The Bluestocking does a late night flit again

[Magpiecomplex]

New thread, you know the drill!

IANAB but I don't think that the new mortar will key to the old stuff. You could try putting a masonry blade in a hacksaw and cutting down through the old mortar so that you are only chipping out small bits at a time

Also, if you tapped the bolster into the cut, it might make the mortar shear away from the brick underneath.

Thanks @JanesLittleGirl

You’re probably right. I’ll have another go with the chisel. It came off the bricks so cleanly and beautifully; it was so satisfying. I hate this other stuff as it doesn’t budge at all. Not even a little chip.

At least I have gin in my hat.

Hello Myrtle, I see you liked my message so you must be reading!

Great you are now the other side of the ordeal, hope you have a good night's rest. I'm sure you'll feel pretty zonked for a few days, surgery does that😕
Looking forward to having you back in the Bluestocking, whenever you feel up to it x

Ooh, hi Myrtle! Glad all went well. 🙂

Could you post a picture of what you're trying to remove? It might help us come up with an idea.

Obviously the recommendation would be to remove it. But if it's absolutely solid and not budging then yes I would suggest you do a bodgit and scarper job.

Also, thoroughly wet down the existing mortar before laying the new mortar on top to help the new adhere to the old better.

I think you might have gone a bit overboard with the ice for your gin-hat, Swashy.

I’m not there now, but could try to remember next time I go.

If you just want it to look good to sell it then don't overthink it too much! A wall with a top layer of bricks that will have fallen off in 12 months will probably add more money than a wall missing the top bricks and old mortar showing.

By the time they come completely loose it will be the new owners problem!

Thanks Boiley!

That can be my last resort. Nice to have one.

It might just be easier to buy a new drill

Thanks, Boiley.

Nah, I’m not selling now. I’m renovating it cos Bear wanted us to do it up together and get another tenant in. Felt like I was letting him down if I sold, which is why I’ve been doing all the hard labour. An act of love.

So I could scarper from the bodged wall, but I’d still be responsible for it. But if it lasts a few years, I could just do it again… (🤞)

Oh, I don’t know. I think it has legs.

Would certainly keep your head cool in weather like today! We were forecast 33°.

In that case you could leave off the top layer of bricks and just smooth over the top of the old mortar bed for now and deal with it at another point in time. A layer of missing bricks won't affect the rental price.

I downloaded the Merlin app last night because there was a persistent screecher that fascinated me. Wondered if it was some sort of owl, but it did sound unusual. I’m sitting by the open windows ready to pounce and press the recording button. Of course it hasn’t returned since, and likely never will now!

Go for a pee and it will arrive!

I know. That was my original plan. But I’m coming to the end of the project and find myself going for perfection. Possibly due to the nature of it, and also (perhaps) due to wondering how I will distract myself when it is done.
I’ll have another think next time I’m there.

laughing emoticon 🤣

(Two words and I buggered them up!🙄)

Final suggestion from DH (Farmer's son so compulsive bodger).

Unless you actually need another row of bricks, just sand the exposed mortar smoothish so it looks intentional.

Thank you for that one!
I shall explore all these options with more of a spring in my step…

Just remember when you are striving to get it perfect... It's a rental! You just need to get it finished and rented out.

I'm sure between us all @Swashbuckled we can come up with a varied, and probably slightly insane, long list of things you could do once the house is finished.

Thanks; that would be nice 😊