I love Harbor Freight. Sure, some items are total garbage but most of those are your under 5 buck items. I have two inverter generators and LOVE them. Everything from a 9000 lbs winch, Hercules tools, quick hitch, folding trailer, etc...they’re all great items.

Watering the soil prior to compacting helps get a tighter more compact end product. Plus helps keep the dust down.

@jasonpinckney2178

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely agree, a either a small hand held or if ya got one one of the 25-50 gallo ones that fit in the back of something like your Sidekick

@blade_monstababy9945

3 жыл бұрын

I’m pretty sure mike has this part covered given his background.

@oldtroller2861

3 жыл бұрын

Look up "Optimum water content for compaction". Adding water to a dry soil during compaction allows soil particles to slide past one another more easily. Water acts as a lubricant, reducing interparticle friction. We have to consider the incompressible nature of water when we’re adding water. Adding too much water will cause air voids to be filled with water, limiting how closely soil particles can be pushed together. If we haven’t added enough water, soil particles cannot be pushed together due to high interparticle friction forces. We need to find a balance. Luckily for us, we have the Proctor Compaction Test.

@pneumatic00

3 жыл бұрын

Was thinking that.

Watching from Jamaica 🇯🇲. In the Caribbean we call removing top soil "Grubbing ". Absolutely necessary before any foundation work. Just found this Channel recently but enjoying it. A go to for me. I am retired project manager mostly in construction. I therefore find this channel not only entertaining but loaded with information. Keep up the good work. 👍🏼

@OutdoorsWithTheMorgans

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Charles

@nephilly87

3 жыл бұрын

I love Jamaica I’m going back for my second time soon

Mike, after 28 yrs in Carpentry/concrete my advice is get some water on that soil to push the air out to achieve 100% compaction. Water, compact water, compact. Not to the point that you're making mud but fairly moist. Cheers from Canada 😁🇨🇦🔨

@TheHobbyShop1

3 жыл бұрын

I completely agree. I was surprised at how much difference it made. Some of the areas of a trench for plumbing and electrical sunk in quite a bit more in my building even after already being compacted. In my case the sides were still off so I just ran a sprinkler in there for a few hours then compacted and re-graded as required in areas that compacted/settled down further after being wet overnight.

@tigg567

3 жыл бұрын

Nothing is ever 100% compacted lol

@homernextdoor5950

3 жыл бұрын

@@tigg567 what about diamonds? Lol😁

@AmericanOne9621

3 жыл бұрын

@@homernextdoor5950 That may true but they are just for women......ha!

@OutdoorsWithTheMorgans

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I know, I was just trying out the compactor on a small area

MIKE! YOU'RE DOING IT THE RIGHT WAY ✅ TAKING YOU'RE TIME AND NOT IN A HURRY! GREAT VIDEO AS ALWAYS!

I was shocked it started on the 2nd pull. Looks like a great purchase. Keep on keeping on! 👍😊

@lloydfelter9349

3 жыл бұрын

I--THOUGHT--IT--WOULD--START--ON--FIRST--PULL-----MY PREDATOR GENERATOR---DID===GREAT STUFF===

@BKD70

3 жыл бұрын

LOL, it would have started on the first pull if he'd given it a few more seconds for the carburetor bowl to fill with fuel. Those Predators are great engines, ESPECIALLY for the price. I've got 5 of them in service right now. Every single one started on the first pull out of the box.

Harbor Freight has really stepped up their game over the last couple of years. Their General toolboxes and Daytona jacks are fantastic.

Now that 's the ticket, as my Dad used to say ! A dust mask, ear muffs for use and safety glasses !

You might want to try flipping the blade in backwards, we do that to cut vinyl siding and it cuts through much cleaner without any chipping!

@wildbill23c

3 жыл бұрын

Just don't forget to flip the black back around before cutting wood LOL.

Nice work friend. Keep up the great work. 💪🏻🪓⚡️💚👊 Kindness and love

Hey Mike, I got the same machine 3 years ago to level our horse stalls. That thing never fails, starts first pull and hits hard!!

