The Complete Handbook of Masonry Tools

Finally, a handbook that treats masonry tools seriously. I've been doing residential brickwork for 15 years and I thought I knew this space cold. Chapter 1 alone made me rethink how I select my tools—the explanation of why joint profiles matter and how they affect your choice of jointer was something I'd never seen spelled out clearly before. The whole book is written for people who actually do the work, not marketing copy. Ordering copies for my crew.

This is exactly what I needed when I started my tile and stone business three years ago. I wasted money on tools I didn't need and didn't understand why some worked better than others. The selection framework in Chapter 3 saved me hundreds on my last equipment purchase, and the maintenance section is the first place I check when something goes wrong. Highly recommend for anyone scaling up in masonry.

Comprehensive and practical. The way it explains tool grades and specifications—what actually matters versus marketing specs—is gold. I manage a construction company and I've started using this as my reference when my crew says we need new equipment. No hype, just facts and real-world guidance. Worth every penny.

Solid handbook, though I wish there was more detail on power tool maintenance and troubleshooting. The hand-tool section is thorough, and the business opportunities chapter opened my eyes to reselling possibilities I hadn't considered. The glossary is helpful. Not perfect, but definitely a worthwhile reference to have on the shelf.

Good practical information, but some of the selection criteria in Chapter 3 felt a bit abstract for my situation. I do mostly small residential repairs, not full-scale contracts, and I had to skip over sections aimed at bigger crews. Still valuable, though. The maintenance schedules are realistic.

The book is well-organized and the information is accurate. My only complaint is that some chapters could have more visual examples—diagrams showing joint profiles or tool angles would help clarify a few concepts. Good reference overall, though I'm still learning a lot on the job itself.

Exactly the kind of straightforward reference I was looking for. The troubleshooting section in Chapter 5 has already saved me time and money. One minor note: the brands chapter could include a bit more on international suppliers, but for U.S. professionals, this is comprehensive. Will be recommending it.

This handbook is outstanding. I was skeptical at first—how much can you really say about masonry tools?—but Chapter 1 immediately showed me there's a lot I didn't know. The real-world examples, the explanation of how tool choice affects safety and quality, the maintenance schedules that actually match how professionals work: everything is grounded in practice. The FAQ section answered questions I'd been searching for on forums for years. Essential for anyone serious about masonry.