Homemade concrete mixer or make the solution playfully. Low-budget do-it-yourself concrete mixer Do-it-yourself concrete mixer drawings

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How to make a concrete mixer with your own hands? What materials and tools are needed for this? Many people who need a homemade concrete mixer try to make one from what they have at home.

This unit is needed for carrying out concrete work at a summer cottage or during the construction of various buildings. Many people cannot afford to buy branded machines, so people make concrete mixers with their own hands. Some of these structures, which are relatively easy to manufacture, will be discussed below.

How does a homemade concrete mixer work?

In practice, 4 main methods of mixing the solution are used:

1. Gravitational.
2. Mechanical.
3. With forced vibration.
4. Combined.

In the first method, the container with the components of the cement-sand mixture rotates and mixing occurs under the influence of gravitational forces. With this method, a large volume of mortar cannot be kneaded, and the quality of concrete at the outlet is slightly more satisfactory. Therefore, this method is not widely used. But a do-it-yourself concrete mixer made using this method may well come up with a small amount of work.

With the vibration method of mixing the solution, the body of the machine does not move, and the mixer equipped with a vibrator creates a compression wave in the mixture of sand and cement. The result is high quality concrete. But this method also has a significant drawback - high energy intensity. For example, to obtain 18-22 liters of solution, an electric drive motor with a power of 1.3-1.5 kW is needed.

Mechanical kneading of the pure material is not used, but is used in a combined method together with gravity. Such a homemade concrete mixer consists of a vessel that rotates in a horizontal or inclined plane. Projections are made inside the structure, which mix the solution. Such designs attract home-builders due to the ease of manufacture. Therefore, below are described mainly units of this type.

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How to make a simple manual homemade concrete mixer?

Its operation scheme is clear from Fig. 1. Any solution, even a "dry" solution, can be mixed in this design. Anyone who has experience with simple tools can do it. It takes 2-3 hours to assemble. Here is a guide to making such a unit:

1. An old milk can or boil is taken.
2. If there is a crack or fistula in it, then they are eliminated by electric welding.
3. A piece of pipe is threaded into the handle of the vessel lid and tied tightly to the handles of the can with a rope. You can also use a rubber band.
4. To fix the vessel on the axis, it is welded to it. If it is made of aluminum, then it is necessary to make the holding elements. For them, strips of metal with a thickness of 7 mm are used. The vessel is attached to them with screws.
5. Holes must be cut in the bed in the shape of the Latin letter "U".
6. The axis is laid in them.

If a barrel is used, then a horizontal unit can be made. To do this, a hatch is made in its lateral part for pouring the mixture, and the vessel itself is strengthened directly on the axis. The unit is installed on steel pipe legs.

Such a structure will rotate slowly, but the concrete will be well mixed. The only drawback that such a home-made concrete mixer has is the mixing time of the solution, from 4 to 20 minutes. Compared to the use of a shovel, this design has 4 times the performance. Rotating the axle manually is a little tedious, so you can connect an electric motor through a gearbox or belt drive. Its power should be 2.5 kW with a vessel volume of 50 liters.

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How to make a homemade forced mix concrete mixer?

This device will consist of such nodes as:

1. Bucket - made from an old barrel, the walls of which must be rounded off with a sledgehammer. This is to prevent cement and sand from accumulating in the corners of the vessel. For small portions of the solution, a tub can be made from 2 basins. In general, you can take plastic containers. They are fastened along the rim with a steel tape, which is tightened with a screw. The bottom of one bowl must be cut out so that the solution can be loaded and unloaded.
2. Steel gear ring (buy it).
3. Car flywheel.
4. Starter gear from the car.
5. Wheel hub.

Such a drive works like this. The flywheel rotates on an axle and the bucket moves with it. The other end of the axle is secured with a bearing no. 208-210, which is inserted into a clutch located in the hub. You can also make a vertical version.

To do this, a working vessel is bolted to the wheel with bolts, and the flywheel is welded to the hub. Then the clutch with bearings is attached to the flywheel, and an additional piece is needed to secure the neck of the vessel.

This structure can be connected through a gearbox to an electric motor - the result is an electric concrete mixer. The rotation speed is selectable in the range of 25-55 rpm. As the speed increases, the solution may spray out. The engine power is selected as follows: 20-25 watts per liter of solution. To ensure these indicators, you can use a belt drive. If we assume that the bucket has a volume of 200 liters, then an electric motor with a power of 1.3 kW is needed. Such a unit gives a good quality concrete mix and allows you to greatly speed up the process of construction work.

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How to make a concrete mixer from a washing machine?

