US Tapers so far behind Europe

raymul

I stumbled across this forum and on reading, am amazed at the lack of technical knowledge and craftsmanship on your shores.

It seems ironic that Ames brothers were americans?...

I have watched many a video and discussions related to u.s taping and it is bewildering, I can only think you have a lot of butchers and bakers trying to make it in the industry given the minimal theory involved.

Take a look at British technique and application if you want to excel...

Regards

Ray

alltex

WHAT?Do you Scotts have to go to a university to tape drywall?Over here in the new world there are alot of very good craftsmen who could Tape and finish you boys out of business.In years gone by we have had more work than you could dream of let alone figure out how to get the job done on time and in budget!! NEXT...

fenez

Isn't drywall new to the europeans? I have heard some horror stories about taping and finishing over seas

raymul

It goes without saying that us tradesmen have done it 'bigger' 'cheaper' and 'better'. Hey the whole world knows that...

Yes, no, NO.

The truth is that there is no cohesion in your market, too many cooks or crooks, which i am sure you know.

In the U.K, there is a standardised system which seems restrictive but in reality sorts the wheat from the chaff. Of course craftsmen such as i will modify practise to rise and therefore prosper, evolution.

Your trade system has, as usual, too many ingredients never mind the cooks.

So no sir, you are right on only the first, irrelevant, point.

fenez

Ray... what exactly is it you want to say? You guys over there are better? I assure you that there are many many very good and very capable finishers here as well.

raymul

No, not in general, it seems that your craftsmanship and skill is being diluted by crooks and vagabonds whom think it easy to usurp tradesmen.

Our system although 'standardised' gives no patience nor gratitude to interlopers.

You have far too many variables that can cloud the issue.

Pick the best few materials, skill will then be the only denominator.

regards

Ray

fenez

Ahh I see where your going with this and yes you are right, amercan tradesmen have been devalued to the point of extinction. But to be honest it really is our own fault because as americans we support this type of behavior.

raymul

Ironically, machine tapers (we are called Ames tapers in the uk) are the least affected trade, given the tools 'entry fee' is substantial

Not many Poles or Romanians turn up with the equivalent of $4500 to buy the relevant mechanical tools and proclaim their aptitude, that is the crux!

In the uk Hand taping is inherently frowned upon, ridiculed by any major, serious main contractor.

We have eight mass produced materials that are industry standard and are accepted by the qs standards.

Bottom line... level playing field, now lets see your form...

fenez

Very different here, just basically how cheap can ya do it? gc or main contractors as you call them.. will overlook almost anything to get the job done the cheapest they can, quality is quickly becoming a luxury to most gc's.

raymul

Prob best to compare=

Terminology I kinda get u.s equivalent.

Standardised list of building control accepted 'Ames Taping' or as you say drywall finishing.

Scrim (mesh) frowned upon, beneficial in timing but only if applied with fast set 'hot mud'
Velvet, (various guises but only through competitive manufacturers) - Air drying, no aggregates. (Mud)

Paper tape, internals (we say tying in) and crossers: (butt joints in u.s as you hang boards horizontally) our boards are 2.4 metre height which is building standard so, apart from commercial contracts a crosser or (butt) is only relevant to ceilings.

20 minute easyfill, says it all.

gyproc cove or cornice, paper clad details exactly the same as board finish.

Thats it, thereby its all down to form.

alltex

No matter how you say it ,its just drywall and not rockett science.

raymul

Nor is it English grammar.

However...

Appreciation of craftsmanship is historical, 'When a man is hired for labour and pleases he must be paid before his sweat is dry'

As a third generation decorator that moved into taping as a distinguishing skill that could further our family business I was outraged at the skill levels in competition. You are either an interloper to the subtle art of finishing or at best apathetic to the industry.

Neurosurgeon or pot washer being the best is the real reward

fenez

Ray..if everyone shared that sentiment what agreat place this world would be. but..most just view it as a job which they are under paid for and under appreciated for.

carpentaper

you are some kind of pompous ass. go be a little princess artist somewhere people care.

Taped Crusader

I think your soap box may be on the wrong corner Ray. Though there is a surplus of hacks and crooks out there, you're preaching it on a professional drywall forum. From what I've gathered here, most of the members are tradesmen who take pride in their work. The standard 'fly by nighter' doesn't care about his work and certainly isn't going to spend his free time surfing the web looking to discuss the finer points of the trade. That lack of effort or commitment is what contributes to them being a leech on our industry.

So though there is an issue with under-skilled workmen polluting our trade, proclaiming they are all like that does little more than make you appear arrogant and narrow minded.

carpentaper

looks like somebody took a little more time to give an intelligent reply than i did. i had fun though.

thesprayking

Is it me or does this guy sound like some shakespeare/actor type trying to talk S**t about american tapers? Your posts are annoying to even read!! Like the post earlier from Alltex its not rocket science (spelled it right). Please dont bring your .50 cent words around here and try to mock tapers because we have better materials. I've been to the UK and worked there also, Those brick-layers turned drywallers were absolutely horrible at taping. They were amazed how slick my hand coating was with a pan and knife. And when I broke out the 12" box and crossed it off killer those guys wanted to get my autograph on their taping knives. You must be locked in some art studio reading Sheetrock Artist books because you apparently have not looked around your country. Unbelievable.

Kiwiman

Are you trying to melt all that snow you got at the moment by blowing hot air?
If you are trying to stir them up you should have just called them a bunch of spacklers... In my books the land of drywall is America (and the canadians), and the land of bricks & cement render is Britain.

raymul

Typical u.s arrogant rsoles no wonder the world hates you. Here, why dont you 'nuke me' cause you dont like what I have to say. Should have guessed it would have turned into an arguement with you ingrates.
Our systems and tradesmen are far superior and theres an end to it!

Muddauber

. Here, why dont you 'nuke me'

Here ya go!