Can you imagine a construction site without even a small concrete mixer? Without such a unit, the preparation of a good cement mortar becomes almost impossible. When it becomes necessary to build a small structure or just “pat up” something, concreting becomes a popular task. Here is just a short list of situations in which you can not do without this tool: garden paths, arranging the foundation for the gazebo, installing a fence and so on. In a word, concrete is needed everywhere - the difference is only in the scale of the event. For domestic needs, it is pointless to buy an industrial apparatus - the purchase will cost you prohibitively expensive. An alternative solution would be a do-it-yourself homemade concrete mixer. Thanks to this article, you will learn how to make it yourself from improvised materials.
Four principles of concrete mixing
Homemade concrete mixer In fact, you can prepare your own solution without special tools. Many even like to work “according to the old method”. But how much can you do this way? Create a dry mix for construction using conventional drill or a mixer, you can still. But when it comes to sand and cement, they are powerless.
The simplest and most common mixing principle is called forced mixing. All components are kneaded in a container that is stationary. For this, a mechanical drive is usually used. The working drum can be positioned vertically or horizontally.
Drawing of a horizontal concrete mixer Despite the fact that even a small forced-action concrete mixer can be very effective, it also has its drawbacks:
- There are "dead zones" in the tank. This is especially true of the space near the walls.
- The complexity of the design. The pivot points must be hermetically sealed against the action of the solution, which can be aggressive.
- It is practically impossible to prepare a solution in such a unit, which includes medium and large filler.
The second principle is called gravitational. In this case, all components are mixed due to gravity. In industry, this method is rarely used, as it requires a lot of time and effort. Barrels that are made of metal are most often used as containers. How they are made, how to make a stand, will be described below.
Most modern concrete mixers use a combined principle that combines the first two methods. They have the following benefits:
- Strict sealing is not required. The drum is open at the top, there is no need for rotation nodes, since any contact with the solution is excluded.
- Parts wear out much less often.
- Simplicity and reliability of operation.
- There are no restrictions on the composition of the solution either - it can be gravel, expanded clay, gravel, and so on.
The fourth mixing principle is called vibrational. Recently, some craftsmen have been mixing the solution using vibration. If we talk about large-scale volumes, the results can be the most stunning. Typically, the vibratory mixing principle is used when it is necessary to produce an accurate reinforced concrete structure with good performance.
AT normal conditions the gearbox and the drive are replaced by the most powerful hammer drill (permissible minimum 1.3 kW). Its vibrational action must be independent. It is not necessary to press the cartridge.
Concrete mixer gearbox photo In general, vibratory mixing allows you to create an almost perfect concrete mix. However, for the preparation of a "heavy" solution, it is also not optimal.
Concrete mixer from a milk can (flask)
Do-it-yourself concrete mixer from a milk can It should be understood that not everyone has access to electricity. suburban area. Therefore, it would be quite logical to make a hand-made type and a small volume. A do-it-yourself milk flask concrete mixer is a very simple and straightforward option. You will need the can itself, pipe cuttings, or any other similarly shaped scrap metal. It can be done in 2-3 hours, the main range of work falls on the cooking of the frame.
- Taking round pipe, bend the handle as shown in the illustration. Weld water couplings at the top. Their diameter inside must exceed the diameter of the pipe that is used for the handle.
- Pass the tube through the flask, making holes, and then weld it to the body.
- It is extremely important to find the center of gravity of the concrete mixer with your own hands in order to turn it easily. To simplify the design, you can do without the use of a coupling. Cut arcuate notches in the frame and lay the axle on them.
The unit, although simple, is not the most reliable. Therefore, for manufacturing it is better to use some other drawings.
big barrel
Concrete mixer from a large barrel 200 liters A more practical option is a concrete mixer of 200 liter barrel. Why exactly two hundred liters? This volume is considered to be optimal for mixing concrete at a time. The plastic option is swept aside immediately - such barrels will not serve you for a long time.
A homemade concrete mixer from a barrel is made as follows:
- Preparing a barrel that has a lid and a bottom. If the cover is missing, it is welded separately. Didn't find a container? You can make it yourself. The homemade version is in no way inferior to the factory barrel. You will need dense sheets of metal with a thickness of 1.5 to 2 mm, rollers, an efficient welding apparatus and a wooden hammer.
- We attach flanges on which there are bearings to the lid and bottom. On the side we cut out the hatch, where the components of the solution will be backfilled. A little trick - for a concrete mixer from a barrel, such a hole should be made closer to the end, which will be lower during the scrolling process.
- Knowing how to make a concrete mixer with your own hands is half the battle. It is equally important to establish proper mixing of the solution. To do this, the blades must be welded to the walls inside (angle from 30 to 40 degrees). Such an angle is extremely important so that the contents are “pushed” out during the mixing process. In principle, you can also fix the blades on the shaft.
How do professionals make the base for a concrete mixer?
Naturally, a do-it-yourself manual concrete mixer must have a stable base. This is necessary so that the structure does not begin to roll over during mixing. With a small load of a skeleton from a wooden bar, it will be quite enough (section 10 by 10 or 15 by 15 cm). Optimal connection options: “in a thorn” or “in half a tree”. They are necessary so that the structure does not receive damage from vibration. When the assembly is completed, all joints are glued and tightened with self-tapping screws.
Need a stronger, more durable unit? Then a frame made of a metal corner will definitely suit you. Not everyone has a welding machine, but you can fix it with rivets or bolts.
If necessary, wheels are screwed to the base. Such a device of a concrete mixer will allow you not only to turn it over, but also to move it.
As for engines, a do-it-yourself barrel concrete mixer can be equipped with a motor from a scooter or car. A good option would be a concrete mixer from washing machine. The advantage of this option is that it is designed for long work and can last for several years.
How to make a concrete mixer with your own hands video
Below you can get acquainted with the photo drawings that allow you to do everything yourself:
Drawing of a homemade concrete mixer from a barrel How fast should concrete be mixed?
We will not consider in detail the process of mixing concrete - this is the topic of a separate article. We only note the fact that the moment of torsion plays an important role.
That's why the "washer" gearbox is better than a conventional motor from a scooter or car. It can withstand almost any load and can operate at low speeds. 25 full cycles (revolutions) per minute is sufficient.
