Mixing Small Batches of NHL

[MdB]

I normal get the mixer out to make up a load of hydrate and then stick what I don't need in tubs to keep.

You can't do that with NHL so what is the best way of mixing up a small amount at a time - say half a bucket? For my first attempt I used my paddle mixer but it took a lot of work and didn't seem to be the best way of doing it. Would mixing up on a board with a shovel be better initially and then finish off with the paddle mixer?

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[MatthewC]

Does some vigorous mixing with your shovel on a board** produce a suitable solution or will the mix be deficient in some way? I've done a few small batches for odd bits that way and it seemed to produce an adequate mix.

**Contractors' advertising boards are very good for that purpose!

 

[MdB]

I find that mixing with a shovel doesn't real "knock it up" (if that is the right term) as well as a paddle mixer. It really does seem to make a difference to me - not that I'm an expert with lime.

 

[Flyfisher]

But is the "knocking up" (oo-er missus) just a matter of making things easily workable, or does it really affect the performance of the mixture during or after it sets?

 

[MdB]

But is the "knocking up" (oo-er missus) just a matter of making things easily workable

Yes

or does it really affect the performance of the mixture during or after it sets?

Don't know.

I would be interested in the experts comments.

 

[Flyfisher]

Thought so, me neither, me too.

 

[MatthewC]

Thought so, me neither, me too.

That makes three of us!

 

[robgil]

Ive mixed NHL up on a board with a trowel, I do it quite a lot in fact., I dont mix it up for long and it set fine.
Just mix it up so all the sand is covered in NHL. If a dry mix is needed then mixing for longer may be required.
A tip is to wet the NHL with water before adding the sand. I would just experiment and see what works for you , you can get too anal about it though if you think too much about it, it's just mortar at the end of the day.

 

[Zebra]

But is the "knocking up" (oo-er missus) just a matter of making things easily workable, or does it really affect the performance of the mixture during or after it sets?

Today I went on a lime plastering course, and a chemist from Singleton Birch was there, so thinking of you all :wink: I asked this question. The answer was that it makes it more workable, but does not affect the final strength.

 

[lou]

I am definitely NOT an expert but that dangerous person in posession of a little knowledge. However, I did have a very useful conversation lately with someone in a not for profit organisation who did seem to know his stuff and considered singleton birch to be a poorer relation of other lime products. I also learned that it's important to use a lime-based aggregate for external lime plaster rather than sand, the usual, cheaper recommendation. This is because sand is impermeable so the lime will not adhere to it for as long as it would to a lime aggregate.

The organisation is based in Cardiff and the chap who runs it is very helpful and generous with his advice. May be worth a call. Its called ecohomecentre 029 20373094