Input on the Tuscan Leveling System!

[Hub City Dan]

Thank you, Chad. I'm good with that. Won't know how much height to make up until the big tiles are in.

Looks like everyone's burned out on the modified / unmodified, Ditra / no Ditra discussions, even as it relates to TLS...

I've been reading up on shear strengths and properties on the products recommended by the masters here and what the Borgs sell. The Laticrete pro numbered products spec out well, better than the top-end flex products at the Borgs. However, they all seem to be for different purposes. The modified D-70 recommended by the local shop specs highest from what I can read, claims mucho flexibility, and is made by Bostik, which makes Ditra-Set. D-70 and Ditra-Set show the same range of cement % in their MSDS, and I recall that (legitimately) being a big talking point in the Schluter class.

At this point, unless guys speak up quick and convince me otherwise, I'm going to go get some gray D-70. It promotes itself as "extremely tacky, extremely flexible", and I'm trusting that will play well with the TLS system on this app. I've got enough new things going on with this job for me without making it my first big Ditra project too. You know the saying, you either experiment on scrap or you experiment on your project...

Really clean concrete, really good thinset, well-scrubbed big tiles, TLS system, let's go.

I have decided to do full a Ditra job on a pair of smaller concrete stair landings after this project both to ramp up my learning curve with Ditra better. They're the same size, both ends of a basement staircase. I'll do one by the book and one with modified, using the same tile, and see how it looks... And to be clear, I am not at all concerned about the Ditra end of the job at all, I'm sure it will perform fine either way with enough time to cure or dry, the purpose is to set up my Ditra installation process and get it tuned up before I use it on a large, expensive, very visible job.

[Chad Deiter Company]

I like Versabond for most stuff I have been using Laticrete stuff lately since I met one of the owners on here. But I think I wouldn't spend a whole heck of a lot of time driving all around a big box store ( not sure whats in your area ) will have a good modified thinset that will work great I would imagine. Something in the 15-25 dollar range not the 5-8 range.

Keep in mind we don't the weather you do here in California so I'm not an expert there.

[MICK1]

Here some pictures of the installation of a 55' diameter medallion installed in Newark,NJ performing arts Center, setting materials and antifractures and grout from Laticrete, Tuscan Leveling for the setting of the slabs and Creative Edge for the waterjet cutting, 220 marble and granite laticrete,spectra lock for the grout and Hydroban for membraneSlabs are 3 cm

[jondon]

Hey Mick, nice medallion! Asked ya a few questions couple weeks ago, my familgia is from Teramo, Mutignano to be exact. Was looking at your system through Contractor's Direct where I get most of my tile stuff, is the Performance Tool Gun the right one to get, I know someone said not to get the manual one. Got a marble job coming up and want to try the TLS. Thanks!

I know your family is from Pisa or surrounding area, you ever been to Volterra, not sure if that is how its spelled. When I was in Pisa visiting, they led me up to this place as I was looking for marble. Ended up bringing 7 chess boards home from there, all in different colors. Just curious.

[MICK1]

Yeah I know where Volterra is. The manual tool is fine in my opinion, as I said in past post we are working on new setting tools from Italy, we still working on prototypes as yet. Should be available in a few months,please call me if you have any questions at 319 670 0003.I'm waiting for the rest of the pictures of the medallion, should be able to post them in a few days, they look as flat as a sheet of glass Installer was Tiede Zoeller one of the largest tile contractor in the USA.

Thanks.

Mick

[jondon]

hey Mick just wanted to let you know I got the TLS from Contractor's Direct and gonna give it a go tomorrow on that marble job, got about 200 sq. ft. a 12" white cararra to put down on the floor and another 200 in the shower so I will let you know how it goes. I know you said with the 12" you could just use one strap in the middle. I'll post a pic.....thanks for your guidance.

[MICK1]

Jon, I do not recall to ever said to use only one strap per side of tile, my english it is not perfect by any means but I know that I tell every customer to use at list 2 straps per tile side or 4 straps per tlle, Please give me a call before you start the install and I will make sure that you know exactly how to use the TLS,sorry for any confusion.

Thanks.

Mick

[Art of Stone]

Johndon,
There has got to be some sort of breakdown in communication here.
You CAN NOT use one strap per side, you MUST use two per side to ensure no movement of the tiles. The tiles can still teeter in the corners if you only use one per side.

[MICK1]

Jon my cell phone is as follows: 319 670 0003.

Mick

[Hammy]

Mick, bank job looking like it will be a go. GC wants to slpit the job between me another setter. They want me to do the 20 x 20 BECAUSE of the TLS. Other setter doesnt use anything. ughhhhh......... Looks like it will be about 1100 sq ft. of 20's. Want to make a trip to Tennessee? GC wants to buy all material but I specified that in addition to a labor bid I was buying the TLC. Suppose to make a decision on Monday. Hammy

[Bellsfloors]

I am planning on purchasing online the Tuscan Leveling system.

Which gun is the most preferred by you guys that have used them. Like to know the likes and dislikes before throwing that kind of money down for the tools. What makes the Ergonomically one so much more costly and what are the real benefits of owning it?

[tileguynky]

I have both guns and like the ergo gun better. Bought the basic gun and played with it for a few days and just felt my wrist was in a funny angle while using it. Bought the ergo gun and it just fells natural. My hand just does not feel fatigued at the end of the day. It does take a little getting used to but it is my gun of choice. I keep thinking about selling the basic gun. Have told a few locals about it.

Everybody that walked onto my last job asked what it was. The homeowner and the GC like the results. Those floors are flat. Heck, we used it at my Dad's house while doing his porch. For an old mud man (I say that with love pops) he thinks the TLS is some "neat sh*t".

[cx]

Originally Posted by jondon

hey Mick just wanted to let you know I got the TLS from Contractor's Direct and gonna give it a go tomorrow on that marble job,...

Jon, next time you go to Contractors Direct, do it through our store here on the site. We get payola that way to help pay our bills.

[jondon]

Sorry about all the confusion, I guess I misunderstood ya Mick. I'll use em on
every corner, and I will give ya a call today before I start. And CX.... sorry bout that, didn't know anythang bout going through this site to order from CD, but from now on I will, thanks to you! How did you make out with that marble cutting board, did she bake ya a pie when it was all said and done, or did she make ya a pizza pie?

[cx]

I dunno if she's a pizza maker, Jon, but maybe that's why she thinks she wants a 2'x2' board, eh? I don't bribe all that well with pies and cakes, but she could get even more perks than usual if I find out she makes pizza.

I passed along by email what I'd learned about those marble boards. Don't know what the verdict will be on that.