Any old car can do this. It is important that she has an activator at the bottom of the case. It must be replaced, mounted on a shaft of suitable size. There is a thread inside the washing tub. Brackets (nuts), which are made in the form of the letter "P", are fixed on it. You also need to make a structure from a steel strip with blades that are rotated 90 degrees. All these parts must be arranged symmetrically so that there are no beats during operation. The drain hole must be plugged. Such an electric home-made concrete mixer has a low productivity, but it is quite suitable for small jobs. If desired, you can also make an inclined unit. For this, a frame made of steel pipes is welded, which has an inclined platform. Channels are welded onto it, and a washing machine is bolted onto them. The construction works in the same way as the vertical version.

Can you imagine a construction site that lacks even a small concrete mixer? Without such an aggregate, the preparation of a good cement slurry becomes almost impossible. When there is a need to build a small structure or just "patch up" something, concreting becomes a demanded task. Here is just a short list of situations in which this tool cannot be dispensed with: pouring garden paths, arranging the foundation for a gazebo, installing a fence, and so on. In short, concrete is needed everywhere - the only difference is in the scale of the event. For household needs, buying an industrial apparatus is pointless - the purchase will cost you prohibitively expensive. An alternative solution would be a homemade concrete mixer with your own hands. Thanks to this article, you will learn how to make it yourself from scrap materials.

The four principles of mixing concrete

Homemade concrete mixer

In fact, you can prepare your own solution without special devices. Many people even like to work “according to the old method”. But how much do you manage to do this way? You can still create a dry mix for construction using a conventional drill or mixer. 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 mixed in a container that is motionless. For this, a mechanical drive is usually used. In this case, the working drum can be located vertically or horizontally.

Horizontal concrete mixer drawing

Despite the fact that even a small forced-action concrete mixer can be very effective, it also has its drawbacks:

• "Dead zones" appear in the container. This is especially true for space near walls.
• The complexity of the design. The rotation units must be hermetically protected from 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 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 advantages:

• Strict sealing is not required. The drum is open from above, there is no need for rotation units, since any contact with the solution is excluded.
• Parts wear out much less frequently.
• Simplicity and reliability of operation.
• There are no restrictions on the composition of the solution either - it can be crushed stone, expanded clay, gravel, and so on.

The fourth principle of mixing is called vibrational. Recently, some craftsmen have been mixing the solution using vibration. When it comes to large-scale volumes, the results can be the most overwhelming. Typically, the vibratory mixing principle is used when a precision reinforced concrete structure with good performance is required.

Under normal conditions, the gearbox and drive replaces the most powerful rock drill (permissible minimum 1.3 kW). Its vibrational action must be independent. You do not need to press down on the chuck.

Concrete mixer gearbox photo

In general, vibratory mixing creates a near-perfect concrete mix. However, for the preparation of a "heavy" solution, it is also not optimal.

Concrete mixer from a milk can (flask)

DIY concrete mixer from a milk can

It should be understood that not every summer cottage has access to electricity. Therefore, it would be quite logical to make a hand-made homemade product and a small volume. A do-it-yourself concrete mixer from a milk flask is a very simple and uncomplicated 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 welding of the frame.

• Taking the round tube, bend the handle as shown in the figure. Weld the plumbing sleeves at the top. Their inner diameter must exceed the diameter of the pipe that is used for the handle.
• Pass the tube through the flask making holes and then weld to the body.
• It is extremely important to find the center of gravity of the concrete mixer with your own hands so that it is easy to twist. To simplify the design, you can dispense with the clutch. Cut arcuate grooves in the bed and place the axle on them.

The unit, although simple, is not the most reliable. Therefore, it is better to use some other blueprints for manufacturing.

Big barrel

Concrete mixer from a large barrel of 200 liters

A more practical option is a concrete mixer from a 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 last you long.

A homemade concrete mixer from a barrel is made as follows:

• Preparing a drum 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 thick sheets of metal with a thickness of 1.5 to 2 mm, rollers, an efficient welding machine and a wooden hammer.
• We attach flanges with bearings to the cover and bottom. We cut out a hatch on the side, where the solution components 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 in the process of scrolling.
• 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). This angle is extremely important so that the contents are "pushed" outward during mixing. In principle, you can also attach the blades to the shaft.

How do professionals make a base for a concrete mixer?

Naturally, a hand-held concrete mixer with your own hands must have a stable base. This is necessary so that the structure does not start to turn over during mixing. With a small load, a frame made of a wooden beam will be quite enough (a section of 10 by 10 or 15 by 15 cm). Optimal connection options: "in a thorn" or "in a half-tree". They are necessary so that the structure does not get damaged by vibration. When the assembly is complete, all joints are glued and tightened with self-tapping screws.

Looking for a stronger, more durable unit? Then a metal corner frame will definitely suit you. Not everyone has a welding machine, but you can fix it with rivets or bolts.

If necessary, the wheels are screwed to the base. Such a concrete mixer device will allow you not only to turn it over, but also to move it.

