Ultimate Scraper Blade's Spud Bar Review, by Jim McClain

[TFP Admin]

This is a thread for discussion of the review, Ultimate Scraper Blade's Spud Bar Review, by Jim McClain. Your comments and questions are welcome. You may also rate the review. Thank you for your participation.

[Bud Cline]

Appears to be a scraper-supreme but you will never catch me using another spud bar scraper as long as I live. I retired from using those things a few years ago, I'll leave all that type of manual labor up to the younger pups of the industry. Good appraisal though Jim, but who's that young man in the last photo? Now, where did I put my cigarettes?

[Jim McClain]

Originally Posted by Bud Cline I retired from using those things a few years ago, I'll leave all that type of manual labor up to the younger pups of the industry.

I guess I should have mentioned the even younger man using the tool in the pictures. He played model that day but he also tore up all but about 20sf of the tile. That's all I was good for.

Good appraisal though Jim, but who's that young man in the last photo? Now, where did I put my cigarettes?

Oh sure, try to make me feel better. Yeah, that's me. I actually took that pic just the other day when a friend sent me a shirt and wanted me to send her a pic of me wearing it. I'm such a handsome devil (when I don't have "hypocrite" written across my brow). It loses something with the o2 strapped on though.

[rgfloor]

My question Jim is of the demo of the VCT. Did you test first to see if it had any asbestos? How big was that job? In Ohio we are limited to 200 sq ft without EPA permits.

[Jim McClain]

The job was a 12x14 room. No test was necessary as I sold the material for that DIY job just 8 years ago. I'd be happy to discuss demolition of any type of product in another thread, but this thread is about the tool I reviewed. I would never advocate removal of VAT or any other hazardous material, as defined by federal, state or local standards. Each state and many localities have different laws concerning these materials and it is important for the installer to abide by them and to use the proper methods and equipment. But if the material specifications (including the adhesives used) and the laws governing them allow unabated removal such as this instance, this is the tool to use.

Thanks,

Jim

[skhardwoods]

Great job on the review, and quite timely. Been looking to get one, and that one will fill the bill nicely. I too, have been a steady customer of Pacific Flooring supply since I got my c-15 in 1985.

[Jim McClain]

I had an opportunity to try the tool out on some cheap sheet vinyl on a concrete slab. Not a big challenge since this stuff isn't all that difficult to tear up, but it is just one more of those situations where the old style blades tend to get material jambed up in the clamp, distorting the blade and making a less than smooth take-up. The Ultimate Scraper Blade is just a really nice tool that makes these jobs easier and more profitable.

click any image for a larger view

Again, I want to thank Patrick, of Skirted Blade Systems, for providing the tool through their distributor, Pacific Flooring Supply, Sparks, NV. I've been a customer of Pacific Flooring for over 30 years and they have always been good to me. Here's a shot of Dave Bash, the manager. Thanks, Dave.



Jim

[Darol Wester]

Looks like a great tool, though my back is hurting just watching that guy. Now, who gets to take up the white stuff?

[Jim McClain]

The backing came up on the second pass. I installed that floor about 5 years ago, so there is no asbestos contamination.

Jim

[skhardwoods]

Hey... The manager of MY Pacific Flooring Supply, is also named DAVE... WTF?

[Jerry LA Tile]

Nice review Jim. Being a new guy in the flooring business I would love to see a tool review/use forum. TY