I am in th process of removing ceramic tile from my back porch. We are having a pool installed and need the slab scraped clean so they can float it install acrylic deck. I was told by the contractor that the surface needed to be as smooth as possible.

Removing the tile was not difficult, I was able to pop up without breaking. The problem is the thinset that was left behind. I've been using a chisel and hammer, pick ax, spade, anything I can think of to chip it up. So far, I've been able to scrape up only about 4 square feet. I have approximately 100 square feet to do.

Any suggestions? Solvents, power tools, etc.

Thank you.

Contact your local rental center and see if they have any power scrapers. I seen ones where they hook up to an air compressor.

Sounds like the thinset is well bonded. Check with your contractor if you can get away with just doing a new flat skim coat of thinset over the existing to create a surface for him. Other wise you will need to rent an electric chipper/jack hammer to get rid of the existing thinset. This will probably leave behind a heavily pitted surface which your contractor will not be happy with either.