As for the engines, a do-it-yourself concrete mixer from a barrel can be equipped with a motor from a scooter or a car. A concrete mixer from a washing machine would also be a good option. The advantage of this option is that it is designed for long-term operation and can last for several years.

How to make a concrete mixer with your own hands video

Below you can see the photo of the drawings, allowing you to do everything yourself:

Drawing of a homemade concrete mixer from a barrel

How fast should the concrete be stirred?

We will not consider in detail the process of mixing concrete - this is a topic for a separate article. We only note the fact that the torsional moment plays an important role.

That is why the reducer of a “washing machine” is better than a regular motor from a scooter or car. It can withstand almost any load and can operate at low speeds. 25 complete cycles (revolutions) per minute is sufficient.

To provide this amount, the gearbox can have a different scheme. The simplest, most typical option is when the gearbox is made of a belt and a pulley. A do-it-yourself concrete mixer with a motor differs from a moped in mobility. The gearbox is convenient and compact; no electricity is needed to operate. Even if you have a large territory, the made device moves through it without unnecessary worries and hassles.

The gearbox in this case must be chain, otherwise the structure will function poorly.

Instruction. We told you about what the manufacturing scheme should be. Follow it carefully to get the desired result. Any deviations in work can lead to the fact that even a home-made concrete mixer from an old washing machine will turn out to be of poor quality.

Frame. Don't even try to weld a metal frame with cast iron. You will significantly complicate your hard work.

Do not overload the structure with excess weight. If you intend to mix a small amount of concrete, you definitely do not need a 300 liter barrel.

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 one last tip in conclusion. If there is such an opportunity, it is advisable to involve one more (or preferably two) people in the work. Some steps need to be performed at a time, but doing it alone is not very convenient.

Homemade concrete mixer from a barrel video

Construction is very often associated with the constant use of large quantities of concrete, mixing of which requires not only large expenditures of physical strength, but so expensive time.

To facilitate, or rather to solve this problem, the construction of a home-made concrete mixer will allow, a device that allows you to simply and quickly prepare the required amount of the mixture in the right proportions and the required consistency.

The question of designing a home-made concrete mixer, in principle, rests on a very simple technical task to build:

1. a device that is simple in design, with the least number of parts and connections;
2. using at the same time improvised, the most accessible or simply low-value parts and mechanisms;
3. reliable and unpretentious in operation, including with minimal repair and maintenance costs.

With all the variety of ideas and technical solutions for the preparation of concrete, all designs of concrete mixers, in principle, are reduced to solving a simple problem - mechanical mixing dry, and after adding water and a liquid mixture until a homogeneous composition is obtained, suitable for further construction work.

In view of this, the most popular among home-made craftsmen are units based on:

• on the use of muscle strength;
• using electric motors and various gearboxes;
• small machines using ordinary household power tools as a working body.

By their type of construction, homemade concrete mixers can be divided into the following groups:

• using the gravitational principle of mixing - simply obtaining a homogeneous mass by the usual overturning of a container with cement and filler, when, under the influence of gravity, the mixture is repeatedly poured and mixed;
• a forced-mechanical method of preparing working concrete - most often this is an option when the solution is mixed in a horizontal or inclined container using an internal mixer. Here options are possible - either the mixer itself rotates inside the stationary bucket, or the entire container rotates, with the mixer blades tightly fixed inside.
• vibration method - the method of preparing concrete in this case consists in kneading the components using a vibrating mixer placed inside the bucket. Such a mixer-vibrator, creating a sufficiently high vibration frequency, produces the movement of cement and filler.

At the same time, of all the considered types of structures for self-production, the first two types are the most suitable, since the third vibrational method for preparing a mixture is the most technological and energy-intensive.

When embarking on the practical stage of project implementation, one should clearly understand what characteristics the structure should have.

In this, the primary role is played by:

1. the size of the working container - buckets;
2. the number and type of nodes containing various rotating parts;
3. the design of the unit - it must ensure reliable retention of the bucket, be stable and at the same time relatively light.

Tub

There can be a lot of options for use as a container for preparing a mixture:

1. milk concrete for 40 liters;
2. gas cylinders;
3. barrels;

The main issue when choosing a material should be its quality, thickness, the possibility of fixing parts using electric welding.

For the horizontal type of arrangement of the container, a side filling window is provided, with an inclined, or with the possibility of changing the angle of inclination, buckets with a slightly narrowed neck of an open type are used for convenient filling of the components of the solution.

Inside, to improve the quality of the prepared solution, blades or metal combs are welded to facilitate better mixing of the components. Such blades are made of metal with a thickness of at least 2 mm.

