u/Different-Scratch-95

Most of the time I'm posting my staircase projects, but at my core, I'm a banker mason. I thought I'd share a look into the "bread and butter" of our daily work here in Belgium: window sills.

I work almost exclusively with Belgian Blue Stone (also known as Petit Granit). It's funny because, in most parts of the world, this is considered a high-end luxury material used only for premium projects. But here in Belgium, it's our standard building material, we use it for everything from thresholds to full facades.I hope you find this look into our local craft interesting! Happy to answer any questions about the material or the techniques.

After the comments on my recent video, I noticed there’s a bit of confusion about how we handle dust. Working limestone dry is standard practice in our trade, provided you have the right setup. I know it looks scary when you see dust "flying" on camera, but those visible clouds are actually the heavy particles. Because of their mass, they drop to the floor almost instantly and are too large to stay airborne or enter your respiratory system. Once that dust is on the floor, it’s no longer a threat.

​The real risk is the invisible, microscopic dust that stays suspended in the air, and that’s exactly what this Donaldson pulse-jet system is for. This machine cycles air through high-efficiency filters capable of capturing particles as small as 0.1 micron. The "thumping" you hear is the system cleaning itself with high-pressure air pulses to ensure 100% suction. The filtration is so advanced that the air it recirculates is often cleaner than the air in an average home.

​Of course, safety comes first, which is why you should always wear a P3 mask while cutting. It protects you during those few seconds the dust is in motion before the extraction and gravity do their work. I’ve been in this trade for 25 years with continuous safety certification, and while it’s sometimes funny to see "internet experts" argue with someone who lives this every day, I’m happy to share the facts. It’s all about having the right gear and the right knowledge! Tile dust is a lot more dangerous than natural stone dust so keep that in the back of your mind. Stay safe and always wear a mask.

This is how the bulk of the work actually gets done in a fabrication shop. Automated bridge saws, full water suppression, and zero physical risk.

​Like I said before: there’s a time for the hand grinder and a time for the heavy machinery. If you’ve never seen the inside of a fabrication shop, you’re just guessing. I hope this time i get questions instead of a lecture.

Since everyone was so worried about my safety and 'proper technique' in the last post... here’s a one-handed bevel with some dramatic music to match the energy of the comments. I’m just trolling with you guys 😉.

​As a professional, I know my tools and material inside out. I use my knee as an anchor point and make sure the grinder rotates in my direction for maximum control. It’s not something you want to copy if you don’t use a grinder day in and out. Please do not try this at home!

Doing these miters freehand with the grinder. It’s a textured ceramic tile, so you really have to watch the line. the no guard setup isn't for the faint-hearted.

​A little clip of the installation of the bluestone I made in the last video. I made it a little different this time because I don’t have a clue what’s interesting yet, so feedback is very welcome (if you’re interested in this content, of course).

​For the viewers in the US and Canada: I’m using a specialized high-grade polymer adhesive designed specifically for this application. Once fully cured, it has a bonding strength of approximately 80 kg/cm². It stays elastic, which is crucial for outdoor thermal expansion. It's formulated to prevent "bleeding" (staining) into the natural stone. Once it dries, it prevents direct contact or moisture transfer between the stone and the wall. It seems odd, but it's a must when you’re working with Belgian bluestone as plinths on a bitumen coating.

​P.S. I missed some of the action in the shots because I misjudged the camera angle (I thought it was aimed lower). I'm still learning how to film and edit, so I will definitely try to frame it better next time and add more of the work flow.

Material: Authentic Belgian Bluestone (Petit Granit).