Decision time ref: washboy

[Jeff the tiler]

Okay all after reading threads etc i have decided to move into this century. Out with all the old and in with a new washboy.

I mainly do domestic work, so floors very seldom over 30+ metres.

Would like to your thoughts especially if any of you have used both the Skipper and Karl dahm. I know there are threads saying which is your own preference but would like to know why, as would really like to purchase the right product first time. Also any other washboys you are using and can recommend.

Question. Karl Dahm or Raimondi Skipper and why.
Question. Maximo profil with 3 slotted rollers from Pro tiler, has anyone used one as not sure of it's durability.
Question. Any other washboys worth considering

Washboy sponges sliced/block as they seem the most recommended

Question. Raimondi, Tile trader or Rubi and why.

Thanks all. Would really appreciate your views

 

[Bubblecraft]

I've only tried the Karl Dahm wash boys which are great but very seldom do I do super large areas. I'm a sponge & bucket guy. It works for me.

 

[Gazzer]

Sorry I havent tried the Skipper , what does it hold in litres ?
A few things to think of is how much does it hold? The Rubi ones are too big and hold far too much IMO. I dont use wheels on my washboy either but its good to have that option.
The Karl Dahm that I have is fine but if I were to change anything then maybe 3 serrated rollers.
As for the sponges I prefer the plain ones and not the sliced one. Some people say the opposite though.

 

[bugs183]

Can't go wrong with the Karl Dahm, just feels like a nice piece of kit, the rollers are solid and don't break like the cheapo plastic ones.
As Sir Says, not tried the skipper, but for big floors 30m2+ i get out the Raimondi pedalo, overkill for most chaps, but i seem to get big floors and they come into their own then.
I've not seen a massive difference in the finish with the serated and non serated sponges, but everyone washes differently.

 

[Alan.P]

KD all the way, mine latest is going strong after 6 years I think it is, loads of m2, new sponges obviously but the rest keeps going strong.

 

[beanz]

I couldn't get on with the washboy. All of my work is domestic, and i don't see any benefit in using a washboy over a bucket and sponge in this situation. I found that i was over-wetting the grout with the washboy (no doubt user error hehe)!?!

 

[afright]

Karl Dahm due for a new one,but dont use it for kitchens best washboy by far.

 

[andyb1]

Karl Dahm for me 7 years old and still going strong.

 

[DHTiling]

Karl Dahm or BAL wash boys , basicly both the same piece of kit, very strong buckets and really good roller systems , had mine a few years now and as good as new build build wise.

Segmented sponges ARE better than none as they grab particles easier and cleaner.. Any tiler worth his salt will know that 🙂🙂🙂..

Washing off with a hand sponge depends on the tile and grout type.. some grouts i do the first wash by hand sponge and then clean down with the washboy ..for a nice quick clean ..

 

[On one]

Can't go wrong with the Karl Dahm, just feels like a nice piece of kit, the rollers are solid and don't break like the cheapo plastic ones.
As Sir Says, not tried the skipper, but for big floors 30m2+ i get out the Raimondi pedalo, overkill for most chaps, but i seem to get big floors and they come into their own then.
I've not seen a massive difference in the finish with the serated and non serated sponges, but everyone washes differently.

I've thinking about getting a Pedalo for a while now, but £180 for what is essentially a bucket and a pole with a sponge on the end is a serious bit of money. No doubt worth it in the long run but a bit overpriced.

 

[DHTiling]

I've thinking about getting a Pedalo for a while now, but £180 for what is essentially a bucket and a pole with a sponge on the end is a serious bit of money. No doubt worth it in the long run but a bit overpriced.

How wet do you get your floors to require a pedalo.. :lol:

 

[afright]

Now that is funny :lol:

 

[bugs183]

Until you use a Pedalo you'll never know.
It's way more than a bucket and a pole.
£180 will pay for itself in no time all, both financially and the fact you are stood up!

 

[Gazzer]

Until you use a Pedalo you'll never know.
It's way more than a bucket and a pole.
£180 will pay for itself in no time all, both financially and the fact you are stood up!

Yup keep off those knees as much as you can !

 

[Diamond Pool Finishers]

yes tha'st one very good reason i bought the burta machine for the clean-up ,it's all very well us covering thousands of meters of tiling in our careers, but never forget there is always a physical price to pay !!, usally at the end of your career / or life ,with worn out body part's , they only have so -much wear in them like everything els we use,and will fail eventually as some of us older ones are finding out :juggle:

 

[hillhead]

I've had Raimondi skipper and didn't love it, the water sits to high in it as the grid is high.
Karl Dahm is the business, I have 2 of them and can't fault them.
I wash everything with the KD.

 

[Alan M]

i cant understand why ye dont cut the grid if its too high.
i have a KD and love it but if i thought i could impove it i would ,without hesitation

 

[hillhead]

i cant understand why ye dont cut the grid if its too high.
i have a KD and love it but if i thought i could impove it i would ,without hesitation

Simple Alan, the Raimondi grid sits on the edges of the mould !
Its not like the great KD where the tray sits on base.

 

[DHTiling]

I never use the grid.. swish and rinse.

 

[Alan M]

Simple Alan, the Raimondi grid sits on the edges of the mould !
Its not like the great KD where the tray sits on base.

o i see. you could cut away some of the lip it sits on or some of the grid to let it drop down . then bolt 4 legs on to keep it up a bit.

 

[Rookery]

I've got a Genesis washboy which I've had for several years I wouldnt finish a floor without it. I think they're on offer at my local CTD for about £20 plus vat.

 

[Bubblecraft]

Now that sounds a more realistic price for a bucket & sponge

 

[area tiling]

Karl dahm wash boy for me had it 7 years now, another roller would be handy though!

 

[afright]

I think they could improve the KD by putting a lip either side of the rollers to stop water dripping on to the floor.

 

[Jeff the tiler]

Hey all, Thought I would update you. Colin at Kwik Split has looked after me. After dithering for to long now purchased the Raimondi Pull rapid (has 3 rollers), which you guys have thought would be good on the Karl Dahm. Also Purchased the Floor levelling system so overall a couple of new bits of kit to report back on shortly.

 

[DHTiling]

Well done , look forward to your report on them .