To ensure this amount, the gearbox may have different scheme. The simplest, typical option is when the gearbox is made of a belt and a pulley. A do-it-yourself concrete mixer with a motor from a moped is characterized by mobility. The gearbox is convenient and compact, it does not need electricity to operate. Even if you have large territory, the made device moves along it without unnecessary worries and hassles.
The gearbox in this case must be chain, otherwise the design will not function well.
Absolutely anyone can save a substantial amount of money if they know how to make a concrete mixer with their own hands - photos and videos are attached to the instructions. You will need a minimum of building materials, tools, a little care and resourcefulness. And last tip in conclusion. If there is such an opportunity, it is desirable to involve one more (and preferably two) people in the work. Some steps need to be done at the same time, and doing it alone is not very convenient.
Homemade concrete mixer from a barrel video
Concrete mixing machine, or concrete mixer, or concrete block - building device intended for self cooking quality building mix. Such a machine can be stationary and mobile, differing in purpose and principle of operation. Today, a do-it-yourself concrete mixer is a good option for a practical and convenient unit. Its production will require minimal financial costs.
Types of concrete mixers and the principle of their work
Concrete mixer - technical device widely used in conditions modern construction for the preparation of concrete or other cement-based mortar, and presented in very different types or forms. Regardless of the typical characteristics and design features, the main function of a concrete mixing machine or mixer is to obtain maximum efficiency in the process of mixing all the components.
Continuous concrete mixers
Continuous concrete mixers have a forced mixing process of all components. From a constructive point of view, these units are the same, and the main differences are in the size, performance and shape of the mixing blades.
The principle of operation of a continuous concrete mixer is the forced process of mixing the components of the solution
Continuous concrete mixing machines carry out a complete set of all technological processes, represented by loading and mixing of individual components, as well as unloading the finished mixture from the unit, which is provided not only by production, but also by control equipment.
The diagram shows the device of a continuous unit
- 8 - a continuous flow of the components of the mixture is fed into the trough;
- 7 - blades mounted on shafts inside the trough at an angle of 40–45 °;
- 6 - shafts inside the trough;
- 5 - unloading gate;
- 4 - gear pair;
- 3 - reducer;
- 2 - belt drive.
The principle of operation of the mixer is based on the loading of a continuous flow of components by belt feeders or conveyors. Simultaneous supply of bulk components and water makes it possible to obtain a homogeneous and high-quality solution in the mixing tank, which is discharged through the discharge opening and can be loaded directly into a special vehicle.
The technical performance indicators of continuous mixers depend on the volume of solution that moves in a certain time in the direction of the axis, as well as on the size and angle of the blade part with their rotational speed. The advantages of this version of the concrete mixer are represented by the ability to prepare mortars and hard concretes in significant quantities, as well as the complete static nature of the body. The disadvantages include the need for a constant supply of components, and the inability to obtain a small volume of solution.
Cyclic action
Installations of cyclic action are distinguished by the loading of new components of the mixture only after the complete unloading of the already prepared solution. This version of mixing equipment is more mobile, and the performance level is determined by the quality of the loaded components and the total volume of the mixing tank.
Cyclic concrete mixers are more mobile
The main function of the cyclic device is to obtain high-quality concrete of mobile, molding and rigid type with the presence of special additives. Units of this type can have a cylindrical or trough-shaped body with a vertical or horizontal shaft.
Mixing of the solution occurs with the help of paddle shafts
- 1 - bearing;
- 2 - electric motor;
- 3 - frame structure;
- 4 - V-belt transmission;
- 5 - reducer;
- 6 - clutch;
- 7 - unit body;
- 8 - blade part;
- 9 - holder;
- 10 - opening for loading;
- 11 - shaft;
- 12 - pneumatic cylinder;
- 13 - shutter;
- 14 - unloading opening of the unit.
The principle of operation is ensured by the rotation of the blades on the shafts in the mutual direction, which causes the inclusion of an electric motor and V-belt transmission. Due to the extremely uniform arrangement of the blades on the shafts, such elements fit perfectly into the free spaces. Mixed components are delivered inside the working mixer through a lock-type opening, after which mixing takes place with the help of paddle shafts and the finished mixture is unloaded through an unloading opening controlled by a pneumatic cylinder.
Benefits most modern models consist in a high quality of mixing in a relatively short time period and in the possibility of using components with different densities, resulting in a high-quality finished composition. The main disadvantages of cyclic equipment are represented by the high cost and technical complexity of the transmission, which implies the provision of regular and competent maintenance of the unit.
Gravitational
A variant of a construction machine, characterized by mixing concrete mixtures due to gravity. Gravity mixers are a drum that rotates around an axis of a horizontal or inclined type. A prerequisite functioning is a strictly defined number of blade rotations, which prevents an excess of centrifugal force inside the drum.
The advantages of this type of concrete mixer are ease of installation and performance.
Gravity construction mixers are usually designed to prepare mixtures that do not exceed one cubic meter. A modern mobile type plant is very easy to transport. The most popular and common gravity models are concrete mixing plants in the form of traditional concrete mixer trucks.
The rotational speed in this type of concrete mixer is 20 rpm.
- 1 - loading bucket;
- 2 - a pair of lifting drums;
- 3 - self-braking worm-type gearbox;
- 4 - flange electric motor;
- 5 - mixing drum with blades;
- 6 - steering wheel of the unit;
- 7 - output shaft of a three-stage cylindro-conical type gearbox;
- 8 - the ends of the rope, which covers the bucket;
- 9 and 10 - limit switches for turning off the electric motor;
- 11 - traverse;
- 12 - flange electric motor;
- 13 - single-stage gearbox;
- 14 - fixing device.
Principle of operation: bladed elements inside the drum during their uniform rotation pick up, lift and drop down the prepared solution. The standard speed in gravity concrete mixing technology is limited to 20 rpm.
The undoubted advantages of any gravity mixer are represented by the optimal ratio of the weight of the installation and the total working volume of the tank, the simplicity and reliability of the design, the possibility of using large aggregates, as well as the very low energy load of such equipment. Serious disadvantages of such models include low rates of versatility and the risk of not obtaining homogeneous rigid mixtures.