Hi Mike, Just a friendly tip, keep a close eye on the gear box oil. Years ago i bought a new plate compactor from Northern Tool, i asked them specifically if the gear box had oil in it, they said yes but the engine did not. I got it home, added engine oil and gas. Never checked the gear box, i trusted their word. Well, i lasted 5 minutes then the plate didn't move. They replaced it with a new machine, i was only out my time but it was still a lesson learned, even at 48 years old. I won't trust anyone after that, it was a stupid mistake on my part.

Mike, try cutting the insulation with a bread knife.

Absolutely right about getting good compaction before pouring concrete, but also removing all topsoil to get to solid base material.I've seen new home construction sits where topsoil was brought in to attain proper grade, then weeks later that soil is framed for a driveway. Like a cement contractor, when asked if his work comes with a guarantee...he says yes, I guarantee it will crack...this is Michigan. I once saw n new driveway only 5 6months or so old, and the soil settled down underneath it, and water from a slope kept pouring into the sides, and underneath. I once put a rake handle all the way under the slab, there was that much of an air gap underneath the drive.

Papaw said Boy if ya don't have a good foundation you're going to have problems well after the construction is done. He had a 3rd grade education. Hard knocks had nothing on him. Be safe everybody.

The compactor works great you needed that for sure!, good job explaining the topsoil removal and good clay for good compaction!. Your finish product is only as good as your subgrade!. Mogans have a day!.

I purchased one of these with a 20% off HF coupon when we were building a paver block patio. The machine more than paid for itself on that one project and has since been passed around for the past 4 years to others for their own projects. One tip is to check and clean the air intake filter frequently.

@billk8780

3 жыл бұрын

Be nice if you could extend the air intake upward with a tube about another 2-feet or so.

Mike, a hotwire set up is the absolute best way to cut foam. No mess to clean up and fast. The wire you use should be piano wire. Check it out with a Google search, just be sure to search "hotwire foam cutting".

I bought the same compactor, did the same digging, but used 1/4 foam as vertical form for wall side rat wall - 24" x 2" with mesh. My building is not heated, so floor rises when ground freezes. Foam separates concrete from wood. No cracks or problems for 16 years. The compactor rotating weight has grease fittings on both ends, change fittings to 90 or 135 degree for easier access. Drain the fuel when stored. Compacts about 3/4 of rental unit, so compacts 3" rather than 4". But no more rental cost.

Thank god for these videos Mike. I have a ton of work to do in the yard and for some reason I need the insperation of these videos to get my but out there :)

@OutdoorsWithTheMorgans

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it

The tamper is the real deal ! Past experience, take one of your blowers and blow all the dust when your done each time and blow all the dust off your foam and wall. Down here where I live , if you don't , ot will be a magnet for moisture with the humidity. Looking.good and I love my yamper. Makes a job very easy and fast. Have a day!

Looks like you did a good job on that Mike, different soil takes different types of compaction, looks like your's worked out good. I wouldn't worry too much about those with negative comments. As long as you are satisfied with it, that's all that matters. Love watching you and Melissa improve the property.

Mike,you are so good,great to watch a person like me doing what i do on a daily basis and still learn and pickup ideas and knowledge from....appreciate it Mike..👍👍 have a great day to you,Melissa and family☀️☀️🌞🌞 Keep on shining..!!

Plate compactors are as handy as a pocket on a shirt! I picked my last one up from an estate sale. 👍 ⛏️

To the well mentioned comments regarding wetting the soil. Another good reason to do so is to keep the amount of dust down so that it doesn’t enter your engine. Those air filters can only stop so much stuff. Just ask all of those people who replace those expensive concrete saws. Dirt isn’t as abrasive as concrete. But, it’s still not good. Plus, you are compacting rock. Your shop is looking awesome.

I have used a table saw for cutting foam board before Mike and it works great! I enjoy your channel also!

Good morning Hunter ;-) and family too ;-)

Hey Mike, have you ever done a video on your equipment maintenance program? With so many pieces, how do you keep track of when to change oil, filters, plugs, etc?

When i get some of that pink stuff with big knots in it or some really twisted grain, I just take my front end loader with a good grading bucket on it (no teeth) and press right through it. Sometimes I need a little more length so at some point I will be making an extended blade attachment that I can throw on there ... and now you have me thinking as well about adding a heating element. Probably go with induction heating so i can get it glowing red hot! Happy April First!

