Tuscan Leveling System - Tile Advice

[Rob Z]

Has anyone used it?

I tried it for the first time on this floor and it definately has a learning curve. Two of the biggest hassles are keeping the joints clean, especially around the pyramid thingys, and also worrying about the straps loosening after you have set them and left (it happened to us-defective caps supposedly):mad2:.

Customer service is great from the standpoint of the fact that the owner and inventor gives out his cell phone and actually answers when you call!

I have been told that it really speeds up production on a large floor.

 

[jay]

thanks for that rob but im still a little warry of it will wait for more feedback:8:

 

[beanz]

Is this system the same principle as the Lash Clips on Tradetiler? Looks like a similar idea.

 

[Alan.P]

Is this system the same principle as the Lash Clips on Tradetiler? Looks like a similar idea.

Yes mate, the same idea, sounds good in theory but still not convinced, there are a few threads on the go discussing these systems

 

[beanz]

For me, it just looks like added time. Might be worth it on a large floor, but i only ever do small bathroom and cloakroom floors (and even i can keep them level lol!).

 

[Rob Z]

The thing that concerns me is that the setting material has to be mixed looser than normal. I'm not sure about the extra moisture content and shrinkage/strength of the thinset.

On that floor, I don't think it saved any time, and I don't think I got it down any better that I would have compared to the regular technique.

 

[jay]

rob if the thin set is mixed looser dont you run risk of adh slumping away from tile
another concern is if you try to do this practice with bowed or twisted tiles in perfect world it would be ok

 

[Rob Z]

Jay, yes, thus their statement at TLS that you have to back butter everything (I would be doing that anyway) and ensure full coverage of thinset (use a large enough trowel of course).

I am going to try it again and give it a fair evaluation. I've been too much under the gun lately to sloow down and evaluate a new product. I'll get a floor to do soon enough and use the TLS again.

 

[jay]

by the way good morning yer have to agree wont condem it until i have tried it for myself just voicing my concerns let us know how you go

 

[Rob Z]

Hi Jay, off now to work.... it's 548 am. You're home already and starting the weekend mate!

 

[CON5933]

I get the impression these may be useful on big (600 x 600) ish...i'll wait and see:smilewinkgrin:

 

[Rob Z]

Con, I agree....I think the TLS would be worth the price for tiles that size.

 

[doug boardley]

if it's pulling tiles up it must surely be creating air pockets, which, to me, is a definite no no with floor tiles

 

[Rob Z]

Hi Doug, this is what I said over at the JB forum for two years, and now that I have tried it (albeit only once), it doesn't do it to an appreciable degree.

TLS says the floor has to be dead flat and the proper trowel used for full coverage. This is an adjustment from the way it was first marketed.

I don't think that air pocket concern is really an issue for me anymore. What is a problem is the loose thinset and the mess in the joints. When I try it again I will get some photos of the stuff going in so you guys can see more. For that first time, it was "all a-holes and elbows" trying to get it to work and there wasn't any time to think about it too much.

I will say this: I think this has potential only in the hands of a top-notch tile setter that has a lot of experience. It is NOT well-suited for newbies, IMO.

 

[marbleman]

somewhat of a concern to me as i was always taut to push and slide tile for good contact on floor to give a very good bond, so if you got to different height sizes surely it will not have full contact and leave the ribs intact which will cause air pockets and not giving you full bond, so i agree with doug and whats a matter with level and mallet