Release for wood "waffle" inserts for lighter weight pavers
Release for wood "waffle" inserts for lighter weight pavers
(OP)
I'm using 2 x 12 boards cut with a table saw at a 20 degree bevel so I can decrease the interior thickness of pavers from two inches to 3/4" in order to benefit from less material and lighter weight. The 1-1/2" thickness is pressed 1-1/4" into the concrete. I seal the cut boards with two coats of elastomeric roofing material. I have tried many releases and have decided to use corn oil as it is least toxic to handle and breathe around. I'm using a seven sack mix with pea gravel and concrete sand, 60% pea gravel and 40% sand and a 0.4 water cement ratio. I embed the waffle insert during vibration for ease of insertion.
The problem is I can't get the waffle insert out. I can't understand why not. The remedies I see are to use a rasp and round the corners some, rub grease over the surface, keep spraying with oil before use to encourage maximum absorption, and pull out early with concrete very green.
The more I endure, the performance gradually becomes better as I guess the alkali reaction finally stabilizes. The first six or seven times is so difficult and the paver usually breaks.
Is there a good trick for prepping wood to get a good release from concrete the first time it's used? I believee the wood is fir.
Thanks for any suggestions
The problem is I can't get the waffle insert out. I can't understand why not. The remedies I see are to use a rasp and round the corners some, rub grease over the surface, keep spraying with oil before use to encourage maximum absorption, and pull out early with concrete very green.
The more I endure, the performance gradually becomes better as I guess the alkali reaction finally stabilizes. The first six or seven times is so difficult and the paver usually breaks.
Is there a good trick for prepping wood to get a good release from concrete the first time it's used? I believee the wood is fir.
Thanks for any suggestions





RE: Release for wood "waffle" inserts for lighter weight pavers
Can you cut your form panels in two, you may have a 'joint line', but it will be on the underside. If you cut your form pieces in the middle using a 20 degree cut, you could have placed the 90 degree edges together giving you the 20 degree edge with a single cut. Often done for keyways. Can also cut a bit of a notch on the 90 degree edges to get a screwdriver, tire iron, or whatever into to pry the two halves up.
I can send you a cad sketch of the above cut if you want.
Dik
RE: Release for wood "waffle" inserts for lighter weight pavers
Dik
RE: Release for wood "waffle" inserts for lighter weight pavers