Any day with a new tool is always a good day.

@bryanthegamer4798

3 жыл бұрын

Not necessarily, if you have ever bought a harbor freight pipe wrench and tried to do any work on black iron pipe, you know what im referring to. I find it crazy, they look identical to Rigid, the jaws will fit each other, the rigid will grab and turn, the harbor freight will slip and leave you with busted nuckles and needing some quick alone time

I've been looking at those compactors for years. It is the holy Grail on craigslist. If someone is selling one and they put the post up at 1:00 by 1:02 they will already have enough response that before the day is over they have already sold it. They also are very rare to even see. I never need one all the time but I would like to have it here so I can use it when I feel like it. As it is now I have to go to Home Depot and rent one. I really like how it worked for you. Thank you for sharing your experience with the compactor.

Great advise Mike. I will be sure to remember it.

The plate compactor seems to work well Mike. The building is really shaping up. Hello Hunter!

Looks like a good purchase. 👍I agree on the topsoil Mike. Gotta get it out of there to get a good base. Trying Hello fresh this week.

I don't know if you or any one knows : A metal rake - heavy tines - has two ways to be used. Tines down is typical to dig out fine rock and root. It is a rougher rake. If tines are up it is a smoothing rake that flattens down and the tines pull and sort out the rock and dirt. Martin

I know everyone always will critique you, I get that, but... we usually 45 the top cut of insulation to allow concrete to finish out further. Impressed with the compactor.

Nice job on the foam boarding Mike, circular saw is my go-to also.

Mike did you ever consider using sand under your foam board gives you better base and helps with heat lose

Looking good. Say what you want about Harbor Freight but I’ve had good success with them. Looking forward to seeing the under floor heating installed. Stay safe.

mike glad your experience with the plate compactor was a positive one. i have now ran mine for this being my 4th year with mine,it still does the job.it does pack hard too im in the heavy weight class over 300 and 2-3 passes with this and i fnd it hard to leave a mark with my work boots.

I surprised that you did not dampen the soil first. However, I looks like it still works. Looks great.

@KandRCustomModels

3 жыл бұрын

You get 100% compaction using water alone!

@mostills4017

3 жыл бұрын

Dampen the soil it sticks to the compactor. Best to compact dry then soak let dry and pack again. Less chance of future settling

@assassinlexx1993

3 жыл бұрын

Rake out those large stones. Run the machine on damp ground. Less dust too.

Really good and informative, Mike !! You obviously know a LOT about soil compaction with your background !! Have a GREAT day, my friend !!

“HOMERUN MIKE” great purchase of the compactor. It will be helpful around there for sure. Great information for working on the ground where you are building. Looking good around there. Fred.👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👋👋🙏🏻🙏🏻

Awesome! Thanks for the great tips. 👍

Hey Mike. I bought a harbor freight medium size generator about a year ago. I run it for about 20 minutes once a month. I starts on the first pull everytime. I also bought a new medium duty 20v cordless drill awhile back. It's a beast and heavy duty. I'd clean the air filter more often in that dust. Be well.

I use my portable table saw for cutting that insulation. Works great.

@blueyes0152

3 жыл бұрын

Yep. It'll really launch a thin left-over cut, though! I cut a 45 degree angle on the top edge so you don't see the foam after you pour and those 2" wide by 8' long cuts will shoot 20-30 feet!

I put 2 inch foam under my radiant floor. At the suggestion of a friend I used a jig saw for the cuts, worked great.

Glad you made that purchase and then did a video on it. I've been looking at those for a while and just haven't pulled the trigger yet. I have several projects to use one on and figure if I have to rent or borrow something a few times, then I probably should go ahead and buy one. These work well on flat areas and I like the jumping jack better in trenches if I don't need a full blown vibratory trent roller.

Wow, that started easy!

May need some moisture! Lookin Good Mike!! More Progress!! Yes got to get the organic topsoil out!!👍👊

I bought the same one a year ago and love it!! Worth the price for sure and runs like a champ.

