How to Use a Concrete Mixer Sequence
Concrete mixers come in a variety of sizes, from small electric mortar mixers up to large, trailer-mounted, gas-powered types capable of mixing up to one-half cubic yard per batch. The mixer is designed to produce completely blended materials efficiently and consistently. Some are also designed to make "quick batches" and can produce batches of concrete in around 60 seconds. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Mixing Concrete
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1
Put half of the sand and gravel (material) for one batch into the machine. Material should be dry and mixed at six parts gravel, two parts sharp sand and one part cement. Measure the material using a bucket as it is more accurate than counting shovels.
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2
Add the cement for one whole batch to the mixer. Start the mixer and allow it to turn for five minutes, or until the dry mixture is uniformly grey. Add the rest of the dry material to the mixer and turn it for about five minutes.
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3
Add water slowly. Add just enough water to make the mix start to cake up and let it turn for a minute to distribute the moisture. Add water in small amounts until it is the desired consistency. The target consistency has a plasticine appearance and will stick to the side of the mixer then fall off in clumps as it reaches the top of the mixer drum travel. Add more dry material if you find that the concrete has become soupy or loose due to excessive water. Add more dry material until it "tightens up" to the desired point.
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Tips & Warnings
When the batch is ready and is dumped out of the machine, immediately wash the machine with lots of fresh water. Do not leave concrete anywhere on the machine as it will harden and quickly become stubborn to remove.
Do not breathe dry cement powder. It contains alkalies that can irritate and burn skin (cement poisoning) and silicates, which can lead to silicosis. Do not allow mixed cement to contact your person. The alkalies will desiccate your skin quickly. Wash off all concrete well with fresh water and do not wear clothes that have been splashed with fresh concrete.