Drive unit

To activate the working container of the mixer, the simplest ones today are:

• manual drive- an elementary solution to this problem - an axis fixed on two supports, on which the bucket is fixed, on one side of the axis there is a curved end, like the one that is installed on wells;
• electric drive- an electric motor that transmits the rotation of the shaft using a belt or gear transmission to the bucket. This is the most common version of the drives for a home-made concrete mixer, however, it is poorly suited for work in unprepared areas without an electrical network;

Mixer

The mixer can be:

• metal rods with a diameter of 8 mm, welded in the form of a comb and used in mixers with a fixed bucket, where only the central shaft rotates;
• sheet metal with a thickness of 3 mm, welded in the form of blades on the walls of the mixer container at an angle of 45 degrees to the bottom;
• standard mixer, for electric drill-mixer used in vibration systems;

Simple mechanical concrete mixer

The simplest and most effective option for a budget concrete mixer.

The design of such an apparatus consists of:

• base in the form of a stable base welded from corners, pipes or profile, capable of withstanding the rotation of a barrel with 50-7 kg of concrete solution;
• a tub, as a rule, is a barrel, a milk can, a metal container for paint, or a part of a gas cylinder with a hermetically sealed neck, and a shaft in the central part, fixed on the base, on bearings or bushings;
• a manual drive handle for rotating the bucket, in large versions of devices to facilitate rotation, handles are provided on both sides of the barrel, for the simultaneous work of two people in order to facilitate the work;

The base is a square to two opposite sides of which the sidewalls are welded in the form of two triangles (a triangle is the most stable and rigid figure) at the top of which the shaft of rotation of the bailiff is fixed on the bearings.

Horizontal mortar mixer from a barrel

A simple and efficient version of the mixer.

Comprises:

• grounds;
• tubs with a hinged lid and a locking mechanism;
• a shaft of rotation on bearings or bushings with a handle for rotation;

A design feature is the location of the barrel horizontally or the installation of the shaft diagonally across the opposite sides of the bottom and neck of the barrel.

In this version of the homemade product, two or three combs resembling a rake are attached to the working rotating shaft inside the barrel. The combs are made of a metal rod, strip, or other material, so as to stir the concrete while rotating, passing it between the teeth.

The combs along the shaft are attached in such a way that there is an angle of 180, 120 or 90 degrees between them from the central axis. The base is made according to the principle of other concrete mixers. The finished solution is usually drained by tipping the bucket or by opening the drain neck.

This type of mixer is considered the pinnacle of the DIYers' engineering abilities in the field of concrete mixers. In fact, this is a copy of an industrially produced concrete mixer.

But, at the same time, it has a number of features:

1. instead of a ring gear used in industrial units for home-made counterparts, a drive is used through a gearbox or a gear transmission to a barrel, sometimes the latter to the support rollers;
2. the barrel-tub at the same time, like the industrial prototype, has a narrowing in the upper part of the body, and inside the side 2-3 mixer blades welded in a spiral to improve mixing of the solution;
3. the base is designed taking into account the retention of the weight of the container with the filled solution and the possibility of tipping it over to drain the ready-made concrete;
4. most often used as a drive:
5. an electric motor with a belt drive to the barrel rotation shaft;
6. electric motor with a gear drive on a barrel.

Among the indisputable advantages of such a machine are ease of operation and minimal labor costs during operation, but the minus is the accurate calculation of all units and parts, the presence of almost professional knowledge and skills when working with many tools, including electric welding.

Obtaining the highest quality mortar is possible when using a vibrating concrete mixer. It is also the most technologically advanced type of mixer.

A gas cylinder or other container with thick walls, but of a relatively small diameter, is used as a working container, since a rather large power is required for the vibrator to operate.

As a vibrator, a conventional perforator with a specially made working body in the form of two disc-shaped or even mesh plates turned upside down to each other can be used.

The container is fixed vertically on the base in such a way that it provides stable retention of the container itself and the vibration mover.

The power of the propeller must be at least 1.5 kW, the use of a smaller engine or hammer drill is fraught with ineffective system operation or quick breakdown.

The base of such a concrete mixer is almost identical to all other types and should provide not only the stability of the structure itself, but also the ability to overturn the container for pouring ready-made concrete.

When assembling such a unit, the following main errors and disadvantages are possible:

• constructive:
• discrepancy between the calculated and real structures in terms of the rigidity of the main parts;
• incorrectly selected container for the mixer;
• an electric motor that does not match in terms of power and number of revolutions of the design;
• inadequate gearbox;
• technological:
• insufficiently firmly connected body parts;
• unstable base;
• high position of the rotating tub;
• narrow or, on the contrary, wide necks;

In addition, you should take into account the mandatory requirement of electrical safety when installing electrical equipment.