Great job👍. Using a handheld circular saw like that to cut the foam is the best way to cut it. At least I think so. When I was siding my house, on my chop saw, I turned the blade backwards and I cut right through that vinyl siding no cracks chips. So yes there is a lot of tips and tricks out there for construction. 😎

So true about the top soil, I watched a guy pour a concrete slab on top soil with 2x4 forms. When the home owner asked me 2 months later why it cracked,I told her it was site prep, or lack there of. She said the contractor said ALL concrete cracks. Which is true, to a certain extent, but not like her driveway did.....It has been removed and the contractor got his first lesson in court. He paid for removal and replacement, $9500.00 lesson, I dont think he will poor anymore concrete on top of the ground anymore.

Greetings from Central NY. Expecting 3" to 6" or more snow tomorrow!!(No, not April Fool!!) Gee, just sharpened the mower blades. Now where did I put the snow blower??!! Keep up the good work Mike!

Sharp fillet knives work good but Tables saws work great for ripping foam, we’ve been using cheap portable saws on the job site for years

Good job Mike, having good fill and compaction will go a long in keeping that concrete from cracking.

@haroldphipps3457

3 жыл бұрын

Only 2 types of concrete. Cracked concrete. And, going to crack soon concrete.

Spray a little water on the floor before you run the compactor. It will help with compaction and keep the dust down. It is hard to compact really dry dirt.

All good points, common sense. Having the thermal break between the concrete and the outside is a good idea.

Those Predator engines on The Harbor Freight stuff work like a charm. I have a generator and a pressure washer with those and they both start up first or second pull and run great once you get the choke turned off!

@ethangarland4006

3 жыл бұрын

I bought one for a wood splitter and been very pleased. I put a little too much oil in it initially. Ran it a few minutes and it started smoking. I was thinking dang I should have bought the warranty. Poured some oil back out and she hasn't missed a beat. Cant beat them for the price

@garyprn2000

3 жыл бұрын

And, there are a couple of companies that are providing parts for them now. Or, you could use the Honda parts.

@joerowland7350

3 жыл бұрын

Chinese nock off of a Honda Not as good but a really good bang for the buck

Looks like a pretty good packer easy to operate and don't beat you to death your right about top soil it doesn't pack well have a good day and keep packing

Mike - I kinda wondered what you were talking about with the "Plate Compactor." Now I get it. In the midwest I've heard it referred to as a "Thumper." Both work, but I'll bet the ladies in the house will like my name for it. Blessings to you all. Hi to Melissa, Hunter, Hannah, and Eva.

Mike a shark tooth hand saw zips right through foam insulation. I've even used the little drywall saws.

best tool for foam board. Electric knife. (the one you use to cut the turkey).

I have 2 of these plate compactors for my concrete business love them

Mike you got the Pink Panther all over your saw!

I agree with the other comments about the table saw working best if you have one, but your saw is working fine too. Building is coming along great. Back to the mill today, getting a good supply of cedar lumber and fire place mantels built up. Thanks for the videos.

Set up your table saw nice cuts every time

@JohnSmith-tv5ep

3 жыл бұрын

Don't think Mike has one.....(yet).Lol

I like your new video today you did a really good this was really cool video today good jop

Mike I cut insulation with a circular saw all the time, one thing you need to keep an eye on is the dust getting sucked into the vent on the back of the saw. They will clog and over heat and possibly burn it out.

Mike, it's funny that you should mention how important COMPACTION in today's video. Just today, I was at a brand-new hospital complex that was built less than 10 years ago. Well..... the sidewalk has settled about 1-2 inches where it butts up against the curb. Makes for a wonderful trip-hazard for somebody to fall over. It's just a matter of time, before someone with poor eyesight/balance trips over the bloody thing. Really too bad, and it all could've been avoided.

Good purchase. I use my compactor on a lot more projects than I thought when I bought it many years ago.

Good show on the compactor. Always wondered about those. Really like the the action videos! Hey Hunter.

Removing top soil is a good start to a good base Amen

Hi Mike, today’s video has reminded of a garden project that I need to do and that project of mine is to replace the garden path and I know how to do it and by your good self getting that compaction plate machine has given me the idea that I need to start and finish my path with and until that point and of course finances allow I will achieve my goal 🥅 so thanks 🙏 again for your reminder.

