How much time is invested in learning new techniques, trying new tools/methods?

[Stonehenge]

After reading Dan D's post about his kid getting into stone mason work, and recalling how Paul always seems to be on top of every new advance in the hardscape field, I was wondering....How much time do you spend investigating new methods or tools or trying new tools or methods to make your existing work better or faster, or trying new work altogether?

[dan deutekom]

Do we count the time on this forum?:D

[Stonehenge]

I suppose.

But let me give you a 'for example'... A year or so ago I was on AIM with Paul, chatting about installing driveways over asphalt, and I was telling him how hard it was to drive spikes through the binder course asphalt. While we chatted Paul pulled up a link to a site that sold tools, and specifically, a hand-held air hammer. We haven't done another driveway since then, but when we do I'll want to try that to see if it helps.

So I guess that's the kind of thing I'm talking about - trying methods or tools you never tried before, whether or not that tool or method was designed for your application.

Before we had access to a bed edger, I tried a trencher to help install landscape edging. That was a flop, but glad I tried it. That kind of thing...

[Paul]

I learn something new every day or try too....... The palm nailer was shown to me about 7 years ago by the guys at PaveTech, I asked how they got their spikes in on a 98% compacted base they showed me a few more things that day. Places to learn about the new things coming out are trade shows, suppliers, and your competition

[diginahole]

So a regular palm nailer for 3 1/2" spikes could be used to drive 10" spikes into base? Interesting..........

[jwholden]

I thought the spikes were the job for the new guy...

[diginahole]

A palm nailer is a relativly inexpensive tool and I already carry a compressor on the trailer. If it can shave some time on a job I'm all for it. I recently finished a job that used over 100 Lbs of spikes, after an hour or so that 4 Lb hammer feels like 40. We build a well packed base so I often find myself swinging the hammer with 2 hands after a dozen or two spikes. I could also put a palm nailer to use as it was intended when building decks.

[BJR]

I take it a palm nailer is what we call a nail gun? It shoots nails for framing, decking etc.

I am always attending trade shows, and talking to competitors that are willing to pass on their experiences. As far as how much time, impossible to tell. But whenever I hear of something I will investigate it.

My staff always complain that I am a gadget freak. I am always trying new things.

[Stonehenge]

A palm nailer is more like a miniature air-hammer. It fits in your palm like a grapefruit and the business end pneumatically hammers on whatever it touches. Different from a nail gun in that it does not have nails as part of it, and it doesn't shoot nails in one blow.

Think of an air ratchet, but in hammer form.

[BJR]

Do you have a link to a site where I can see one?

Never heard of them.

[Stonehenge]

Here's a link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006411G/102-1653836-7876963?v=glance

[BJR]

Thanks.

I have never seen one before.

I am going to look further to see if they are in Aus.

[scl]

If you'd rather go the electric route from time to time we'll use our Bosch demo hammer with a ground rod driver.

[Tim]

Scl, I would be very interested in looking at the Bosch equipment you mentioned. Can you provide links? Several contractors have used the air palm nailers to pre-set the stakes for our products, but when I refer this method to contractors, many normally do not have a compressor on their job sites. An electrical alternative would be more practical for most of my contacts. Thanks, Tim

[Stonehenge]

Scl - I'd like to see that attachment as well - I have a pretty nice Bosch SDS+ hammer drill - that might work for me....