Anyone Mix Self Leveling Compound In A Concrete Mixer?

[DC73]

I need to mix around 15 bags (50 lbs each) of self leveling compound to level an existing concrete slab. All instructions say to mix with a drill in a 5 gallon bucket. That means one bag at a time.

I'm a one man show on this one and realize I can't mix 15 bags without the first batch setting up well before I finish mixing the remainder.

Curious if I could use a concrete mixer for this. I could mix 6 bags at a time using a rental mixer from HD. I contacted a couple of manufacturers and they both side stepped addressing whether or not a concrete mixer would work and simply referred me to the instructions on the bags. One said, mixing according to the instructions would "ensure a lump free mix".

Has anyone mixed SLC in a concrete mixer with good results?

One possible concern is that the mix hardens too quickly and makes the mixer a bear to clean properly.

Any other ideas to mix larger quantities without assistance?

Thanks much,

DC

 

[ducksface]

Mine hardened so quickly it was almost unworkable in the four gallonish batch we mixed.
I do not know about adjusting time by adjusting water.
Logic tells me with added water the solid percentage would change enough that you'd get considerable shrinkage or a lack of cohesion/concretion(I'm unsure of the exact word, but you might get something that powders instead of withstands.)

 

[rustyjames]

Try the John Bridge tile forums, lots of info there. From what I know you really have to move quick with leveler.

 

[tncatadjuster]

If you use a large paddle mixer, huge drill and a open top 55 gallon plastic drum then two people could maybe get it done. Single man no way, the mess between mixes from a large container is troublesome. Three at a time dump instantly, other guy starts new mix while you screed rake the mix on the floor, dump and go.

I'm sure the tile guys have a much smarter way. I have only done it a few times. There is no reworking of the material I used.

 

[PoorOwner]

I think you can get the version that takes longer to set. My tile setter poured over 20 bags. 50 lbs each by himself working alone.

 

[Radix2]

I bought several large kitchen garbage cans and mixed two bags at once. Actually had my daughter and wife mixing while I poured and spread. 3 people is a good number.

 

[ddawg16]

Even if you did use a mixer, it would need to be a new one so as to not contaminate your mixture with grit and gravel from previous loads.

 

[dadsEH]

Geez mate...how bad is the floor to use that much.?

 

[rustyjames]

Even if you did use a mixer, it would need to be a new one so as to not contaminate your mixture with grit and gravel from previous loads.

I believe there are some levelers available that you can mix in pea stone for thicker fills, ever recommended.

 

[DC73]

Even if you did use a mixer, it would need to be a new one so as to not contaminate your mixture with grit and gravel from previous loads.

I believe there are some levelers available that you can mix in pea stone for thicker fills, ever recommended.

Correct. Most self levelers I've researched recommend mixing aggregate once the thickness of the pour gets to a certain level. I'm not going over 1" so I won't need aggregate.

I'm going to put out some feelers to see what it would cost to have this done. I'm also going to research extended set levelers. For my project, it won't matter if it takes quite awhile to set up and having an extended set time will only help.

DC

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

Correct. Most self levelers I've researched recommend mixing aggregate once the thickness of the pour gets to a certain level. I'm not going over 1" so I won't need aggregate.

I'm going to put out some feelers to see what it would cost to have this done. I'm also going to research extended set levelers. For my project, it won't matter if it takes quite awhile to set up and having an extended set time will only help.

DC

Yea i have seen it done in a 40-50 gallon plastic drum...need couple sets of hands and make sure you have plenty of water ie several buckets full so there is no delay. Make it wet and use a leaf rake to help it find its level

When you are ready to mix have one guy keeping the drill spinning and 2 guys dumping bags and water as needed then dump the whole barrel and use the rake to start working it

It goes quickly


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ddawg16]

Don't for get the beer cost.....you have to supply your friends with beer, chips and salsa

 

[Git]

I saw an article about how to do this but I can't find it at the moment

As I recall, they suggested getting 6 gallon buckets (instead of 5 gallon) so it wouldn't slop out while you were mixing it.

They 'staged' everything - they would have a half dozen buckets or so lined up with the right amount of water already in them and the bags of compound were sitting next to them, cut open ready to pour into the bucket.

For a mixer they used a large electric drill with a mixing attachment and they kept it in a separate bucket full of water

 

[rustyjames]

Cold water will extend your working time, as warmer will reduce it.

 

[nyepoxyguy]

Timing is everything with SLC. I'd try and get some extra help if you can. Mix 10-15 gallons at a time and keep them coming. What product are you using? I like mapei and sika. Don't forget prep is everything.

 

[stage20]

you can also add in a latex modifier that will help extend the life to a point.

i like mapei novaplan. its very cheap in terms of self leveler and very, very easy to work with.

ardex is another recoommendation, but twice the price. sometimes its required by the engineer, depending on what floor is going down or what type of building we are working on.

mapei is my first choice. it does set up quick. if you mix to much it will flash in the bucket. needs to be mixed in small amounts to keep it "live" have all of your buckets ready to go as mentioned and start hauling *** mixing and pouring.
cold water is a must. cold, CLEAN water. clean buckets! foggy water will take away working time. as will reusing a bucket with old mix.