Pan Mixers, Mortar Mills, Cement Mixers ETC.

[Anne]

I need some advice with this one. I’ve just purchased a ton of Hydraulic Lime mortar to be used on a chimney stack which is looking worse for wear as well as a couple tons of per-mixed non-hydraulic lime to be used for pointing. There is tons of tons of pointing to be done and it will probably take years before I’ve done everything that needs to be. With that said my question is what I use to mix or knock up this stuff.

The Hydraulic lime is probably a one off use for just this area as its very exposed to the weather, but I’ll be knocking up non-hydraulic lime for years to come do I really need to spend £1,000-£2,000 on a pan mixer? Do I have to have a pan mixer for the Hydraulic mix as that is not pre-mixed? Should I rent one for the Hydraulic and buy a hand mixer or cement mixer for knocking up the pre-mixed non-hydraulic? Help please.

 

[biffvernon]

For pointing, if there's just the one of you doing it, you won't be needing very much at a time. I'd invest in a wheelbarrow and spade. (Or use the one you've already got). If you were to be using the whole ton in one weekend then hire a mixer but that doesn't sound like your situation.
And doing it by hand allows you to hear the birds sing.

 

[NT]

For repointing work I dont thnik its worth the bother of using a mixer. A bucket is fine for this, last time I used a little plastic tub from the kitchen.


> I’ve just purchased a ton of Hydraulic Lime mortar to be used on a chimney stack

I trust it wasnt ready mixed


NT

 

[Me!]

I agree that mixing by hand is the best option. If you use a mixer, the time and materials you'll waste cleaning it out just isn't worth it for the rate you'll be using mortar doing pointing.
If you are mixing by hand, I strongly suggest you use a shovel rather than a spade, it really does make a difference. Also, mix on a flat bit of board on the ground rather than in a wheelbarrow.
I've got scars on every knuckle on my left hand from mixing mortar in a wheelbarrow before I worked that one out!

 

[biffvernon]

Yes. I just happen to have a very old and rusty shovel and a very shiny stinless steel spade, and the spade wins. You're right about the knuckles but I find that mixing in a barrow is less strain on the back as it's not so far down. Gloves protect the knuckles as well keeping lime off skin.