Removing Thinset

Q: What is the best way to remove the thinset?
T&B Flemming
A: There are several methods to removing thinset. You can use a grinder to grind the thinset down, use a hammer and wide chisel to chisel this away or get a machine chisel. Go with the automatic chisel to remove your thinset. This will be a strenuous process, but its the fastest and easiest way of the three.
Go to a local tool rental place and rent an electric chipper with a 4-inch (or wider) chisel tip. A good example is the Hilti TE505 and these on average can be rented for around $40 per day. These devices resemble a jack hammer, but the advantage is they will not destroy your concrete subfloor.
Keep in mind, these things are big, heavy and loud. This being said, wear eye and ear protection and take breaks to give your hands and back a rest, cause you may regret it otherwise. Also, be prepared to stop and vacuum up debris and dust because this will be somewhat messy.
Start by holding the chipper at about 30 degrees off of the vertical (hold at a 60 degree angle) and let the machine shake the chisel against the thinset. This will break up larger chunks. You will want to do one pass like this to remove a good portion of the thinset. Then go back across the remaining thinset holding the machine at a slightly shallower angle and press down hard on the forward handle (usually your left hand) and use your opposite leg (usually your right) to hold the machine steady. This will smooth out the surface and remove the remainder of the thinset. Remember this will be tough and can be somewhat hard to control at first, so be prepared.