Build a Low-Budget Cement Mixer

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Here's a shop project that's sure to save you time and money:

If you're a regular reader of this publication, chances are you do a lot of your own work around the home or farmstead . . . including, perhaps, an occasional job that requires stirring up small batches of concrete. Naturally, it wouldn't pay to purchase an expensive cement mixer just to whip up a bucket-sized "recipe" now and then. However, it would make sense to build your own mortarmaker from junkpile scrap . . . especially if the device could handle most of your casual chores and still cost only a few dollars to make.

MOTHER's hand-operated concrete mixer is nothing more than a discarded Kenmore washing machine tub fitted out with three paddle blades and mounted on a sturdy, wheel-equipped iron pipe frame. But don't think for a minute that—just because the "tumbler" is made from discarded parts—it's a second-class piece of equipment. On the contrary, we've discovered that our homebuilt machine is every bit as versatile as are the available store-bought manual mixers (some of which, by the way, carry price tags as high as $100! ), and is just as easy to use, as well!

You should be able to construct the entire gadget in an hour or two (depending on your degree of mechanical skill) using only a pipe wrench, a drill with 3/32" and 1/4" bits, a screwdriver, a hacksaw, and an adjustable wrench. You'll also, of course, have to gather together all the materials shown in the accompanying il lustration, including a quart or so of auto body putty (or "bondo" ).

Start the project by fabricating the three in-the-drum paddles that will do the blending. If you're fortunate—as we were—you'll be able to find some brackets, corner supports, or angleiron scrap that can simply be trimmed and mounted with a minimum of fuss. If not, however, you'll have to cut the blades from 18gauge sheet metal (using our diagram as a guide), bend them (see MOTHER NO. 56, page 144 for information on how to build an inexpensive bending brake), and drill two 1/4" holes in each section. Then bore matching holes in the tub and secure the agitators in position, using 1/4" bolts. Once that's done, you can also liberally apply bondo to the bottom and sides of the vessel's interior . . . to seal its holes.

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