With a drill, everything is much easier:

1. the electric drill is not intended for continuous use. The operating mode is variable-long 5 minutes of work, after which a 15 minute break is mandatory;
2. drill gears today are mostly made of plastic, and are designed for a force sufficient to drill holes of no more than 13 mm in concrete, 20 mm in wood or 12 mm in metal, but 70-90 kg of working volume are not intended for mixing;

It is even difficult to imagine any kind of construction site without technological processes using cement mortars. And for the owners of their own country house, with their constant state of "permanent" repair and improvement of the territory, concreting is generally a very demanded operation - either the garden paths need to be poured, then the foundation under the gazebo, then the blind areas should be renewed, then the fence should be put up ... In a word, literally on each step requires the manufacture of concrete - the only difference is in the scale of the event.

Many individual builders prefer not to fool around with mixing the mortar on their own - this can be avoided if there is a reinforced concrete plant or other enterprise nearby that provides services for the production of concrete and its delivery to the place of work. But, firstly, it costs a lot of money. Secondly, such an opportunity is not present everywhere. And, thirdly, it does not always make sense to resort to such services for reasons of the small scale of the construction or repair task - it will be either simply ridiculous or extremely unprofitable. Easier - make the right amount of solution yourself. This, of course, can be done manually, but it is better to purchase (rent) a concrete mixer or show yourself as a real owner: for the future, make yourself a concrete mixer with your own hands.

The article will cover several homemade models concrete mixers - from the simplest to those that already differ little from the samples presented in stores.

A brief excursion - what are the types of concrete mixers

By and large, you can cook without any tools at all. Some masters even like to work like this, "the old fashioned way", mixing cement nt with sand and with other components (if necessary), and then gradually adding the required amount of water. Used for this are large containers with low sides, factory-made or even home-made, hammered from boards and sheathed with thin metal.

Mixing by hand - how much time can you do that?

Some people prefer to do without containers at all, preparing the solution simply on a prepared flat area. However, in any case, the procedure for mixing with a shovel or a hoe, first of the dry components, and then with water, is a very laborious process that takes a lot of energy even at the preliminary stage, before the start of concreting. And if the work is planned on a fairly large-scale, then this approach will not justify itself.

Prices for concrete mixers Whirlwind

Concrete Mixer Whirlwind

Construction mixers or drill attachments - they are more suitable for dry construction mixtures or composite polymer materials. Sand with cement for them is already a rather difficult "test", and if there is still a need to add gravel, crushed stone or expanded clay of a coarse fraction, then the mixer or drill can be safely put aside: not only can you not achieve a high-quality, homogeneous batch, so also and there is a great risk of overheating the gearbox or electric drive of the device.

Concrete mixers (concrete mixers) cope with this task, which differ not only in size, capacity and drive power, but also in the principle of their action.

Forced mixing principle

Forced principle - mixing of the components of the solution is carried out in a stationary container. It is carried out due to the circular movements of the shaft with blades, connected to a mechanical drive. (Working with a construction mixer or a drill with a nozzle can also be safely attributed to the forced mixing principle).

The layout of the installation can be different. So, the working drum can be a vertically located cylinder of small height, in which the blades-blades rotate on the vertical axis (as in the figure above).

Another option is when the container itself is located horizontally, and the shaft with blades is also oriented in the horizontal plane. Below is a schematic diagram of such a concrete mixer - who knows, perhaps for someone it will serve as a prototype for self-production.

In the drawing, the numbers indicate:

1 – drum body in which the solution is kneaded.

2 - the frame on which all the units of the unit are mounted.

3 - Electric drive. In this case, with such dimensions of the mixer, the power of the order of 5 ÷ 6 kW will be optimal.

4 - control and management elements: switch-on switches, indicator lamps.

5 - Bottom hatch (shutter) - for unloading the ready-made solution into the container placed from below.

6 - lever for opening the shutter.

7 - a safety grid installed during the batch.

8 - gearbox for transmission of rotation from the electric drive to the working shaft.

9 - protective cover of the belt drive.

10 - safety clutch.

11 - a working shaft with blades installed on it for mixing the solution.

The unloading of the ready-made solution can be organized according to a different principle - the working drum is not rigidly attached to the bed, but hinged. When mixing concrete, it is not locked in the working position. And in order to extract the ready-made solution, the container removable from the stopper, and with the help of a special lever it turns in the suspension trunnions. In this case, the solution is discharged into the substituted container through the upper loading hatch.

Another scheme is somewhat simpler, with a lever for tipping the container

Compulsory concrete mixers allow achieving very high levels of homogeneity of the solution. They are actively used in industrial conditions, in construction, in private practice. However, they are not devoid of quite significant drawbacks:

• In the working container, it is often impossible to avoid the creation of "dead zones" - along the walls, especially in the corners. It is not easy to fit the blades with a minimum clearance to the inner walls of the cylinder, especially since under such conditions there is a constant increased wear of the rubbing parts.
• Structural complexity - reliable hermetic protection of units in the rotation (bearing blocks) on the working shaft from the aggressive effects of cement mortar is required.
• It is almost impossible to prepare a solution with a medium or coarse filler in such a concrete mixer. But on the other hand, for plastering and finishing works, using ready-made building mixtures, this is the most optimal option.

