Maine Masonry School Repairs Titcomb House Brick Foundation-Lewiston Sun Journal

2021-10-26 02:57:08 By : Ms. Penny Peng

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MSM student Kenneth Summers has the opportunity to try All Saw. Submitted photos

Mitch demonstrated the difference in silicon dust between an angle grinder saw and AllSaw. Submitted photos

Troy from ArborTech showed a saw originally designed for wood and has used diamond saw blades to remove mortar. The saw can be hung in the HEPA vacuum system to reduce dust. Submitted photos

MSM Lecturer/Founder Stephen "Mitch" Mitchell explained the grinder diamond blades instead of All Saw's reciprocating carbide blades. Submitted photos

Farmington-Maine Masonry School student and founder/instructor Stephen "Mickey" Mitchell, Arbortech on behalf of Troy Conary, OSHA on behalf of Nancy Keune, and Maine Department of Labor’s Safety Work Representative Mary Matthews in Myanmar recently Meet at Titcomb House in Farmington, State.

Students are currently in the recovery part of the MSM course. Titcomb House is a historical gem located in Farmington. Jane Woodman of the Farmington Historical Society contacted the school about the brick foundation that needed repair. Ms. Woodman led the students to visit Titcomb House when they were on site. MSM was approved by the Maine Historical Society to carry out restoration work statewide. Students and Mickey are also currently undergoing much-needed restoration work in Fort Knox.

Troy Conary from Arbortech demonstrated the safety of All Saw used for repair. Arbortech is one of the leading companies in the development of masonry tools. All Saw significantly reduces the silica dust generated by the removal of mortar. It is also a very precise tool for repairs. The saw can be hung in the HEPA vacuum system to make it safe to use in enclosed areas. The Maine Masonry School has formed an alliance with OSHA and Safety Works. The goal of MSM is to teach students the best safety practices in the field of masonry.

Six students in the school spent a day learning saws and other tools. Masonry School student Kenneth Summers has the opportunity to try out the saw, and the students will use the All Saw and vacuum system in the future. These types of opportunities allow students to work in the community and use the materials and equipment they are learning. A total of 8 students are enrolled in Masonry School this year, including 3 high-efficiency apartments for students from Maine to Virginia. The program aims to allow students to develop skills and knowledge in restoration techniques used in the fields of bricks, blocks, stone, ceramic tiles and masonry. Students develop skills through laboratory projects, classroom teaching, hands-on projects, and community participation projects. There is a great demand for masons in the United States and around the world; these students will be able to use their skills in a variety of work environments.

The Maine School of Masonry is currently accepting applications for the 2021-22 school year. There will also be an open day event from 8 am to 3 pm on May 28th. Welcome everyone to come and learn more about MSM. If you want to learn more about masonry schools or courses, please visit masonryschool.org.

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