Forced
Forced-action concrete mixing units are used in the production of not only mobile, but also rigid molding-type concrete, and also allow the production of lightweight concrete with a significant amount of various additives. Forced mixers can be equipped with a horizontal or vertical shaft, which is placed in a trough-shaped or cylindrical body.
In such a concrete mixer, you can prepare solutions with different densities
In forced mixers, high-quality mixing of all components is ensured, and due to the versatility of the design, the production of concretes, as well as solutions with different density and mobility levels, is greatly facilitated.
All components are loaded inside the concrete mixer drum, thanks to the blades they are mixed, and a high-quality solution is obtained
- 1 - mixer body;
- 2 - frame structure;
- 3 - electric motor;
- 4 - unit control panel;
- 5 - sector type shutter;
- 6 - drive handle for opening the shutter;
- 7 - protective element;
- 8 - drive gear for shafts;
- 9 - belt drive protection;
- 10 - safety clutch;
- 11 - mixing shaft.
The principle of operation is based on the loading of all components inside the drum and the ability of the blades to mix the components during rotation to obtain a homogeneous and high-quality mass of the finished solution.
The advantages of forced construction mixers are represented by high mixing quality, equipment reliability and its ability to function even in difficult conditions, as well as small dimensions and ease of transportation. The disadvantages include the lack of a maximum ratio of the weight of the equipment to the usable volume of the mixer, as well as the too high installed power of the electric drive.
How to make a concrete mixer with your own hands
Of course, mixing can be done in a trough using a conventional shovel, but this approach is very labor-intensive, not allowing to obtain a sufficient amount of a homogeneous and high-quality mixture, and the consumption of components in this case increases significantly.
Independent production of a concrete mixer does not cause difficulties even in the absence of professional knowledge and special skills in this area. It is enough to familiarize yourself with the manufacturing scheme, prepare necessary material and a set of tools, as well as strictly adhere to the step-by-step instructions.
From the barrel
The design has a peculiar trajectory of movement, in the form of an axis of rotation, going through the tank strictly obliquely. Simple mortar mixers are able to function well at a temperature of at least plus 2 ° C, since the design does not provide heating of the prepared mixture.
The design of such a concrete mixer is quite simple.
- 1 - metal barrel;
- 2 - base from a metal corner;
- 3 - a shaft from a pipe;
- 4 - bearing system;
- 5, 6 - handle and handle;
- 7 - hatch cover;
- 8 - lock connection;
- 9 - rubber seal;
- 10 - loop.
The prepared solution moves between two walls, which ensures the simplicity and efficiency of regular operation. A barrel mixer is capable of mixing about three buckets very well in twenty revolutions. concrete mortar.
Materials and tools:
- metal barrel;
- a set of hardware, represented by bolts, nuts and washers;
- bearings;
- fittings for the handle;
- standard metal corner;
- welding machine;
- electric drill;
- "Bulgarian" or a hacksaw for working with metal;
- spanners;
- level, tape measure and marker.
- Drill holes on the ends of the barrel for the installation of the shaft.
- Install bearings under the rotary handle on the outer part of the covers.
- Cut a hole for unimpeded extraction of the finished solution.
- Seal the door with rubber.
- Fix the door with hinged hinges on the hinged latches.
- Weld the supporting frame structure from metal corners.
- Equip the shaft with blades made of steel sheet.
- Install shaft and knobs.
- Place the barrel on a supporting metal structure.
If desired, the design can be supplemented by an electric motor, a gearbox to reduce torque, a V-belt and a moisture-proof switch, as well as a wire system. In operation, this model of a concrete mixer is less stable, therefore, it is necessary to ensure high-quality additional fixation.
From the washing machine
The construction mixer, made on the basis of a washing machine, has a fairly high performance. In the process of drum rotation, stable stability is necessary, but the presence of a certain dissonance is explained by the components of the solution, which constantly shift the center of gravity. For this reason, it is necessary to resolve the issue of a reliable base or frame for installing a concrete mixer made using a washing machine.
The most sustainable geometric figure- a triangle that can withstand significant loads and retains its position well. The advantages of a self-assembled concrete mixer based on a washing machine are represented by individual height selection, but the best option is a design with a lower tank location at a level of 50–80 cm. The volume of the finished cement mortar directly depends on the size of the washing machine tank.
To ensure stability, you need to make a reliable base for the concrete mixer
Materials and tools:
- welding machine;
- electric drill;
- standard set of screwdrivers;
- hacksaw for working with metal;
- capacity from the washing machine;
- metal corners or a pipe for the manufacture of a frame frame;
- steel sheet for the manufacture of blades.
If you want to make your own auger concrete mixer, you need to make a special shaft.
Step by step manufacturing process:
- Seal the drain hole in the working activator type washing machine.
- Make a swivel mechanism from metal corners or pipes.
- Place the washing machine on the swivel tipping mechanism.
- Install the frame on "legs" half a meter high to ensure maximum stability of the structure.
It is important not to carry out a rigid fastening of the tank along the perimeter of the frame, and installation on a canopy should allow tipping with emphasis on the frame base. Such a design is fixed on the basis of an activator-type washing machine with only four metal corners. Ready to work construction mixer provided by connecting the unit to a 220 V network.
From a flask
Traditional flasks made from milk or paint can be an excellent base used in the manufacture of a compact concrete mixer. Technological capabilities allow the frame to be made on the basis of metal corners or pipes, as well as ordinary wooden bars. As a rule, three buckets of concrete mortar can be made at the same time inside such a mixer.
Compact concrete mixer that allows you to prepare three buckets of mortar in one go
The flask must be placed in an inclined position, using for this purpose four conventional rotating supports or a frame structure with an angle of 20–30 ° relative to the horizon. Thus, the device is provided with the rotation of the unit in accordance with the longitudinal axis.
Photo gallery: components of a homemade flask-based concrete mixer
The flask will be a good reservoir for mixing 
Engine elements 
Variant with manual drive 
Working principle of concrete mixer 
Composite mechanism for homemade concrete mixer
A homemade manual concrete mixer can be made within a couple of hours using a milk flask and almost any scrap metal for this purpose.