Gravity mixing

The gravitational principle of mixing - the components of the solution are mixed under the action of their own gravity. An illustrative example - place two different products in a glass jar, for example, two types of cereals, close the lid and start rotating - stirring will begin.

It is clear that such an approach in its "pure" form does not provide a high-quality preparation of the solution, or it will take too much time to achieve an acceptable consistency. In industrial conditions, this method is not used, but for household needs a small simple concrete mixer can be made.

The drawing shows the can - it is convenient from the point of view of tightly closing the lid. But, in principle, almost any container can be used if the owner thinks over the issue of its reliable closure while the solution is mixing.

The axis of rotation can be fixed outside the container - in this case, it is not necessary to ensure the sealing of the assembly when it passes through the wall. But nevertheless, it is better to make it through - such an artificial obstacle during gravitational mixing of the solution will somewhat increase its quality.

On the Internet, you can find many interesting solutions for the manufacture of such simple concrete mixers from available tools. Very often old iron barrels are used. Making a stand - probably not a single good home craftsman will have any special difficulties.

The most difficult thing, probably, is, again, to think over the issue of a tight-fitting hatch, which in the open state will allow loading the components of the mixture and pouring water, and when closed, with stirring, it will not allow the liquid solution to flow out. The approaches here can be different, but most often they use a door on welded hinges, the opening for which is sealed with rubber around the perimeter.

Some creative craftsmen complicate the design somewhat in order to improve the quality of concrete mixing. So, for example, to increase the amplitude of the differences in height, the barrel can be positioned not along the "correct" axis of the cylinder, but diagonally.

It is, of course, somewhat more difficult to rotate such a concrete mixer, but on the other hand, the homogeneity of the mixing of the solution will be achieved faster.

Combined principle

So, it was mentioned above that the gravitational principle of mixing in its "pure form" does not differ in productivity and high quality of mixing. Objections are probably heard - after all, it is believed, and in many sources it is argued, that most of the usual concrete mixers with a rotating drum located at an angle use the gravitational principle. One can agree with this, but only after making one very important remark.

In such mixing devices, blades are necessarily rigidly fixed on the inner surface of the working drum. Their configuration and size were thought out by the designers. When rotating, these blades move relative to the solution tending downward under its weight. Thus, in this case, it would be more appropriate to talk about the combination of two principles - both gravitational and compulsory. Indeed, this is exactly how the vast majority of cooking devices are arranged.

There are several advantages now:

• No sealing is required, neither the drum itself (it is constantly open at the top), nor the rotation unit (since no contact with the solution is assumed here).
• The wear of parts is much less.
• Such concrete mixers are simple and reliable in operation, easy to maintain.
• There are practically no restrictions on the component composition of the solution - you can use crushed stone, gravel, expanded clay, etc.

The manufacture of a concrete mixer of this type will be discussed in more detail.

By the way, let's go back for a minute again to those unpretentious concrete mixers-barrels, which were mentioned above. If you show a little ingenuity, then they are also very easy to modernize, dramatically improving both their productivity and the quality of the mixed solution. To do this, it is enough to also triple the blades or some other artificial obstacles on their inner surface.

One of the options is shown in the diagram. In this case, a comb is used, which is easy to weld from a corner and by cutting a reinforcing bar. Two such combs will immediately transfer the concrete mixer from the category of gravitational ones to the "family" of more advanced, combined ones.

Vibration mixing of solution components

Not so often, but still some enthusiasts try to apply the principle of mixing concrete mortar using vibration. In industrial conditions, such installations give excellent results, they are used for the manufacture of particularly precise reinforced concrete parts with the highest performance characteristics.

And at home, craftsmen try to use a powerful drive as a drive (the main thing is that its vibrational action is independent, does not require pressing the cartridge against the obstacle).

It turns out something like this:

1 - the body of the container in which the components of the solution are mixed. Preference is given to round, not too large in radius, but high buckets (barrels).

2 - a bracket is rigidly attached to the body, in which the vibration impulse generator is located, in our case, a perforator (item 3).

The power of the hammer drill must be at least 1.3 - 1.5 kW. Even this will not guarantee success, and with less drive effort, it is not worth trying.

A long stem (pos. 4) is inserted into the hammer chuck, which is connected to a vibrator (pos. 6). This rod should be of such length that the disc vibrator is in height approximately in the center of the layer of the prepared solution (pos. 5).

