Switched to a magnesium float after 12 years on steel...

I was pouring a driveway in Tucson last month and this old timer shows up to watch. I'm using my usual steel float and he just shakes his head. He pulls out his own float and hands it to me, it's magnesium. Told me to try it once. The difference was nuts... the surface came out way smoother with less drag and no streaking. I figured steel was just the standard way but he explained how the magnesium doesn't pull up fines as bad in hot weather. Tucson hits 110 easy so that makes sense now. Next day I bought one at the supply house for like $40 and used it on a patio slab. Came out way cleaner and I had less trowel marks to chase. Has anyone else switched floats and noticed a big change in their finish?

2 comments

2 Comments

diana31410d ago

Guess I'll have to apologize to my steel float for cheating on it.

noahhall10d agoTop Commenter

Whoa, that got me thinking! I had this old rubber float I used for years, and one day I picked up a fancy new stainless steel one at a yard sale. Felt so guilty I actually kept the old one in a drawer for six months before I could throw it out. @diana314, I bet your steel float knows it's the real deal deep down. Tools have a way of forgiving us, don't they?