Mike, we have a Morton building with this foam board installed like you have just done with the foam being at the concrete grade level. mice have chewed their way through this foam and now have access to the inside of our building. I think you need concrete up to the wood. Just my 2 cents!

Looks like it works good . Looks nice

Hello mike and melissa have a good day

Hey I don't have an autistic child; but, we have a son who had an anoxic brain injury at birth which caused low iq ocd in other issues that made him a slow learner and socially backward. I always told him he could do anything he wanted to do if he trusted in and built his life around the Lord. Many people were very cruel and one man in particular regularly said he would never amount to anything and would probably never graduate high school. Well its taken six years but he will soon finish his Batchelors degree from BYU and he served a two year mission for our church things people said he would never do; with the Lord all things are possible and we should be concerned with what God thinks as He is sovereign. I don't have time to watch you much but when I do it makes my day better; and, yes you brought tears to my eyes especially when you said what negative people think and say doesn't matter, Amen. Love ya'll n pray for ya. Be well, Bill. P.S. meant to put this on another post.

I could use one of those compactors right now! And I agree about removing the top soil, rotting grass and roots will allow your concrete to settle over time and crack. Remove it ahead of time!

Those plate compactors are very practical

Ran a plate compactor for many hours when starting out in commercial construction. We always added water when compacting. No pudding my boss would tell me. I also always cut foam insulation board with a circular saw and it worked great.

You are very correct about compaction.

If you're using the edges of the foam for guides to level your concrete I'd cut the foam panels on a table saw. You'll get much straighter cuts and it is easier than the potable saw. Been doing it like this for years and years.

Nice choice on compactor. Your back thanks you.

I'm surprised you didnt get a compactor attachment for the mini, that way you could sit in comfort . building is coming along good, you'll be so happy you went with the radiant floor heat . thanks for posting👍✌

Greetings from No VT - When I have a lot of rigid insulation to cut I set the fence on my table saw and rip them down to the desired dimension. With a thin kerf saw blade; it is fast, square, and doesn't generate an excess of insulation dust.

A hack I learned from an older timer when I was younger is welding a bracket on the back end of the plate to attach a knife with a feeder tube and you have a mini ditchwitch.

Thanks for the comment at the end of Mike helped me a lot

I have one too, works great. Plus if you need it for a couple of jobs you can sell it later and beat renting one 3 or 4 times in price.

Great job Mike

Jackhammer with a spade bit would make that dig a walk in the park, love the building.

Good morning everyone. 48º in Kansas City now. I like the plate compacter, looks like it has a direct copy of a GX160 Honda engine. Stay safe, be humble & kind and have a day.

@johnsadler8637

3 жыл бұрын

Hey there Phil! Actually a little cooler here in NC today. Wait, what?? I thought I moved to warmer weather! 😉

@timsawyer7443

3 жыл бұрын

@@regsparkes6507 Deleted as well -- perhaps "peace in our time"? :-)

@regsparkes6507

3 жыл бұрын

@@timsawyer7443 You are certainly entitled to your point of view, and for the record I agree, in the most part. It is a complex and long drawn out process of the goods that are produced 'overseas'. But when there are alternatives that would have more benefits to the local economy I think they deserve more consideration. P.S. Good Morning Tim ,.. I've decided to delete my first comment,.. nobody really cares much these days it seems,..so my comment served no real purpose. Cheers!

Those motors are pretty good, I repower alot of stuff with them. Change the oil after break in period before actual use..

Mike, I just got done cutting a bunch of the foam board as well. Tried a lot of different tactics also. I ended up putting a masonry blade on my table saw and that worked the best for me.

Digging jobs like that is why you had kids. "Let" them do it. Have a productive day.

The top soil remark is right on. I'm in the NW and if you don't remove the topsoil which contains a lot of roots, plant material, grass etc. what happens when you put anything on it then once it rots (the top soil materials) you have a sink spot!!!

I had to subscribe to you because you've about as normal and to the point with no bull crap as is the way I like. Nice job on the room you built. Clean and neat

I like to cut the foam board with a table saw. Nice quick clean cuts. Never cut any 3 inch, just 2 in.

Great job. Thank you for sharing

I was surprised at the results of your first pass around the area... outstanding compaction!