Materials and tools:
- welding machine;
- electric drill;
- screwdrivers;
- hacksaw for working with metals;
- metal flask;
- metal corners for the manufacture of a frame frame.
Step by step manufacturing process:
- Drill holes for the handle.
- Pass the axle equipped with a handle through the holes drilled in the flask.
- Make a support metal structure frames.
- Install the unit on the frame.
Easy operation of the construction mixer is ensured by the obligatory balance of such a unit, therefore the axis is passed only through the center of gravity. Ordinary water couplings can serve as bushings for the axle, and the stops are made by welding nuts lubricated with lithol or grease to the axial part. This option is very simple, but a large number of the solution is not mixed well enough and quickly.
Variants of concrete mixers for self-production (with drawings)
There are several easy-to-do-it-yourself options for construction mixers that have proven to be highly effective in preparing concrete solutions of various volumes.
Mechanical option
The main advantage is a fairly large volume, and both electric and manual drives can be used for equipment. The unloading of the finished composition is carried out by the traditional tilt of the structure to the side.
The main disadvantage of such a cylindrical tub is the insufficiently high-quality mixing of the solution in the corner zones and the risk of splashing the mixture if the design is too fast. The model is able to mix a simple mixture within five minutes, and mixing of dry components takes no more than ten minutes.
Combined horizontal version with combs
Electric or manual design based on a cylindrical tank with high uniformity and excellent mixing speed. The device also has a high speed and quality of the solution manufacturing procedure. To mix one batch of solution, it is enough to perform only four turns of the handle.
Combined type concrete mixers have good mixing speed
The disadvantage is the structural complexity and the large number of constituent parts, a heightened attention requires the installation of an unloading hatch with high-quality and very reliable seals, latches and hinges.
Combs are made from ordinary metal corners
For the manufacture of the comb, metal corners should be used, which are securely fixed on the base.
For reliability and stability under the concrete mixer, it is recommended to make a base
For welding side racks, struts, channels are used, cut into individual elements, as well as durable metal corners.
Electric option
The most common and popular design of a construction mixer, most often done by hand. To date it is known great amount variations of such a unit, which may have some differences in terms of design and specifications.
Such a construction mixer is able to provide a considerable yield of the finished solution
The best option it is considered to be the use of a cylindrical tank, in which the bottom part and the neck must necessarily be strengthened with cross-welded strips. Such a frame electric concrete mixing structure, securely welded on the axis, is characterized by high productivity and sufficient output of the finished solution.
Some difficulty can be caused by the assembly of the container rotated together with the axial element, which is due to the need to make a high-strength frame structure. However, thanks to this technical features, the electric concrete mixer can be used for the longest time possible.
vibration option
If you have a hammer drill with a power rating of 1.0–1.3 kW and a percussion forced mechanism, it is quite possible to make a home-made vibratory concrete mixer.
In this design, it must be taken into account that the distance to the bottom part must correspond to the radius of the unit
In the manufacture of such a design, it must be remembered that the tank used must be round and high, not very wide, located on the axis. The standard distance to the bottom must correspond to the radius of the machine. It is strictly forbidden to use any flat containers made of sheet metal. In such a tank, there is no wave excitation necessary for mixing the solution. The best option is to use a pair of metal plates stacked together, and the diameter of the vibrator should be a quarter of a meter for every 1.3 kW of power.
Modern barrel variant
An interesting design from a technical point of view, which can be easily carried out in accordance with the step-by-step illustrations below. It is necessary to prepare a two-hundred-liter barrel, an electric motor for 250 W and 1430 revolutions, as well as a wheel from a conventional motorcycle, two belts and a couple of rings welded to each other. The pulley is securely welded to the bottom of the tank. frame construction It is made on the basis of a channel and a durable metal pipe.
Photo gallery: making a concrete mixer from an ordinary barrel
For the manufacture of a concrete mixer, an ordinary barrel is suitable 
Drive mechanism part 
Fastening metal sheets to the frame 
Preparation of the base for a concrete mixer 
Installing the concrete mixer on the base 
Concrete mixer ready to go 
The construction unit can be equipped with an engine 
Engine drive belt 
Reservoir with blades for mixing the components of the solution 
Concrete mixer at work
Video: homemade concrete mixer at work
Video: making a concrete mixing unit from a barrel
Thus, the standard ready-made design of a self-made construction mixer is represented by a stationary or mobile bed, mixing working elements, a tank for a direct mixing process and an unloading mechanism. Also important parts of the design include transmission and gasoline or electric propulsion unit.
It is not difficult to make an efficient concrete mixing unit on your own, but it should be remembered that the distance from the gears to the pulleys should be as correctly verified as possible even before installation work is performed. The impossibility of connecting a grounding contract to a concrete mixer is leveled by the electrification of the device using a standard RCD, and all moving internal parts must be equipped with protective covers. The starting start of the concrete mixing machine is carried out in idle mode, but the preparation of the first concrete solution should not be the full load of the device.
Many people like it on their personal plot do your own repairs. To fix the foundation of the house, fill in the paths, put up a fence on the posts, you need such an aggregate as a concrete mixer. There is no point in purchasing an industrial model, because it will be very expensive. In this case, an excellent solution would be to make a concrete mixer with your own hands, which does not require large financial expenses. So how do you make a concrete mixer yourself? Thanks to the presented video, you can clearly see the whole process of such manufacturing.
What is a concrete mixer for?
Many find that a small amount of mortar can be easily mixed with a shovel. However, this results in a mixture of very poor quality. The fact is that it is very difficult to mix the solution in the trough with a shovel. Such exercise stress not for everyone, so easier to install concrete mixer, collected by hand from a barrel. In addition, if you knead a large amount of the mixture, then in the end the composition will turn out to be dry. The solution begins to lose moisture much faster than it has time to stir to the desired consistency.
Concrete good quality it will not work if you use a drill. When fixing it on the bracket, lumps of sand remain in the mixture. The drill should not only spin, but also move back and forth and in a circle. Often the tool cannot withstand such stress and breaks.
To understand the principle of operation of a do-it-yourself homemade concrete mixer, which is made for a small amount of work, it is necessary to consider the process of mixing the solution. There are 3 ways:
- gravity method;
- vibration method;
- mechanical method.
