I have some paving slabs to lay for a shed base & also a small patio & was thinking of investing in a cheap plate compactor for occasional DIY use. I remember seeing a DIY type one in B&Q a while ago, I can't remember the price exactly, but I'm sure it was under £300. The other option I had in mind was a Belle Minipac, but they are a bit more than I'd like to pay really, at over £450 in Machine Mart. Would a DIY type machine be OK for what I need, or would I be better off looking out for a second-hand 'proper' machine on ebay etc?
I know I could just hire one, but I kinda like having the tools to hand whenever I want them & I can see myself compacting away to my hearts content on various little paving projects around the garden!
Cheers,
Chrisall.
Compactor for occasional diy use
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Pablo
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Buy a decent second hand one. Ebay may be ok but try the tool section of the local adds for free or buy and sell. If you buy a good and decent looking machine and look after it it will be worth close to the the same if you want to sell it in 3 years time. B&Q sell a great wee paving maul everything else should be avoided like a sneezing leper
Can't see it from my house
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Dave_L
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Pablo - B&Q's maul - is it really any good? Need a new one.
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Dave_L
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Neighbour bought a Honda engined Bomag plate from the local Police auctions - not a lot of money either. Works 100% 
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Pablo
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Yes it is must be close to 3lbs so is perfect for flags and small kerbs. They get lost before they break and cost about £16. Never seen one break. Wooden handles so I wrap them with gaffer tape for grip.Dave_L wrote:Pablo - B&Q's maul - is it really any good? Need a new one.
Can't see it from my house
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chrisall
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I had a look on ebay - the plate I saw was made by Evolution - them that make the circular saw that cuts through metal and wood. They can be had for around £200 brand new, which seems cheap, however when I was in the market for a new saw I had a look at the Evolution ones & didn't think much about the quality to be honest.
I know hiring is cheap, but you know how it is with boys and their toys ......
I take it from the replies that you wouldn't recommend something like this for occasional DIY compacting of sub-base....
http://www.kompax.co.uk/index.php
I suppose it depends on how big an area you have to do?
Cheers,
Chrisall.
I know hiring is cheap, but you know how it is with boys and their toys ......
I take it from the replies that you wouldn't recommend something like this for occasional DIY compacting of sub-base....
http://www.kompax.co.uk/index.php
I suppose it depends on how big an area you have to do?
Cheers,
Chrisall.
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seanandruby
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Dave_L
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Good God!
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chrisall
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I just came across them whilst searching for wacker plates on ebay. They sell them on there too & there's pictures of some bloke laying a patio & using one for compacting the sand.
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andpartington
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as said before buy a brand (wacker)
for example My Webpage
use it look after it
maybe clean it up a bit
change the oil
new plug
re list it on the bay do a good description with some good clear picks
i did this when i did my drive and made 40 quid on the deal (the local landlord soon made 40 quid!)
as long as you don't brake it you will not lose money plant will always be worth gd money
andy
for example My Webpage
use it look after it
maybe clean it up a bit
change the oil
new plug
re list it on the bay do a good description with some good clear picks
i did this when i did my drive and made 40 quid on the deal (the local landlord soon made 40 quid!)
as long as you don't brake it you will not lose money plant will always be worth gd money
andy
Warning "Dyslexic Fingers At Work" in Cheadle, Manchester UK
cheers andy
cheers andy
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warnergrounds.co.uk
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Think I might buy hubby one of those hand held ones for when he feels like wacking one out lmao rofl
And get your minds out the gutter you lot I meant my front path I've been waiting for since November!!!! He keeps his tools under lock and key - we own 4 drills but I still have a curtain pole waiting to go up cos he never remembers to bring one home!
And get your minds out the gutter you lot I meant my front path I've been waiting for since November!!!! He keeps his tools under lock and key - we own 4 drills but I still have a curtain pole waiting to go up cos he never remembers to bring one home!
Lara Warner
Warner Grounds
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Rich H
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The ones you rent will be considerably better than anything you could buy for that money. I know because I had a Brandon-rented Wacker VP1135 stolen from site 2-3 years ago and, even with my trade discount, it still cost me £700+VAT, retail was £1100!! The same Wacker was costing me £9/day to rent or £33/week.
As for keeping one at home, it's a bulky bit of kit and heavy. For a DIYer I reckon you'd be moving it more often than using it!
As for keeping one at home, it's a bulky bit of kit and heavy. For a DIYer I reckon you'd be moving it more often than using it!