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Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 7:25 pm
by chrisall
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.
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 8:10 pm
by Pablo
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
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 8:12 pm
by Dave_L
Pablo - B&Q's maul - is it really any good? Need a new one.
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 8:22 pm
by Dave_L
Neighbour bought a Honda engined Bomag plate from the local Police auctions - not a lot of money either. Works 100% 
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 8:43 pm
by Mikey_C
rental is only £35ish a weekend you could rent one 10 times for £350.
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 8:59 pm
by Pablo
Dave_L wrote:Pablo - B&Q's maul - is it really any good? Need a new one.
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.
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 9:07 pm
by chrisall
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.
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 9:10 pm
by Pablo
Are you taking the P*ss.
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 9:20 pm
by seanandruby
Be ok for ironing the wifes petticoat. why dont you prepare the ground etc then hire a decent wacker in for the day/weekend?
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 9:22 pm
by Dave_L
Good God!
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 9:47 pm
by chrisall
Pablo wrote:Are you taking the P*ss.
lol. I thought that link might raise a smile or two 
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.
Cheers,
Chrisall.
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 10:37 pm
by andpartington
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
Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 1:45 pm
by warnergrounds.co.uk
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!
Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 8:35 pm
by Pablo
Lara don't you have an accidental spare plate that you could sell Chrisall. :laugh: WTF does IMAO ROFL mean.
Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 8:38 pm
by Rich H
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!