Gravity Method. In industry, this method is not used, because the resulting cement is of poor quality. As a result of gravitational mixing, the container rolls over, the components begin to "flop" on top of each other and mix into a relatively homogeneous mass.
vibration method. Counts the most reliable way of production concrete in industry. In the fixed bucket, the vibromixer begins to move, resulting in a high-quality solution.
mechanical method. Used only in conjunction with gravity. In this case, either the mixer starts to rotate in a fixed tub, or a tub with protrusions inside rotates.
Manufacturing technology of concrete mixer
There is a large number homemade units, which are adapted for the manufacture of concrete. The simplest design can be made from an ordinary milk can, a large pot, an old boiled water. Its drawing is quite simple, and the manufacturing technology is even simpler:
- weld the container to the axis;
- a stick, a piece of pipe or a rubber band is pushed into the lid and the lid is pulled very strongly to the handles;
- to simplify the design couplings are not used, and arcuate recesses are cut in the frame and the axis is laid on them.
To make a more practical unit, you need to use other drawings.
Do-it-yourself concrete mixer manufacturing steps
Container manufacturing
Before you start creating a concrete mixer with your own hands, you should choose a container. It is best to use metal barrels for this, which can hold at least 200 liters. Exactly this volume is considered optimal in order to knead required amount concrete at a time. It is better not to use plastic tanks, as they will not last long.
To make a concrete mixer, you need a barrel with a lid and a bottom. If the container does not initially have a lid, then it should be welded by cutting it out of a sheet of metal. After that, flanges with bearings should be attached to the bottom and lid of the barrel. A hatch is cut out in the side, through which the components of the solution will subsequently be poured. It is best to make such a hole closer to the end of the tank, which will be lower during the operation of the concrete mixer. The cut out part of the barrel will be used as a manhole cover. It is fixed with the help of hinges and some kind of locking device.
In order for the solution to mix better, the blades are welded to the inner walls of the barrel at an angle of 30 - 40 degrees. The angle of inclination is calculated in such a way that during the mixing process, the concrete can be "pushed" out. In addition, such blades can be fixed not on the walls, but on the shaft of the device itself.
If you cannot find a suitable container, then you can make it yourself. To do this, you will need the following tools and materials:
- sheet metal 1.5 - 2 mm thick;
- welding machine;
- rollers;
- wooden mallet or hammer.
Before cutting metal drawings to be prepared indicating the required dimensions. To make a concrete mixer body, you will need a central round section, the bottom of the tank and two truncated cones that make up the bottom and upper part designs. Parts cut according to the markup must be bent into rings. It is more convenient to do this with the help of rollers. After fitting all the details, the seams are securely welded.
Base mounting
A homemade concrete mixer must have a reliable and stable base. Otherwise, the structure may turn over during operation. If it is not intended to load a large amount of concrete into it, then the skeleton is best made from a square wooden beam, having a cross section of 10x10 or 15x15 cm. So that the base of the structure cannot suffer from vibration during operation, you should use half-tree or spike connections. After assembly, all joints must be properly glued and tightened with self-tapping screws.
If you want to create a more reliable and durable unit, you should give preference to a frame that welded from metal not less than 45x45 mm in size. You can also use a channel. If there is no gas welding machine, then the frame is fixed with rivets or nuts with bolts.
If there is such a desire, then the base can be equipped with wheels. This will require an axle without bearings and the wheels themselves. This concrete mixer is easy to turn over and move. When assembling the base, it is necessary to provide handles. With their help, the device can be moved.
During the assembly process, the frames must provide a place for the engine. Also will need a counterweight so that when the concrete is unloaded, the structure does not tip over. If you plan to unload the solution with a shovel, then in this case the counterweight will not be needed. All these points must be provided during the creation of the drawing.
Engine mounting
To make the concrete mixer more efficient, you need any single-phase motor, the rotation speed of which is not more than 40 rpm.
Many craftsmen who create a home-made design advise using electric motors from old washing machines that are out of order, such as the Wave or the Seagull. Such motors are able to work for a long time and not overheat. When choosing an engine, it should be remembered that the optimum rotation speed of the tub is 20 - 30 rpm. For this, various gearboxes are used. However, the optimal simple option is the use of a pulley and a drive belt.
Instead of a washing machine engine, you can use a motor from a motorcycle or a gasoline-powered moped. In this case, the concrete mixer will not need power supply and can be used in any conditions. The engine is fastened with 4 bolts to the bracket or to the frame, which are welded to the gearbox housing.
However, a home-made concrete mixer is able to work with manual control. In this case, neither electricity nor gasoline will be needed for it. Such a simple device is mobile, easy to assemble, and anyone can manage it. Its only drawback is the presence of an assistant for mixing the solution.
Finally, a shaft is threaded through the container of the structure. To make the device more stable, it should be dug into the ground at an angle of 30 degrees.
Thus, to make a concrete mixer with your own hands, no special skills are needed. More clearly the manufacturing process can be seen in the video. Before you start assembling such a device, you should use the drawings. They will help to correctly and accurately create a home-made design without serious financial investments.
This article is suitable for any amateur builder who, in his free time from his main job, is trying to equip life in his summer cottage. Construction is indispensable without concrete. Even if you make a house out of wooden beams, reinforced concrete foundation or piles you will definitely need. And having kneaded a concrete solution a couple of times with your hands in a bucket or trough using a drill or a shovel, an inquisitive mind begins to look for less labor-intensive ways.
There are several options. You can order home delivery and the next day the truck mixer will bring the required number of cubic meters. Perhaps this option is not entirely economical. More hardworking owners can buy a concrete mixer, it is compact and equipped with an electric motor for mixing the solution. Throw cement, sand, water and gravel into it in the right proportions, and only manage to release the concrete mixer by pouring the solution out of it. It is cheaper, but you still have to buy such a concrete mixer.
But there is another option: to make a concrete mixer with your own hands. Yes, it is possible if there are drawings. You will spend time on this, but it will more than pay off for you. Moreover, the device is not as complicated as it seems at first glance. The concrete mixer has a simple principle:
- there is a tub or something like a flask where the solution is mixed;
- drive, that is, the mechanism by which the tub rotates and mixing occurs;
- frame that holds it all together.
