Channel Master/Laminas 1.8m project

Actually, CJ, some people swear by the idea of adding washing-up liquid to the mortar mix as it is rumoured to add lots of air bubbles making it easier to spread.

Others condemn the practice as being unprofessional and likely to weaken the mix.

A bit of a Marmite idea, then. Probably better to use proprietary plasticiser.
 
I would have!
Not much use in a course concrete mix, but very useful in a fine concrete, standard sand and cement mix for pointing, screed or levelling. Washing up liquid acts as both a mixing and bonding agent to help give a smoother finish. Also increases the work time to give a better finish.
Sold in builders merchants as " Febmix " also other brands, but pretty much any old cheap washing up liquid does the same job at 1/8 th of the price, but if you use Fairy, your hands will be softer:rolleyes:
 
yes -- i always add a little washing-up liquid to sand and cement mix for pointing.. don,t bother if mixing for garden paths etc though ....
 
Hah... interesting. Well, I mainly used the likes of pre-mixed concrete etc. with some rubble thrown around the base to fill up it quicker (else it would require a LOT more bags to fill it).
 
Captain Jack said:
(else it would require a LOT more bags to fill it).
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EDIT

OK, decided to go back to thread, sorry for interlude, hence edit to get back to the important thing.
CJ, get the dish up! ( Fairy liquid or not )
Still, the bags could be interesting, later
 
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If we're talking additives I always add a cupful of PVA to the mix. It makes the set mix much harder and resistant to wear. Apparently, for some reason, it's only supposed to be added to mortar and not concrete but I've never experienced any problem.
 
OK, made use of being on-call today (house bound) and the sunny weather and finished the stand. Had to slightly adjust the east/west plumbness with the threaded rods but it's all nice and straight ready to take on the dish.

Used some bricks we had stacked up to weigh it down and put the 'spare' frame on top upside down, so it's all nicely weighed down.

2016-04-16 17.44.45.webp 2016-04-16 17.45.36.webp 2016-04-16 17.44.57.webp 2016-04-16 17.45.26.webp

If I was to do this again, I would definitely get premixed concrete delivered. This was very hard work and the materials cost just as much as the delivered one...

Tomorrow will be a less exciting day of laying the cable, painting the dish and I am under strict orders from the wife to tidy the garage, so she can put her crap in there....
 
Captain Jack said:
If I was to do this again, I would definitely get premixed concrete delivered. This was very hard work and the materials cost just as much as the delivered one...
Click to expand...

But you will be a lot healthier as a result (as long as you haven't pulled something ). The worst problem for me is the way the skin breaks up on the hands , usually moreso around the ends of the fingers, and the amount of bleeding that follows for about a week.
 
Channel Hopper said:
But you will be a lot healthier as a result (as long as you haven't pulled something ). The worst problem for me is the way the skin breaks up on the hands , usually moreso around the ends of the fingers, and the amount of bleeding that follows for about a week.
Click to expand...
Should have used Fairy,
For hands that do dishes,
 
Captain Jack said:
OK, made use of being on-call today (house bound) and the sunny weather and finished the stand. Had to slightly adjust the east/west plumbness with the threaded rods but it's all nice and straight ready to take on the dish.

Used some bricks we had stacked up to weigh it down and put the 'spare' frame on top upside down, so it's all nicely weighed down.

View attachment 92344 View attachment 92347 View attachment 92345 View attachment 92346

If I was to do this again, I would definitely get premixed concrete delivered. This was very hard work and the materials cost just as much as the delivered one...

Tomorrow will be a less exciting day of laying the cable, painting the dish and I am under strict orders from the wife to tidy the garage, so she can put her crap in there....
Click to expand...


Looking good C.J.
Nice to see this project taking shape ... and yes, i know only too well myself - that mixing concrete is damned hard work ... well done :)
 
I bought a cheapo concrete mixer, then sold it on E bay, nearly got what I paid for it, happy days!
 
scopus said:
I bought a cheapo concrete mixer, then sold it on E bay, nearly got what I paid for it, happy days!
Click to expand...
Please accept an Honorary Yorkshireman Badge.
 
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