It seems that everything is simple, but such a scheme does not always show good results. Mistakes, most often, lie in neglect of seemingly small nuances:

• A flat vibrator will simply not work. A shape is needed that will propagate vibrations in a dense medium from a central point almost spherically to the periphery. There should be something spindle-shaped, like two plates connected together with the bottoms outward. In principle, this is one of the solutions - two metal plates mounted on an axis.
• The vibrator diameter depends on the drive power. When calculating, you can proceed with their approximate proportion: 150 ÷ ​​200 mm per 1 kW of perforator power. So, if we take a 1.5 kW perforator, then we prepare "plates" from 225 to 300 mm in diameter.
• The diameter of the cylinder itself should be such that from the outer edge of the vibrator, located exactly in the center, to the wall of the container there is a distance approximately equal to the radius of the plate.
• To create vibration waves capable of coping with the mixing of the cement-sand mixture, the level of the solution above and below the vibrator must be approximately equal to the diameter of the "plates".

Vibration mixing of concrete mixes gives excellent mortar quality. The process is very easily monitored visually - from active stirring, movement, bubbling - to a smooth, rippling surface (ready-made solution). But, you must admit that for this you need to observe a lot of specific "whims". And yet - "heavy" solutions with gravel or crushed stone in this way are also problematic to prepare. So this method does not find wide application among private traders - it is easier to make a concrete mixer according to the "classical" scheme.

Independent production of a "classic" concrete mixer

It is necessary to immediately warn the "hot heads" - not everyone can take up the manufacture of such a concrete mixer. Although in many articles there is a "bravura motive" that it is both easier and cheaper than buying a ready-made one, it is still not worth believing.

- Firstly, you should not start such work if the owner knows about the art of welding only by hearsay or does it in this field.

“Secondly, the work will turn out to be profitable if most of the components for the manufacture of a concrete mixer can be found among unnecessary things in your own household, from neighbors or even a landfill.

- Thirdly, the existing experience in design, production of locksmith, welding, electrical work and available inexpensive or generally free materials should be multiplied by the expressed desire to make a concrete mixer yourself. There is a fairly numerous category of people who can't wait to try to do everything with their own hands - this is a task for them. If you start work without fulfilling such conditions, just cherishing the ephemeral hope of saving something, then it is better not to start. Time and materials will be wasted, and it will be much cheaper and easier to purchase a small and inexpensive concrete mixer - fortunately, the choice is quite large.

The general scheme of concrete mixers is about the same

If we consider almost any of these concrete mixers, then three main structural units are always clearly distinguished:

• The container (bucket) itself, in which the solution is mixed, with all additional mixing devices located in it.
• Frame (bed, frame), which serves to accommodate a mixing bucket, electric or manual drive, controls and, if necessary, means of movement. The frame should provide a movable hinge fastening of the container, the degree of its freedom both around its own axis and relative to the horizon with different angles of inclination. The structure itself can be stationary, or it can be wheeled to move around the construction site.
• Drive - a mechanism that ensures the rotation of the mixer container around its axis. In most cases, an electric drive is used. For small concrete mixers, a manual drive may be sufficient. It is possible (infrequently) to come across options for installing internal combustion engines (gasoline or diesel) - then the concrete mixer will not be dependent on the power source. Any drive transmits the torque with the required number of revolutions for the kneading technology through the gearbox (there are no restrictions - the craftsmen use any types of gears - gear, belt, worm gear, etc.).

Now let's look at the manufacture of all these nodes separately.

Mixing bucket

When manufacturing a mixing container, it is assumed that during operation it usually fills up to a maximum of 30 - 40% of its total volume. Usually these buckets are made with a volume of 100 to 200 liters. If these limits are exceeded, it will be difficult to independently create a reliable stable frame and provide a homemade concrete mixer with such a powerful drive. With small tank volumes, both assembly and operation of a concrete mixer often become simply unprofitable.

Prices for concrete mixers Enkor

concrete mixer Enkor

The easiest way, of course, is to find a ready-made container that is suitable in terms of volume and dimensions as the main mixer. Immediately begs for behold the same metal barrel.

The simplest approach is again a metal barrel.

This option is quite possible, however, for a good concrete mixer, the cylindrical shape of the bucket is not optimal. A lot of unmixed solution can remain in the corners around the bottom, and from above it is possible that the solution will splash outward while stirring.

Making a smooth transition from d to the walls is a very difficult task, but probably any master can give the barrel a pear-shaped shape. Triangular cuts are made from above, and then the remaining "petals" are welded so that a uniform narrowing is obtained.

Improved barrel - narrowed at the top

An interesting solution was found by a craftsman who decided to adapt a plastic barrel. Why not? Smooth curves of the shape - what is required for the capacity of a concrete mixer. It is quite possible to attach the blades to its inner surface, and from the bottom from the outside - an axis with a rotation transmission mechanism, it is quite possible not by welding, but by screw connections. But what a huge gain in the mass of the device itself!

An original approach - a plastic barrel

As a result, the designer of this model even managed not with a steel frame, but with a mobile wooden base - a trolley on wheels.