The concrete mixer has additional small parts, which will be discussed below, but these three are the main ones. And now let's delve into the nuances of making a homemade concrete mixer.
What is a concrete mixer
According to the mixing method, concrete mixers are mainly divided into four types: gravity, mechanical, vibration and combined. Let's talk a little about each, so that you have a little idea about it and so that you can choose the right one for yourself. After all, it can be used for absolutely different needs: basically this is the foundation (of a house, a fence and much more), but various building materials can be molded from it in shape. Blocks of cement, wood concrete and other things.
Gravitational
A unit of this type is the easiest option both to manufacture and to use. Do-it-yourself manual concrete mixer, the tub of which simply rotates along the axis, and the components of the mortar are mixed under the action of gravity. For large volumes, this option is not suitable, because it does not provide good mixing. But if you always knead the solution in small quantities and you didn’t need more, then this option may well be suitable.
Mechanical
Such a home-made forced-action concrete mixer in its pure form is rarely used, because it has a number of disadvantages. It looks like this: a barrel in a horizontal position with a hole at the top for the entire length. The axis runs along the center of the barrel, and metal parts are welded to it, which mix the solution. The hole does not allow you to turn the barrel in only one direction and have to swing it from side to side. Compared to gravity, it has a larger volume, which is a plus. The disadvantages are: poor mixing in the corners and splashing of the solution at high vibrations.
Sometimes mechanical concrete mixers are made absolutely motionless, only the axis inside it moves, to which metal dividers are welded. This design is well suited for the manufacture of wood concrete blocks. We will talk about this below.
Vibrating
Making this type of manual concrete mixer with your own hands is not such a simple matter. The basic principle is that the solution remains stationary and all the mixing work is done by the vibrator. There are many nuances here, which, if not taken into account, will only lead to wasted time.
The tub must be round, not wide, but high, similar to the shape of a Soviet washing machine. The vibrator should be of a strictly defined shape, similar to two low plates stacked together. Actually, at home, two metal plates are the best option. The vibrator should not be too large, its size depends on the volume of the mixing vessel. If you overdo it in choosing the size, then even with visible work, it still will not mix. And the last thing: the location of the vibrator inside the vessel is strictly along the axis, the distance to the bottom of the barrel is equal to the diameter of the vibrator.
If all these conditions are met, the ideal solution from your barrel is guaranteed. But with poor quality sand or cement, it will take a little longer to mix. One minus: high power consumption. And in no case do not try to use a perforator as a drum vibrator. Many craftsmen tried to make a concrete mixer, but most often failed.
Combined Concrete Mixer
This type of concrete mixer is a combination of gravity and mechanical installation. The solution rotates in a horizontal or inclined plane, and protrusions are made inside the vessel itself, which additionally help to mix the components. They are usually made from metal plates. different forms, which are welded to inside flasks. This type of concrete mixer allows you to mix a large volume of mortar, the mixing quality is also good. Welding plates into a concrete mixer is not difficult, so this type is the most widely used. In the future, we will talk about this type of concrete mixers.
We manufacture a concrete mixer
The theory is over. Let's get down to practice. Now let's take a closer look at how to make a concrete mixer with your own hands. This process must be divided into several stages. We know that a concrete mixer consists of three main components: a mixing bucket, a drive, and a frame. If everything is clear with the drive, it can be either manual or mechanical, when a concrete mixer uses a gearbox and an electric motor, then we will dwell on the manufacture of the tub and frame in more detail. If there are drawings at hand during work, it will be generally wonderful.
Making a tub
The most popular item used as a mixing vessel is standard 200 liter drums. With some reservations, it is suitable for any type of homemade concrete mixer. You can use the body of the washing machine if it is strong enough. But that would be too easy, our goal is to make the tub ourselves.
First, the material. For walls, we take metal with a thickness of at least 2 mm, for the bottom - at least 5 mm. Secondly, the form. It is cylindrical, but at the top in the neck area should narrow in the form of a cone.
Let's write down the sequence of actions point by point:
- We make a flange-hub. You can find her drawings and make it yourself, but it's better to buy a ready-made one. The detail is important, but not easy to manufacture.
- We make the bottom of sheet steel with a minimum thickness of 5 mm. In the very center we drill holes and attach the flange-hub.
- We cut out five main parts of the body from metal 2 mm thick - a shell (it folds up and a cylinder is obtained) and four petals, which are then fastened together to form a cone.
- We connect the bottom, the shell and the cone with the help of a welding machine and get the base of the barrel for mixing.
- We strengthen the neck so that later it does not deform. To do this, we weld a reinforcing bar of 10 mm to its circumference.
- Inside the barrel we weld crosswise cutters. Usually two or three is enough. They are also made from reinforcement, but more durable, or from metal plates. The main thing is to bend them at a right angle. They will mix the solution. In addition, due to them, a homemade concrete mixer will be stronger.
When the tub-mixer is ready, you can start making the frame.
Frame manufacturing
The frame is the backbone of the entire structure. A bucket, a drive and a gearbox are attached to it. For good stability, the legs of the support are welded, and to make it easy to move the concrete mixer, even when filled with mortar, wheels are installed. The frame design itself can be different, the main thing is to maintain stability during the operation of the entire device. Many craftsmen for this adapt various unnecessary metal parts collected in the corners of their summer cottage.
- The concrete mixer is based on a T-shaped design, due to which a home-made concrete mixer will stand steadily on the surface. The first post is vertically welded to it.
- A transverse beam is welded to the second rack, along the edges of which wheels are attached.
- Both racks are fastened together at the bottom with a beam (this makes the structure more stable) and at the top with a stretcher, which will later serve as the basis for attaching the tub.
- The frame is reinforced with an inclined rack, to which the capacitor box and the starter are attached. These two devices serve to turn on the rotation mechanism.
- The subframe is made of two pipes and a corner. It looks like a double frame, fastened with jumpers.
- An electric motor and gearbox are installed on the subframe.
- The hub flange, which is already attached to the tub, is put on the gearbox. To fix the mixer, a key is used and it is finally fixed with a bolt through a hole in the shaft.
- A handle is attached to the subframe, which allows you to tilt the mixer tub at different angles.
