Mounting a Concrete Mantle, Building a Better Casting Table, and Solving Curling for Good

About this episode

This episode discusses practical techniques for concrete crafting and personal development through a design competition.

Some days in the shop call you to level up, not just in your craft but in the person you’re becoming. This episode walks with you through the practical wins that help you get there. Brandon and Jon break down how to set paddles on a vertical shaft mixer so your fiber reinforced mixes behave the way you need for concrete countertops and sinks. You’ll hear different approaches to mounting a floating mantle or fireplace surround, is a vibrating table necessary to make concrete countertops, and why a torsion box casting table can tighten up your workflow. We also cover the simple steps that prevent curling, and which Kodiak Pro polishing pads to pair with a Dewalt sander for a clean, efficient finish. Then the conversation shifts to something that sharpens more than your craft. Justin Burd’s Concrete Athlete Design Competition challenges you to create a meaningful piece using no more than 50 pounds of Maker Mix or RADmix, paired with thirty days of workouts and daily discipline. It’s a reminder that stronger concrete and stronger character both come from showing up with intention. By the end, you’re equipped with better methods, clearer thinking, and the confidence that comes from…

People in this episode

Host: Brandon Gore

Guest: Justin Burd

Topics covered

• concrete crafting
• casting techniques
• self-development
• workshop tips
• design competition
• workflow improvement

Keywords

• concrete countertops
• casting table
• curling prevention
• vertical shaft mixer
• fiber reinforced mixes
• vibrating table
• torsion box
• workout discipline

Sponsors

Kodiak Pro

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Maker Mix, RADmix, Dewalt sander, Kodiak Pro polishing pads

More episodes of The Concrete Podcast

• Spray-Up GFRC, Scaling Your Shop, and Smarter Sealing with Joe Bates · June 4, 2026 · 1h 29m
• GFRC Spray Tips, Concrete Countertops, and Shop Secrets with Joe Bates · May 6, 2026 · 1h 17m
• GFRC Fiber Ghosting Explained | Embracing the Material, Cleaner Casts, and Better SCC Results · April 24, 2026 · 1h 13m
• What Every Concrete Maker Gets Wrong, And How to Fix It · April 3, 2026 · 1h 12m
• GFRC Countertops and Decorative Concrete Tips Every Maker Should Know · March 5, 2026 · 1h 12m
• The Hidden Cost of Cheap Concrete Countertop Materials · February 12, 2026 · 1h 26m