Hand made clay blocks joint width

[henkelis]

Hi,

I've searched the site and I can't find an answer to this: how do I maintain a 2-5mm joint gap when laying hand made clay blocks that have no built in spacers (or chamfers).

Mark.

[lutonlagerlout]

string lines
set out your edge then use a string line every 4-5 th course

its easier than it sounds

LLL

[henkelis]

Thanks.

How likely is the edge course to spall, given it's laid on concrete (and currently butted up)?

[henkelis]

Hi,

Another question about hand made clay pavers. How safe is it to lay them and leave them unjointed/uncompacted whilst they have light foot traffic (I could put boards over them)? They'll be in stretcher bond.

I want to get them down, but I'm not sure I'll get a rain-free weekend to joint/compact them - additionally the blocks are currently wet and won't dry properly until I get them down.

Mark.

[henkelis]

Looks like I'll be answering my own question, as time beat me (again). I've got most of them down, just a few cuts left to do next weekend, then I can sand and compact.

I've learnt that using hand made clays for your first attempt is probably not a good idea. Also that ignoring professional advice (use a line to get them straight) and doing everything by eye is also probably a bad idea - that said they're "old English", so they're not supposed to look perfect

As always a question - any good ideas for hiding the concrete blocks that can be seen on the end of the extension?

Mark.

[lutonlagerlout]

looking good henk
get it finished now mate?
LLL