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.