concrete tools

[billconner]

Thinking/looking at buying a concrete mixer and a vibratory plate compactor. Have not found my h on Craigslist or Marketplace within a reasonable distance and do you drive 100+ miles each way to buy a used machine for just a to little less than new Albeit possibly better machine is the used one Looking at the Ryobi mixer. And really focused on a compactor but a Wen model generally seems to get better reviews on in line.

 

[BigMike782]

I needed a plate compactor to use on my schedule(was not going to rent) so I bought one from HF.
Good purchase did the work I needed done and I believe will come in handy in the future.

 

[billconner]

6.5 HP Central Machinery model?

 

[BigMike782]

6.5 HP Central Machinery model?

I believe it is.

 

[ckeboss]

I have a 212cc wen plate compactor, works great. Only complaint is the paint wasn't very good, but that is minor.

As for mixer, I also researched a bunch of mixers, and narrowed it down to you really want to find one with a 3/4 hp motor.

All of the box store ones have a 1/2 hp motor which seems to always overheat, which trips the overload, and you have to wait for it to cool down.

You will notice none of the tool rental yards rent a 1/2 hp mixer, the smallest one they rent will be a 3/4 hp machine.

 

[billconner]

Good point on HP.

I lucked out on compactor. Excavation contractor offered free use of his as long as it's available if he needs it.

Thank you.

 

[billconner]

Thinking this for mixer. https://www.harborfreight.com/3-1-2-half-cubic-ft-cement-mixer-67536.html at nearby store or one on marketplace - but 70 miles one way.

 

[billconner]

Bought used one listed on marketplace. One more biggie done to get started.

 

[billconner]

Concrete ********: How necessary for footing, pier, and core fill? Is banging form and stirring with a piece of rebar sufficient? Expensive tools. HF has one for $120, but found what looks like same one on Walmart for $60. Nothing on Craigslist or Marketplace near me for under $150-200 - albeit probably better quality.

 

[yatg]

All of the box store ones have a 1/2 hp motor which seems to always overheat, which trips the overload, and you have to wait for it to cool down.

Think it depends on the mixer style. Mine is an Imer Minuteman II with a direct drive motor. Never had any problems, but it doesn't get overfilled either.

IMER Group Minuteman II Portable Multi-Mixer with a Steel Drum, 5 cu. ft. Drum Capacity, 110V, 60Hz, 0.5 HP: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

IMER Group Minuteman II Portable Multi-Mixer with a Steel Drum, 5 cu. ft. Drum Capacity, 110V, 60Hz, 0.5 HP: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

 

[billconner]

Well, I received my Walmart $57 ********. Looks like harbor freight at $120.

So I plugged it in and tried it. How much should it vibrate? It seemed very subtle.

Notice spare motor brushes. Not a lifetime tool but purchase was half one day rental (albeit of a good one). One project - less than 3 CY.

 

[mike93lx]

Be careful with how much you vibrate a pour. Too much will drop all the aggregate and raise the cement and water.

 

[cablebandit]

That's what she said..

 

[billconner]

In and out 5 to 10" as part is what I have gathered.

 

[dutchgray]

Think it depends on the mixer style. Mine is an Imer Minuteman II with a direct drive motor. Never had any problems, but it doesn't get overfilled either.

IMER Group Minuteman II Portable Multi-Mixer with a Steel Drum, 5 cu. ft. Drum Capacity, 110V, 60Hz, 0.5 HP: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

IMER Group Minuteman II Portable Multi-Mixer with a Steel Drum, 5 cu. ft. Drum Capacity, 110V, 60Hz, 0.5 HP: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

The Professional grade Belle mixers that everyone in the trades uses over here are 550W or aprox 2/3 hp, they stick an amazing amount of abuse considering how lightly built they actually are, plastic pulleys and a very narrow toothed belt, plastic cased integrated motor, but an actual metal reduction gear box that drives the drum.
They are also £500 to buy.
We had 3 at one point but are down to just one at present as they either get permanently borrowed, or just plain stolen.

Our diesel mixer is a completely different beast, that can do three barrows of mix in one go.