Before erecting, paint the Forms with the oil or soap. Then carefully protect them from dust or dirt until erected. Upon removal, immediately clean off all the particles of concrete sticking to the surface. A short-handled hoe will take off the worst, while a wire brush is most effective for finishing. Be careful not to gouge the wood in cleaning, as it will spoil the surface of your next section of concrete. It will not be found necessary to repaint after each time of use. Watch the surface and repaint if it appears dry in spots.
If chips or blocks of wood fall inside the Forms while erecting, carefully remove them. The space inside the Forms is intended for the concrete; and care should be taken to see that only concrete is placed there.
The necessity of Forms presents a problem calling for the use of that ingenuity for which the farmer is justly famed. Forms can be economically placed in so many ways that only one example will be given. A foundation Form in place is [shown in the photograph]. Note the simple and easy method of bracing. Also note how lumber is saved from cutting by allowing the sides to project, as well as the studding.
For this building, 18 by 24 feet, trench 18 inches wide and 2 feet deep—total cost of setting forms $4.00. The lumber was all on hand and can be used again.
How to Place Concrete
No time should elapse between the “mixing” and the “placing.” Directions for placing must of necessity be general, and the farmer must use his own judgment as to how to handle this part of the concrete work, in connection with whatever particular job he has on hand. The important thing to remember is, that the materials should not separate in placing.
You may shovel the concrete off the board directly into the work; you may shovel it into wheelbarrows, wheel it to position and dump, or you may carry it to the proper place by buckets and hoisting apparatus.
Directions for Placing
Ordinarily speaking, concrete should be deposited in layers about 6 inches thick.