[TowerTalk] Concrete

[Grant Saviers]

I have the larger Harbor Freight mixer and would not recommend the 
investment.  The drum drive is poor, the Chinese motor is weak, it 
doesn't mix well unless the dry mix is added incrementally, the small 
wheels and stand force it to mix where you pour, or wheelbarrow it from 
the mixer.

I've mixed 60 80lb bags by hand a few times.  If you have two 
wheelbarrows, concrete hoes, and 3 people - two mixing and one delivery 
the job isn't so bad.    Put your $ into a couple of good two wheel poly 
wheelbarrows or buy a USA made mixer, eg Kushlan  600W or Kushlan 350W.

My cost for 1 yard of bagged Sakrete is the same as buying 1 yard of 
premixed in an haul it yourself trailer from the local supplier (need to 
be able to tow 5000lb+).  Considering the travel time to the supply yard 
is 30 minutes x 4, usual access to the pour, and the fact that the 
hardware store will load the Sakrete onto my pickup for free, for one 
yard,  I mix it from bags.  For more than a yard, for me it is time to  
truck it in, and maybe call for the Putzmeister pumper.

Grant  KZ1W

On 5/3/2011 2:25 PM, Wilson Lamb wrote:
> Maybe buy a little mixer from harbor freight and share with friends.
> http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=mixer
>
> Concrete is probably cheaper from bags and sand.  You might find a local
> concrete guy with a gasoline mortar mixer who will do it, if they are short
> of work.  Ask around for mason types who do slabs, etc.  They can bring or
> order sand and gravel.  You can probably save a bit by getting the Portland
> cement yourself.
>
> Also, talk to the readymix people about your job.  They frequently have
> leftovers or loads people decline and might be willing to make a deal if
> your schedule is flexible.  I used to get it free, but they have gotten
> stingy  lately.
>
> Wilson
> W4BOH
>
>