Updates from the FamilyWiggs

[FamilyWiggs]

Did 12 hours solid of lime plastering yesterday and am a broken man... back is in about 27 pieces today!

Here are a couple of recent updates to the project - we're just about to enter year 9 of our 3 year project. Sorry if I'm a bit lazy to write proper updates, and am just linking to FB albums; but apparently you can view these public photos even if not a Farcebook member or FB friend of mine.

Hope all are well... I do drop in occasionally to keep an eye out and check Mr P is attending to your grammar needs.

Here is a teaser:

(oops won't let me upload a pic - you must have all been very busy!)

And here are the links:

Making the workshop: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151850219175452.1073741835.748900451&type=1&l=d13232df55

Lime plastering the snug: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152079375230452.1073741839.748900451&type=1&l=e875f5f652

Robin

 

[Flyfisher]

Welcome back FW - don't be a stranger!

Is that workshop in the building where the wall completely collapsed? Either way, it's a lovely workshop space and the doors really look the part. And well done for all the effort to reinstate a stone floor instead of taking the easier option of ordering a wagon-load of concrete!

 

[Zebra]

Very lovely. What's the mix with the straw in it? What else is in that mix and what are you using it for?

 

[Penners]

Hmmm... "Robin Wiggs repaired this room 2014".

But who shall repair Robin Wiggs?*

Outstanding work there, FW. I'm no lime plastering expert but your results look to me exactly the way that I would like lime plastering to look (if I had the skills). I'm perhaps a bit more qualified to comment on the joinery, which also looks really first class.

Your regular presence on this forum is greatly missed. Maybe you could recuperate from your recent stresses and strains by visiting more often? You never write, your never phone...

* Actually, it looks to me as though you just sat back and took photos, while the Junior Wiggses did all the real work :wink:

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Very lovely. What's the mix with the straw in it? What else is in that mix and what are you using it for?

It's just a 1:3 lime putty/sharp sand mix. I used it to fil the big holes, make up the cills etc. I threw in some straw just to help with cracking etc, and because the original lime mortar/putty was full of all sorts of filler - mud, straw, seeds, etc.

Top coats were just 1:3 putty to plasterers sand or building sand.

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Welcome back FW - don't be a stranger!

Is that workshop in the building where the wall completely collapsed? Either way, it's a lovely workshop space and the doors really look the part. And well done for all the effort to reinstate a stone floor instead of taking the easier option of ordering a wagon-load of concrete!

Yes - that's the one. If it stops raining, I'll take a picture of the finished space tomorrow. It is amazing, after 8 years of wanting one, just how much more productive you are when you have a proper workshop space. I can find tools easily, I can start jobs earlier, and don't need to lug workmates and extension leads outside to work.

wish I'd done it 7 years ago! 8)

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Outstanding work there, FW. I'm no lime plastering expert but your results look to me exactly the way that I would like lime plastering to look (if I had the skills). I'm perhaps a bit more qualified to comment on the joinery, which also looks really first class.

Thankyou - I know you know your wood. I really enjoyed that - made it up as I went along really. But very happy with the fisnished result.

My plastering techinque isn't good and very very slow. I've watched the guys who float it on with ease. I trowel mine on and smooth it with the trowel and rework it lots and lots with the trowel. This works for me, as I want a fairly vernacular finish and any imperfections will be covered bya couple of washes of thick limewash anyway.

 

[plasticpigeon]

buy a sponge float, it will be a revelation.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Robin, for once I am speechless-----admiration for all your hard work--absolutely stunning, . Lovely to see your youngsters helping out!!

Looking forward to the next instalment! xx

 

[FamilyWiggs]

buy a sponge float, it will be a revelation.

I've been told this before too... how does one use it? What is the effect of it?