- At the end, the frame is protected from scale and covered with paint for metal. The tub can also be painted, but only on the outside, inside the barrel is not necessary.
Now the do-it-yourself concrete mixer is ready for use! You can pour the foundation, install pillars, pour forms of building blocks from wood concrete and much more.
Drive for homemade concrete mixer
In practice, it often happens that the master already has an electric drive and a gearbox of a certain power, and the concrete mixer and its parameters are selected based on this. The ratio of the volume of the mixed components and the power of the electric motor should be approximately as follows: 20 W per 1 liter of solution.
That is, if you have a 1 kW engine at your disposal, then the maximum volume of the mixture should be 50 liters. Given that the tub must be loaded by 30-40%, then its approximate volume can be from 125 to 160 liters. For a standard 200 liter barrel, a gearbox with a 1.2 kW electric motor is suitable, the load will be equal to 60 liters of solution.
The number of turns is also important. Optimum value: from 30 to 50 rpm. If you do more, then the solution may splatter. You can do less, of course, but then the mixing process will be long, and excess electricity will be consumed.
If there is no electricity
There are times when you need to start construction on a site where electricity has not yet been installed. Then we do not need the engine, but we will use manual power. The sequence of actions in the manufacture remains exactly the same, only the drive is replaced by two handles - on one side and the other. The disadvantage is that it takes more effort to mix and it will take more time. But for short and small works, this option can be considered quite acceptable.
Washing machine tub
You can make a tub out of a washing machine if you have it lying around since Soviet times. Moreover, the body of almost any washing machine is suitable for this. You just need to solder all the holes in the drum of the old washing machine. For this, a machine with both horizontal and vertical loading is suitable. There is another feature of this option. If the amount of mortar that you are going to knead in the future concrete mixer is not too large, then the washing machine engine will fit perfectly as a drive.
Using a concrete mixer
A concrete mixer is rarely used in one place. Often you have to drag it or roll it around the site, so prepare an extension cord of sufficient length in advance. Components are loaded into a tub with an inclination of 20-40 degrees in the following order: water, cement, sand, and lastly crushed stone, gravel, expanded clay are poured.
For complete mixing of the concrete solution or a mixture of wood concrete, 3 to 5 minutes are enough, then the bucket is tilted with the handle, and the solution is poured into the place prepared for this. You can immediately fill in a new portion of the components and continue working.
After labor day the device, all its connections and seams must be thoroughly rinsed. Usually this happens already in the evening, when there is not much strength left and you want to leave everything, because the next day it will again have to be dirty. Don't be lazy. Even in such a situation, it is better to rinse the concrete mixer, this will increase its service life.
Wood concrete blocks consist mainly of two components. In addition to various chemical additives, this sawdust and chips, as well as the hydraulic binder Portland cement. Such blocks are valuable because houses made of them perfectly retain heat. Therefore, wood concrete blocks are an excellent solution for building walls. warm home. As for the properties of wood concrete, it is low thermal conductivity, increased bending strength, does not support combustion, and is easy to process.
Imagine that everything worked out for you and now you are the owner of a very useful thing in construction - this is a concrete mixer. But so that its service life does not end with one foundation or a set fence, and the thing serves you for a long time and for a long time, you will have to follow the safety rules and take care of it:
- Take good care of the cables and contact connections. They must be securely isolated. Work takes place in conditions of high humidity and splashing of water, so the requirements of the rules electrical safety at the first place;
- The vibration that accompanies the work of the concrete mixer loosens the threaded connections of your makeshift bucket. Therefore, periodically check them and tighten them. And do not forget about the welds, they can also be broken;
- Before turning on the machine, make sure it is stable. All regular stands should rest firmly on the ground, and it is desirable to install wheel chocks under the wheels;
- It is impossible to check the quality of the solution during the operation of the concrete mixer, there are frequent cases of serious industrial injuries;
- Use skin and eye protection;
- Never leave a running concrete mixer unattended.
Conclusion
In conditions of total savings, when the budget for construction work is limited, and this is no wonder these days, many people save on the quality of building materials or on the services of third-party craftsmen. But there are craftsmen who also save on construction equipment. Of course, make a drill or electric planer- a dubious occupation. But the concrete mixer, despite its apparent complexity and bulkiness, is ideal for this, even for the home production of wood concrete blocks. You could see this in our article.
Let's summarize. A small number of parts, some of which can be found right on your site. A homemade concrete mixer has a simple diagram, drawings and manufacturing sequence. You will also need a few tools: a grinder, welding, work with a drill, and, possibly, a soldering iron. From consumables: bolts, nuts, washers, metal sheet and corner. The main thing is to clearly define in advance why you need it and what you want to see as a result of your work. Then your concrete mixer will not yield to any industrial production, even if it is made from the body of a washing machine.
Any owner of the site wants to equip it as much as possible - to erect the necessary buildings, create flat areas and paths, etc. Often in such cases, concrete is required, and its manual preparation takes a lot of time and effort. You can, of course, buy a ready-made unit for these purposes, but considerable funds will be required. DIY concrete mixer solves such problems(see others for private construction).
A concrete mixer is an installation designed for the preparation by uniform mixing the necessary components of the mixture and ensure the desired consistency of the solution. In practice, four mixing principles are used:
- Gravity method. It is based on the use of the weight of substances, i.e. gravitational forces. The problem is solved in a rotating container (drum). The components that are at the top fall down onto other substances, due to which they are mixed. The repetition of this procedure is provided by many revolutions of the drum. The main difference between the gravitational method is rotation of the entire container with concrete mix ingredients.
- mechanical method. This option is similar mixer. To stir the mixture, you need rotating blades, which descend into it and perform the task. Using mechanical way the working container remains stationary, and the blades inside it rotate.
- vibration method. It can be realized by shaking the components at a certain frequency. Home craftsmen rarely use this technology. due to installation complexity.
- Combined method. It combines the gravitational and mechanical approach. It can be implemented in two ways - independent rotation of the container and the blades located inside it, or rotation of the container only, but with the placement of rigidly fixed blades in it.
Types of concrete mixers and materials used
- working capacity;
- mixing blades;
- drive with transmission;
- body (bed);
- mechanism for unloading the solution.
