Some days in the shop call you to level up, not just in your craft but in the person you’re becoming. This episode walks with you through the practical wins that help you get there.
Brandon and Jon break down how to set paddles on a vertical shaft mixer so your fiber reinforced mixes behave the way you need for concrete countertops and sinks. You’ll hear different approaches to mounting a floating mantle or fireplace surround, is a vibrating table necessary to make concrete countertops, and why a torsion box casting table can tighten up your workflow. We also cover the simple steps that prevent curling, and which Kodiak Pro polishing pads to pair with a Dewalt sander for a clean, efficient finish.
Then the conversation shifts to something that sharpens more than your craft. Justin Burd’s Concrete Athlete Design Competition challenges you to create a meaningful piece using no more than 50 pounds of Maker Mix or RADmix, paired with thirty days of workouts and daily discipline. It’s a reminder that stronger concrete and stronger character both come from showing up with intention.
By the end, you’re equipped with better methods, clearer thinking, and the confidence that comes from choosing the right tools and the right habits. Kodiak Pro stands ready to help you make work you’re proud of and a life that feels just as solid.
#MakerMindset #CreativeGrowth #ConcreteCraft #SelfDevelopment #ArtisanLife #BuildSomethingBetter #GFRCCommunity #ConcretePodcast #KodiakPro
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Some days in the shop call you to level up, not just in your craft but in the person you’re becoming. This episode walks with you through the practical wins that help you get there.
Brandon and Jon break down how to set paddles on a vertical shaft mixer so your fiber reinforced mixes behave the way you need for concrete countertops and sinks. You’ll hear different approaches to mounting a floating mantle or fireplace surround, is a vibrating table necessary to make concrete countertops, and why a torsion box casting table can tighten up your workflow. We also cover the simple steps that prevent curling, and which Kodiak Pro polishing pads to pair with a Dewalt sander for a clean, efficient finish.
Then the conversation shifts to something that sharpens more than your craft. Justin Burd’s Concrete Athlete Design Competition challenges you to create a meaningful piece using no more than 50 pounds of Maker Mix or RADmix, paired with thirty days of workouts and daily discipline. It’s a reminder that stronger concrete and stronger character both come from showing up with intention.
By the end, you’re equipped with better methods, clearer thinking, and the confidence that comes from choosing the right tools and the right habits. Kodiak Pro stands ready to help you make work you’re proud of and a life that feels just as solid.
#MakerMindset #CreativeGrowth #ConcreteCraft #SelfDevelopment #ArtisanLife #BuildSomethingBetter #GFRCCommunity #ConcretePodcast #KodiakPro
Concrete Countertop Mistakes: What DIYers and Pros Keep Getting Wrong
The Concrete Podcast
1 hour 11 minutes 37 seconds
9 months ago
Concrete Countertop Mistakes: What DIYers and Pros Keep Getting Wrong
Success in concrete—like life—is about knowing what to fix, what to charge for, and what to let go. In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, we’re talking shop on everything from perfecting your mix to getting paid for storage, because craftsmanship isn't just about the pour—it’s about the business behind it.
We’ll cover:
* MatteMax mastery—how to get stronger, more predictable results.
* The art of charging for storage—why holding client pieces shouldn’t come out of your pocket.
* Polytek 74-29 White Rubber for molds—first impressions and what it means for your workflow.
* Brandon Gore’s new live-stream setup—a peek into the studio, raw and unfiltered.
* Fixing an unevenly acid-etched cast-in-place countertop—before sealing locks in the problem.
* Common mistakes that cost you time and money, including:
* Overwatering your mix (hello, weak concrete).
* Why rebar is the wrong move for reinforcement.
* The truth about curing time—why patience equals strength.
* What really causes hairline cracks (hint: it’s not what you think).
* Salvaging a warped slab—when to fix it, when to walk away.
If you’re in the business of making concrete—and making it well—this one’s for you. Tune in, take notes, and let’s make sure your next project is your best one yet.
#ConcreteWisdom #MakerMindset #BuildBetter #ConcreteCraft #EntrepreneurLife #ConcreteCountertops #DIYConcrete #HandmadeBusiness #ConstructionHacks #CreativeProblemSolving
The Concrete Podcast
Some days in the shop call you to level up, not just in your craft but in the person you’re becoming. This episode walks with you through the practical wins that help you get there.
Brandon and Jon break down how to set paddles on a vertical shaft mixer so your fiber reinforced mixes behave the way you need for concrete countertops and sinks. You’ll hear different approaches to mounting a floating mantle or fireplace surround, is a vibrating table necessary to make concrete countertops, and why a torsion box casting table can tighten up your workflow. We also cover the simple steps that prevent curling, and which Kodiak Pro polishing pads to pair with a Dewalt sander for a clean, efficient finish.
Then the conversation shifts to something that sharpens more than your craft. Justin Burd’s Concrete Athlete Design Competition challenges you to create a meaningful piece using no more than 50 pounds of Maker Mix or RADmix, paired with thirty days of workouts and daily discipline. It’s a reminder that stronger concrete and stronger character both come from showing up with intention.
By the end, you’re equipped with better methods, clearer thinking, and the confidence that comes from choosing the right tools and the right habits. Kodiak Pro stands ready to help you make work you’re proud of and a life that feels just as solid.
#MakerMindset #CreativeGrowth #ConcreteCraft #SelfDevelopment #ArtisanLife #BuildSomethingBetter #GFRCCommunity #ConcretePodcast #KodiakPro