From the Yahoo Masonry Heater group, January 19, 2010
--- In MasonryHeaters@yahoogroups.com, Jeffrey T Owens wrote:
Great question Jeff, and I'm sure many people in this economy have asked it.
I am new to heaters so I might be able to offer a unique perspective.
I am a professional mason by trade. Many people can build a chimney or wall without any
experience, especially with your background. It may take you 20 hours to do what
it takes me 2, that's the main difference. You have to be fast to make
money.....and clean.
I was really surprised at how many people build heaters but
don't do the "facing". I believe that they could do the facing but from an
economic standpoint choose not to because you can hire any old brickie around
town to do this (with some special instruction).
This is NOT true the other way around. Being a bricklayer will not make you a
heater mason. It is the most
technically involved thing I have built from masonry.
I built my garage from brick and block 26' x 36' with a lot of trick details and
the little heater inside in the corner took just as long!!!
So, I think that you could learn the trade of
building heaters if focused enough w/ your background. There is far less
emphasis on speed and agility than with laying brick/block "outside". There is
waaaaay more knowledge required and a lot of studying to be done, which really
works in your favor as a "newbie". Another big factor is that a whole lot of
brickies are out of work and not many people know how to build heaters!
As far
as paying the mortgage with building heaters, not sure about the overall market,
leave that to someone who knows what the heck they are talking about :o) That's
my two cents and remember a year ago I didn't know what a heater was!
Reagards,
Jeffrey T
_____
From: MasonryHeaters@yahoogroups.com [mailto:MasonryHeaters@yahoogroups.com]
On
Behalf Of Jeffrey Olson
Sent: Sunday, January 17, 2010 10:36 PM
To: MasonryHeaters@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [MasonryHeaters] Hands On Workshop
Could a non-mason learn such a trade if he were focused enough. I need to get
on a fast track to a new trade. I have no masonry experience. I'm an aircraft
mechanic and pilot seeking a new life maybe.
Jeff
-----Original Message-----
From: MasonryHeaters@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:MasonryHeat ers@yahoogroups. com]
On Behalf Of Jeffrey T Owens
Sent: Sunday, January 17, 2010 6:48 PM
To: MasonryHeaters@ yahoogroups. com
Subject: RE: [MasonryHeaters] Hands On Workshop
Hello Ed:
One year ago I was as "ignorant" as you. Then I stumbled across the
Masonry Heater Association website, joined the "chat" site (a first for me) and started
"lurking". Most of the conversations confused me more than educating me. I was
intrigued (confused) by all the chatter by guys named "Norbert","Lars",
"Chernov", and "Trout". I poked around the website and found lots of pictures
and slide shows, these confused me more and I am a mason by trade! Then I saw
this info about "Wildacres" on the site. I have a very busy life and young family
so it was difficult for me to make a 5-6 day commitment to hang out in the
mountains with these guys. Thank heaven I did, and so should you this Spring if
you are serious about learning about these things!
Book your trip now, you will not regret it.
No matter where you are geographically you will find a
"professional" to apprentice under and be able to spend some time w/ the likes
of me and other "newbies" and learn while drinking beer! I believe I was
undefeated in Ping-Pong during last three days at Wildacres :o) C U there!
Newly educated,
Jeffrey T
_____
From: MasonryHeaters@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:MasonryHeat ers@yahoogroups. com]
On Behalf Of Edward
Sent: Sunday, January 17, 2010 5:54 PM
To: MasonryHeaters@ yahoogroups. com
Subject: [MasonryHeaters] Hands On Workshop
Hi All,
I am new to the group, but I am wondering if there are any opportunities for a
very ignorant newbie to attend some kind of workshop to learn how to build a
masonry heater. I would also be willing to work with a professional mason as an
apprentice if possible.
Thanks.
Edward Allen