According to the method of setting the torque, 2 types of installations are distinguished - manual and mechanized.
In the first case, the rotation is done manually, and the transmission increases the speed of rotation of the working body. Mechanization is provided by an electric or gasoline engine.
By working tank design the following main varieties are distinguished.
Milk can (flask)
From such a container, it is quite simple to make a manual concrete mixer. A pipe is passed through the center of gravity of the can, which goes out on both sides. The pipe must be securely fixed in the walls of the flask, for which it is used cold welding.
This design mounted on racks. On the one hand, the pipe is bent to form a handle, for which you can turn the container manually. The second pipe outlet is installed on the frame in the bearing. Suitable for such a simple installation. 40 l standard flask.
From the barrel
If use metal barrel up to 100 l, then manual installation produced in the same way as the previous one. When a barrel is used 200 l, fits good electric drive.
This design requires a container close tightly with a lid. A shaft is passed through the bottom and the lid of the barrel. When assembled, the container is installed on the racks of the bed so that the axis of rotation is inclined.
A large gear is mounted on the shaft from the side of the bottom of the barrel for chain drive or belt pulley. Torque provided electric motor with a power of 1-1.2 kW. The window for the ingredients is cut into the bottom closer to its edge. When loading, it is located at the top, and when unloading the solution - in the lower position.
Washing machine option
This household appliance suggests itself as the basis of a concrete mixer. Most suitable option– . It is better to replace the activator reservoir with a metal barrel.
A shaft of the same diameter is installed in place of the gearbox. On the carving of the machine, the blades and brackets are strengthened, which must be well balanced. The drain hole is plugged. This homemade concrete mixer is quite suitable to prepare a small amount of concrete.
How to do it yourself?
When choosing the design of a homemade concrete mixer, one must proceed from availability of a home workshop and the necessary equipment. You should take care of such a tool in advance: a welding machine, a grinder, an electric drill, a vice, a hacksaw, a chisel, a set of files, pliers, a screwdriver, a hammer, a sledgehammer, a set of wrenches, an adjustable wrench, metal shears, a caliper, a metal ruler.
Working capacity
Its volume is selected based on the need. For example, when building a basement, small structures, arranging paths, it is enough to find sealed tank for 40-60 l, and when building a house, you will need a container with volume not less than 100-120 l.
Large containers should be made of metal, and for miniature installations, durable plastic can be used.
For home-made devices, any cylindrical, sufficiently strong tanks of the required volume are of interest - metal or plastic barrels, a large saucepan, a tank of a washing machine or heating installations (for example, Ariston), a milk can, etc.
The manufacturing process can be considered on the example of a barrel. The role of mixing elements can be performed comb formed inside the container. The comb is made of a metal rail, to which are welded in a row nails 20 cm long in increments of 8-12 cm.
Two such details are welded along the entire height of the barrel opposite each other. Then, in the center of the bottom and covers are attached on both sides bearing flanges, after which a hole is drilled and the shaft is threaded. To strengthen the shaft entry point, it is recommended to strengthen the bottom and cover by welding cross-shaped rails. The lid is hermetically welded to the body of the barrel. The loading opening can be made bottom or side.
Body and base
The body of the concrete mixer must withstand significant loads during operation, caused by a rotating container with a full load of solution. The base of the housing must ensure its stability during operation, despite vibrations and torque.
To do this, the width of the support is selected approximately twice as much working container diameter. The drum is mounted on vertical racks, which are reinforced with oblique supports.
For the base it is recommended to use a corner measuring at least 10x10 cm. The tank is installed at a height of at least 110 cm. The lower position makes it difficult to unload the solution. All connections are best provided by welding, but in the absence of a welding machine, it can be provided threaded connection using bolts with a diameter of at least 20 mm. For small concrete mixers, the body can be made of wood - timber and board.
Engine
AT homemade devices, most often, rotation is provided by an electric motor power 1-2 kW.
It attaches securely to the frame base and is adjustable for alignment.
The transmission of torque to the shaft of the working capacity is carried out using chain or belt drive.
To do this, a gear or pulley of the appropriate diameter is pressed onto the working shaft. It is recommended to keep the drum rotation speed within 20-30 rpm. For this, it is used desired gearbox on the engine and the diameter of the driving and driven gears (pulley) is selected.
final assembly
Direct assembly of the concrete mixer is carried out in the following order:
- Enclosure mounting and strengthening the foundation. If necessary, it is weighted.
- Installation and fixing working capacity on the vertical racks. Best Option- the shaft is inclined.
- Installation electric motor and its gearbox on the frame so that the output gear (pulley) coincides with the location of the gear (pulley) on the drum shaft.
- Installation and adjustment transmission belt or chain.
- Mounting electrical network, starting and control devices.
Common mistakes in the manufacture of a stirrer
The experience of using homemade concrete mixers by home craftsmen indicates such typical mistakes allowed in the manufacture:
- Installation of old containers, in which holes quickly form when exposed to the solution. For the working body, it is necessary to select a high-quality tank that is not subjected to severe corrosion.
- Production of details "by eye". During installation, and even worse during operation, inconsistencies will definitely come to light. Everything must be done strictly according to the detailed drawings.
- The combination of cast iron and steel in the body does not give a reliable weld. As a result, they are destroyed by vibration.
- The container is selected taking into account that it can be filled with a solution of only 2/3 of the volume. Exceeding the load leads to engine failure.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of a homemade concrete mixer is in saving money during numerous works using concrete pouring. It allows you to reduce the complexity of preparing the solution, speed up construction, mechanize labor. Using such a device, you can carry out work without assistants. There is no need to think that the unused concrete will harden in a timely manner and will have to be thrown away.
Homemade concrete mixer has and significant shortcomings. In him there is no way to control the mixing process that is reflected in the quality of the concrete. When building a large object, it will not be able to fully satisfy the need for a solution. The materials used and the craftsmanship can only provide a limited operability of the plant.
Useful videos
Look at a homemade concrete mixer in action:
Manual drum agitator, see:
How to do it yourself - all the steps in detail:
Detailed story about self-manufacturing a full-fledged concrete mixer made of sheet metal and an engine from a washing machine, look: