I thought those new lightweight mud pans were just a gimmick

I picked up a Marshalltown 14 inch Featherlite pan on a job in Boise last year because my old steel one was killing my wrist. I was sure it would feel cheap or flex too much, but after mixing three full buckets of mud with it, I was sold. The weight difference is real, and it doesn't feel flimsy at all. Anyone else switch over and notice less fatigue by the end of the day?

3 comments

3 Comments

troyp3718d ago

So you're not getting any flex when you're loading it up with a heavy finish mix? That was my big worry, that it would bend in the middle when you're really working it.

tyler6147h ago

Look at it this way, troyp37. That aluminum is a specific, hard alloy, not like soda can stuff. It has some flex, sure, but it springs right back. A steel pan doesn't move, but it also transfers every single shock right into your arm. The trade-off isn't about being weak, it's about the tool taking some of the hit for you so you can keep going. I've loaded mine with heavy topping and it doesn't hold a bend or mess with the finish.

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shah.olivia18d ago

Flex is the whole point of the argument though, right? A steel pan has zero give and that's what makes it solid. You're telling me a thin piece of aluminum doesn't warp at all when you're really bearing down on a full load? It just sounds like a trade-off, less weight for less backbone. My wrist might hurt less but I'd be worried about the mud consistency if the pan is moving.