I'm trying to mix concrete using a mini-mix type mixer: I put 3 bags of 'all in' ballast into a wetted (or just used) mixer (each bag being 25kg), and then half a bag (12.5kg) of cement. Switch it on, then add water once the dry mix is even looking.
I'm finding that after adding water and letting it churn for a bit, the gravel seems to rise to the 'top' and the the sand stay stuck around the drum. What am I doing wrong? Am I mixing it too long? Not long enough? Should I add the components a bit at a time? Water first? Align the mixer with my nearest lay-line?
Any tips for a concretey novice welcome.. thanks..
The dark art of mixing cement - What am i doing wrong?
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lutonlagerlout
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yes wrong mate
correct method is
1 mixer on!
2 third- half bucket of water
3 4-5 shovels of ballast
4 half bag of cement
5 remaining ballast
6 add extra water as needed for correct slump
7 tip into barrow and lay
dont worry I did this on my first day on a building site back in 1983 and got bollocked for it :;):
LLL
correct method is
1 mixer on!
2 third- half bucket of water
3 4-5 shovels of ballast
4 half bag of cement
5 remaining ballast
6 add extra water as needed for correct slump
7 tip into barrow and lay
dont worry I did this on my first day on a building site back in 1983 and got bollocked for it :;):
LLL
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Tony McC
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- Location: Warrington, People's Republic of South Lancashire
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Forestboy1978
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- Location: southampton, hampshire
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KAMIKAZEE DIY
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- Joined: Thu Feb 27, 2014 8:45 pm
- Location: Scotland
Forest boy,
I recently repointed/grouted my dad's patio.
I used a plasterers paddle mixer stuck on a drill and mixed in a bucket.
Measured my 3 sand 1 cement in a measuring jug to get consistent colour and got on fine.
Just a little bit water at a time to get it right,
Think mixing just a buckets worth at a time helped me coz mortar was still fresh by time I got too bottom of bucket.
This saved my dad a fair bit cash compared to using weatherpoint 365, but, it was time consuming and I can see the sense why contractors seem keen on weatherpoint.
Still it's good to held your dad out, he's done plenty for me.
I recently repointed/grouted my dad's patio.
I used a plasterers paddle mixer stuck on a drill and mixed in a bucket.
Measured my 3 sand 1 cement in a measuring jug to get consistent colour and got on fine.
Just a little bit water at a time to get it right,
Think mixing just a buckets worth at a time helped me coz mortar was still fresh by time I got too bottom of bucket.
This saved my dad a fair bit cash compared to using weatherpoint 365, but, it was time consuming and I can see the sense why contractors seem keen on weatherpoint.
Still it's good to held your dad out, he's done plenty for me.
Cheers
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Forestboy1978
- Posts: 1000
- Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2011 9:57 am
- Location: southampton, hampshire
Good info. I'll def do that next time, if there is a next time.KAMIKAZEE DIY wrote:Forest boy,
I recently repointed/grouted my dad's patio.
I used a plasterers paddle mixer stuck on a drill and mixed in a bucket.
Measured my 3 sand 1 cement in a measuring jug to get consistent colour and got on fine.
Just a little bit water at a time to get it right,
Think mixing just a buckets worth at a time helped me coz mortar was still fresh by time I got too bottom of bucket.
This saved my dad a fair bit cash compared to using weatherpoint 365, but, it was time consuming and I can see the sense why contractors seem keen on weatherpoint.
Still it's good to held your dad out, he's done plenty for me.
God I hate that job though, of all of them, that's the one!