How Does a Concrete Power Mixer Work?
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Mix Any Amount of Concrete Easily
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Cement mixers are a convenient way to mix whatever amount of cement you need for your project. From a little to a lot, this electrically powered, revolving tub will do the trick for you. Concrete mixers consist of a large metal tub on a metal frame. The tub can swing back and forth and has a lever on the side to enable the operator to dump the concrete from the tub. There is a small motor that makes the whole thing run, which is connected to a belt drive that turns a large metal scoop on the inside of the open-ended tub. When the device is plugged in, this scoop turns around the inside perimeter of the tub and will continue to do so until it is unplugged again.
A Mixture of Sand, Water and Cement
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Concrete needs to be mixed with sand and water to create cement so it is a good idea to start by dumping a shovel full of sand into the tub. Follow this with a bag of concrete. Simply take a knife and stab the bag of concrete, rip the bag open at that point and heave the bag up over the rim of the tub. Have someone strong enough hold the mixer's turning arm steady while you do this. Try not to breathe in the cement dust when you pour it into the tub.
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Just a Little Water
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Water comes next, and this is easily done using a simple bucket or better yet, a garden hose, so you can carefully control the stream of water. Be careful not to get too much water into the tub because if you do the mixture will be too thin and will take forever to dry. Put only a little water into the mixer at a time and let the machine turn a bit before you put in any more. The mixture should be moist and thick, but not runny.
Mixing and Dumping the Concrete
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Plug in the mixer only when the water is being applied, as this is the mixing stage. Unplug it when the mixing is complete and then maneuver the tub to dump the mixture into a wheelbarrow parked on the opposite side of the tub. This requires a strong person to accomplish and is not a job for children. Make sure the machine is unplugged while this is going on and leave it unplugged until the next mixture is ready.
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