The Safe and Proper Way of Mixing Concrete
by
Michael Foley
Concrete mixes can be mixed successfully either by machine or by hand. For bigger projects, the best method is often machine mixing. There are fixed paddles attached to the inside of a concrete mixer’s drum. The concrete, which is usually picked up and pulled to the top by the paddles, is mixed by the churning motion.
The working time of the mix is extended using cooler water. This is especially true when working in a place with very hot climate. Each concrete mix has an assortment of water requirements so it is safe to just add less than recommended water. Focus on the consistency of the mix and cautiously add the remaining water.
Materials Needed:
Concrete Cement Mixer
Wheelbarrow
Buckets
Bungee Cords (2)
Garbage Bag/ Plastic Tarp
Particle Mask
Rubber Gloves
Pour the dry materials right into the mixer. These include the bagged concrete mix, admixtures, fiber and pigment. Use a plastic trash bag to cover the mixer’s mouth and keep the dust to a minimum level using a bungee cord. Don’t forget to wear waterproof gloves and eye protection when dealing with cement-based products.
Mix the contents for around five minutes and check until the mixture is homogenous. Position the mixer horizontally by tipping it forward. Pause the mixer and check for remaining clumps. Use your hand (of course with gloves) to break them apart.
Ascertain and mix of the advised amount of water with the liquid additives such as water reducers or pigment. Pour the water in and add it over the mix evenly. Tip the concrete cement mixer horizontally just right before the concrete spills out. Blend for about five to seven minutes.
Halt the cement mixer for a moment and check the concrete’s consistency. Mix it further and add the remainder of the water as needed. Pour in another 8 ounces of water at a time if the mixture is still clumpy and stiff. Do this and continue mixing until the desired consistency is achieved. Pour the contents into a wheelbarrow and then cast the concrete.
How to Clean a Concrete Cement Mixer After Use
Get rid of the excess concrete by throwing it in a 30-gallon trash can. Use a hose to rinse it out and wait until the water is running clear. Use the trash can to catch everything. Never pour the water down the drain if it still has active cement in it. Allow the water sit for 24 hours and wait until the heavy stuff settles at the bottom. You can now pour the water down the drain once this is achieved. Discard the sludge into a tarp and wait for it to dry. Dispose it properly thereafter.
Where to Buy a Good Quality Concrete Cement Mixer
If you are looking for cement mixers in Sydney and other locations in Australia, you can visit online stores such as Edisons for affordable but highly effective construction tools and equipment. Once I bought from them a 70-liter Baumr-AG mixer and it hasn’t failed me yet. I love its easy-load design and dual fast-mix blades. So far, it has given me a stable and consistent mix in each and every time I use it. Though priced just a little more than $200, its performance is very much comparable to one that retails for more than $700. This is by far the most cost-efficient concrete cement mixer I’ve ever used.
Concrete Cement Mixers
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Baumr-AG Concrete Cement Mixers
Article Source:
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