Hey, I had the same problem, and I bought a corded bench grinder at Home Depot. It worked brilliantly, although I will say this:

1) We went through 6 braided steel wheels to do maybe 400 sq ft of brick wall
2) The dust and rubble generated is considerable, and launches off the wall at very high speeds. You will need to seal off the room very tightly, cover anything of value in the room (wood trim, appliances, etc.) with cardboard and then a drop cloth, wear good goggles, a NIOSH respirator, gloves, and heavy clothing.
3) Your bricks will end up looking a -little- deformed; they will not have that perfect 'newly pointed' look.

And of course, I'm not a lawyer, your mileage may vary, and don't try this at home. Best of luck,

Bret

Posted by: bheilig at August 1, 2009 9:55 AM in response to Cleaning brick?

I'm pretty sure this is one of those "mail fraud" type laws that they use to get you when what they're really concerned about is something else. Nation of Laws, and not of men, etc. etc.

Not at all sure why a cop would write a ticket, then tell you to contest it.

Posted by: bheilig at November 21, 2008 11:35 AM in response to Stoop Drinking Still Illegal

What ongoing lawsuits are these? I've been searching for an hour and can't find any reference to them.

ps - Why yes, I did just move here! :)

Posted by: bheilig at November 20, 2008 1:49 PM in response to FCR: We Control the Pace at Atlantic Yards

Christ on a pony! Is that really what it takes to get white gunk off brick? When water and a scrubby failed I figured there was some kind of dangerous chemical made for cleaning dirty household masonry (preferably something that leaves just enough residue for the dog to lick.)
is brick porous? I have some dangerous ideas, but will just let the white gunk stay if it becomes too adversarial.

Posted by: HoneysuckleWeeks at August 1, 2009 10:41 AM in response to Cleaning brick?

The white gunk is efflorescence.

http://www.dumondchemicals.com/html/saveframe.html

Try one of the SAFE N EASY products, I wouldn't recommend using a grinder on brick, unless wants to compromise the integrity.

Posted by: FenFen at August 1, 2009 11:35 AM in response to Cleaning brick?

yes, post a picture.

Posted by: jack slade at August 1, 2009 3:59 PM in response to Cleaning brick?

I was recently told by an architect that it's the exterior-most parts of the brick, the parts that are most exposed to the heat when made, that are the strongest. Do not grind or sandblast brick.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at August 2, 2009 12:44 PM in response to Cleaning brick?

If we'd grinded our brick wall at our old coop all the old mortar would have come out! Don't do that unless you want to repoint the entire wall. I've heard vinegar to clean efflorescence. And a stiff brush.

Posted by: traditionalmod at August 2, 2009 1:07 PM in response to Cleaning brick?

Try to use peel-a-way, bit costly but no dust. may take you few more sheets but works great. homedepot have it and so lowes. best of luck

Posted by: bblamchops at August 3, 2009 7:54 AM in response to Cleaning brick?

Muriatic acid would work - brush on & rinse off - elbow grease might be needed. Be sure to wear protective gear - esp. eyes.

Posted by: Arkady at August 3, 2009 9:30 AM in response to Cleaning brick?