Cement Mixer Recommendations Wanted and...

21 years ago

I am in the process of getting into the decorative step stone business in an effort to free myself from the confines of working in another law office - bleeech.

I may have a source for the molds (I could use input on that score too if anyone is willing) but am going to need a cement mixer. My best friend has lined me up with a major chain and I may have to be pouring 30 to 90 step stones. Yippee and Yikes!

I figure if I can get 2 of each mold they order I can set up a production line on a long table, but can't imagine mixing concrete in a bucket like I have been for my leaves and such! Have done some shopping and even used $2,500 mixers are not anywhere near being in the budget. I saw an electric one at HD with a metal tub, that is on wheels (like a wheel barrow), high enough that when the mix is done, I could roll it over, tip it and pour into the molds on the low table (actually some discarded doors on upended 5 gal. buckets, told you I was on a budget!).

I am a strong woman, but need a mixer that can do the job and still be moveable when full, by me. I'm not opposed to used equipment, I just would like something dependable and easy to operate and clean.

Also, what about vibrators to reduce voids? Hellllp

Any suggestions/recommendations would be greatly appreciated?

No offense to any lawyers out there.

Thanks!

Amanda

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Comments (5)

paws4pets
21 years ago
Email me and I will send you a bunch of links for molds. There are also some very good molds available on eBay.
I checked at Home Depot and thought the mixers were a bit pricey. Lowes has one and so does Menards that is less money and I think on wheels at around $260.00. I almost had a used one for $10.00!! but was too late.
Figure on about 24 hours in the mold, sometimes you can get by unmolding sooner but you have to careful.
A vibrator is a must for smooth finish on stepping stones and a good mold release. I use a back massager for some of mine. I want to find a small vibrating table but haven't located one in my price range(cheap!)
Paws
melissamary
21 years ago
We have a Bargain Outlet store here and I had never been in it before...until I saw a cement mixer sitting outside the front door as I drove by one day. It was $170 and if you open a credit card its 10% off first purchase! It is not fancy but I've mixed a lot of hpyertufa and concrete in it since last March and it is still chunging along. Every once in a while I WD40 the gears a little. It's yellow. If you want more info , let me know. Can't beat the price. I have to use a plastic trough on the ground and dump it in.

melissa
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buckyforce
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks for all the tips! I'm going to email Melissa about her mixer and Paws about the molds. I also went to Nothern Tool and Harbor Freight. Harbor Freight has 2 on sale now. One a 3.5 CF for 179. and a "mini" 1.25 CF for only $99. The mini is really neat - I just now have to figure out how far 1.25 CF of concrete will go!

Thanks for all your help! I knew you all would have the answers!

Here is a link that might be useful: Mini Mixer
buckyforce
Original Author
21 years ago
Hi Melissa!

There is no email link on your "My Page". Would you mind emailing me?

There must be a way to add the link, if you want to, but I haven't a clue as to how.

Looking forward to getting the details on your mixer.

Thanks!

Amanda
tango88
21 years ago
I can highly recommend the little "Imer" mixers that you can find at the Depot...sometimes under various names. Got mine for half-price ($175 bucks)because the box had been mangled. The commercial casting company I work with has a ten+ year old one identical to mine that is their fail-safe backup to several very high dollar industrial mixers. When the big ones go down they know they can count on the little Imer no matter what. Just may be the mechanical device ever to come out of Italy.