I've decided to give my repointing skills a try.  I've found a fairly
decent wall thats needs a litte tlc.  The wall was built in the 1920's and
has a farily soft brick with a softer mortar.  I am going to use an
equivalant of Type K mortar (1:4:15) or a Type O mortar (1:2:9).

I cannot find a supplier of lime putty here on my side of the state, I
would have to have it shipped from Toledo for a total cost of about $70 per
3 gal. pail (50 for the putty 20 for shipping).  That doesn't appeal to me
very much.

My question becomes what is the best subsitute for the lime
putty...quicklime and water???  Is that a fair substitue for the lime
putty?  And if it is, what is the proper slaking procedure for this
process? What is my m
ix ratio on the lime to water.  How long do I need to
let it set before I can repoint?

Any help is most appreciated.

Nate Gillette
Grand Rapids, MI

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