Corner Knives - Good? Bad?

OhioHomeDoctor · 10-01-2011, 06:14 PM

I have been drywalling for 10 years now. I do it myself and hire multiple different crews at any given time. Never once have I seen a professional using a corner trowel. Not even once. In fact I have never even seen one on a job site. Now I am not going to get into a throw it on the table match with anyone, I am simply sharing my experience. If it works for you great. I dismissed your technique so I understand how you would be compelled to dismiss mine, but it is just the way it is.

DrHicks · 10-01-2011, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioHomeDoctor

I have been drywalling for 10 years now. I do it myself and hire multiple different crews at any given time. Never once have I seen a professional using a corner trowel. Not even once. In fact I have never even seen one on a job site. Now I am not going to get into a throw it on the table match with anyone, I am simply sharing my experience. If it works for you great. I dismissed your technique so I understand how you would be compelled to dismiss mine, but it is just the way it is.

It's perfectly fine for you to prefer one technique to another. But so say that those who don't do things the way you do are "amateurs who do not care about quality" is absurd.

Some people swear by tape, and others by mesh? Is somebody automatically wrong because they don't prefer what you do?

OhioHomeDoctor · 10-01-2011, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrHicks

It's perfectly fine for you to prefer one technique to another. But so say that those who don't do things the way you do are "amateurs who do not care about quality" is absurd.

Some people swear by tape, and others by mesh? Is somebody automatically wrong because they don't prefer what you do?

Thankyou, and no. However when the subject is inside corners mesh has no place and nor does diyr corner knives. Thanks for your input.

chrisBC · 10-01-2011, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie T

The sad thing about that is that usually the "new" technology is seldom as good as what it replaces. Just like drywall cannot hold a candle to the strength and quality of plaster.

I agree, and also think it's too bad that the art of plastering is pretty much a thing of the past. I don't know anybody who has done a lot of it, other than repairs; often done with drywall and/or joint compound.

OhioHomeDoctor · 10-01-2011, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisBC

I agree, and also think it's too bad that the art of plastering is pretty much a thing of the past. I don't know anybody who has done a lot of it, other than repairs; often done with drywall and/or joint compound.

We only have one plaster crew. Its two brothers and they're in there 60s. It is a pleasure to watch those guys operate.

**kwikfishron** · 10-01-2011, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioHomeDoctor

Never once have I seen a professional using a corner trowel. Not even once.

Me neither.

chrisBC · 10-01-2011, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioHomeDoctor

We only have one plaster crew. Its two brothers and they're in there 60s. It is a pleasure to watch those guys operate.

yeah i'd like a chance to see the process from start to finish. Must be for restoration work I take it.

Oh-Fudge · 10-04-2011, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie T

Fudge,

If you have even a small bit of artistic flair in you, drywall finishing can be more than just fun; it can be very relaxing, therapeutic, and rewarding

WillieT, sounds like you've flung some mud in your day. Thank you and everyone else very much for the advice. It all makes perfect sense. Yes, in days past I've tried to skimp and put unused mud back into the bucket only to have clumps in my joint lines the next time. As to mudding being therapeutic, well, lets agree to disagree on that one. I have very little spare time and waiting for several layers of mud to dry between coats is not very efficient for me. Maybe when I retire I can be more artistic.

As to corner knives/trowels, I think they are quicker and easier for the unskilled DIYer or maybe for rough stuff like garages or inside closets. But, it seems like a straight knife is the way to go for the pros and for a smoother finish. Does that make sense? I didn't mean to start a war here. I suppose if someone laid mud with a butter knife for 40 years they would be pretty good using a butter knife

DrHicks · 10-04-2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oh-Fudge

WillieT, sounds like you've flung some mud in your day. Thank you and everyone else very much for the advice. It all makes perfect sense. Yes, in days past I've tried to skimp and put unused mud back into the bucket only to have clumps in my joint lines the next time. As to mudding being therapeutic, well, lets agree to disagree on that one. I have very little spare time and waiting for several layers of mud to dry between coats is not very efficient for me. Maybe when I retire I can be more artistic.

As to corner knives/trowels, I think they are quicker and easier for the unskilled DIYer or maybe for rough stuff like garages or inside closets. But, it seems like a straight knife is the way to go for the pros and for a smoother finish. Does that make sense? I didn't mean to start a war here. I suppose if someone laid mud with a butter knife for 40 years they would be pretty good using a butter knife

Haha! I "flung some mud" this morning, and found it to be anything but therapeutic and relaxing. Not horrible, but certainly not therapy.

Maybe if I'd been able to use a corner knife instead of just my old 6" & 10" knives I could have really enjoyed myself.

Willie T · 10-04-2011, 05:01 PM

I did a small amount of finishing today, and I'm so happy, I have to sit on both hands to keep from waving at everyone I see.

Seriously, for a novice, I guess I'd recommend using the corner thing. Personally, they just mess up all my work.

chrisn · 10-05-2011, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oh-Fudge

WillieT, sounds like you've flung some mud in your day. Thank you and everyone else very much for the advice. It all makes perfect sense. Yes, in days past I've tried to skimp and put unused mud back into the bucket only to have clumps in my joint lines the next time. As to mudding being therapeutic, well, lets agree to disagree on that one. I have very little spare time and waiting for several layers of mud to dry between coats is not very efficient for me. Maybe when I retire I can be more artistic.

As to corner knives/trowels, I think they are quicker and easier for the unskilled DIYer or maybe for rough stuff like garages or inside closets. But, it seems like a straight knife is the way to go for the pros and for a smoother finish. Does that make sense? I didn't mean to start a war here. I suppose if someone laid mud with a butter knife for 40 years they would be pretty good using a butter

knife

There you go

bjbatlanta · 10-07-2011, 05:34 PM

Never use corner trowels, tried one once and threw it away. Some swear by them.....