but I loved it. Took it to one of my friends and he ordered one but did not like it. I told him that I would buy it but he would not sell, makes me think ! ? .

I have the new system , and love it just as much.

To help you guys out, like always, less water in the sponge and pull lightly to clean.

Get extra sponges as one only does two or three jobs .700ft per job times three = 2100feet.
But thats not bad as sponges cost around $3.00