The height of a standard barrel for using it as a container for a concrete mixer is still too large, complicating the centering of the entire unit. Please note that in such cases, support rollers are usually used for stabilization - a high bucket, as it were, rolls along them, resting on its upper part.

If there is no suitable container, but sheet metal with a thickness of 2 ÷ 3 mm is available, then you can try your hand at making a container yourself, giving it all the necessary shapes.

In order not to be unfounded, for those owners who consider themselves a master in welding, we can offer an interesting drawing for the manufacture of a "classic" concrete mixer with a drop-shaped bucket.

The general dimensions of the tank, without the connection unit with the gearbox, are 400 ÷ 500 mm. It would seem - a little, compact, but even only in the cylindrical part about 30 liters of solution is placed - a perfectly acceptable indicator for a household concrete mixer.

1 - car wheel hub. You can make this part yourself, but it's still easier to use the finished one.

2 - the bottom of the tub. Cut from sheet steel, preferably 5 mm thick. The figure below shows this position separately in an enlarged view. Holes (8 PCS, diameter 6.5 mm) must match exactly with the holes in the hub (pos. 1 ).

3 - the cylindrical part of the tub (shell) is welded from a steel strip bent into a ring, 2 mm thick, dimensions 150 × 1580 mm. All welds during the assembly of the bucket are made continuous, airtight. It is advisable to strengthen the shell from above with a metal band ( ribbon).

4 - the conical part of the tub is welded from four identical parts. Their sizes, including the radii of curvature at the top and bottom, are shown in the figure.

5 - along the upper edge, the edge of the tub is flared outward, and on circle, a steel rod with a diameter of 10 mm is welded (well shown in the diagram - a node A ).

6 - inside the bucket "blades" are welded - solution dividers. In this case, the structure shown in the diagram, made of a reinforcing bar with a diameter of 16 mm, will be quite enough. 3 pairs of such dividers are made and welded evenly around the circumference, every 120 °. By the way, they should give the bucket additional strength. Each pair has one straight divider running from the bottom in the neck, and one bent at a right angle.

Lower node ( B), which includes the already mentioned hub and bottom, is better shown in a separate, enlarged drawing.

7 - bolts connecting the hub to the bottom. The nuts are located outside. Between the parts there is a rubber gasket of at least 2 ÷ 3 mm (pos. 11).

8 - screw with washer that secures the hub to the gearbox output shaft (pos. 9 ). The hub is protected from turning on the shaft by a key (pos. 10 ).

Lower connection block ( B) is being prepared, tried on, but mounted only after the frame is assembled and the drive and gearbox are installed on it. In principle, this will be one of the final operations - on the assembly already mounted to the gearbox B the concrete mixing tank will "sit" on the screws.

All welds must be descaled and inspected carefully to ensure complete impermeability tubs.

Video: homemade concrete mixer with a bucket welded from sheet steel

Concrete mixer frame

In the manufacture of frames or trolleys for concrete mixers, the ingenuity of craftsmen is also quite welcome, who can adapt metal parts and wheels that are unnecessary in the household for this structure.

The frames can be wheeled - that is, it will be easy to transport them to the desired place. You can also make a stationary, fixed frame - it is easier to manufacture, and in a suburban area, usually no larger movements of the concrete mixer are planned.

Frames can also differ in the degree of freedom provided by the mixing bucket. So, the container can be hinged, with a change, as necessary, the angle of inclination of its axis to the horizon - for solutions of varying degrees of "severity", for dumping ready-made concrete, for washing the container, etc.

A simpler option is when the bucket on the frame always occupies one position, and the entire concrete mixer tilts forward to unload the solution - like a wheelbarrow (as shown in one of the figures above) or children's rockers on arched runners.

Video: homemade concrete mixer with swing frame

However, let us continue our consideration of the drawing of the concrete mixer, the manufacture of the mixing bucket of which was described above. It is quite possible to follow this path. The drawing, for ease of perception and for greater clarity in the size and arrangement of parts, is presented in two projections.

Concrete Mixer - Frontal Projection

Assembling such a frame from regular and shaped pipes and sheet metal scraps will not be at all extremely difficult for an experienced locksmith - welder. Meanwhile, this design is well tested - it is not heavy, but it provides reliable stability of the concrete mixer in the transport and working position, provides maximum ease of use.

She is a side view

1 - this is the same bucket that was described in the last section of the article.

2 - a lever handle for setting the bucket in the desired position and for tipping it over when unloading. You can use ½ ”(½ʺ) steel pipe for the lever.

3 - gusset plate, cut out of steel 3 mm (s 3), ensures reliable fastening of the lever to the swivel subframe (pos. 18 ).

4 - metal wheels Ø 350 mm. Usually they are taken from decommissioned agricultural machinery.

5 - thrust legs with thrust bearings for stable installation of the concrete mixer in working position. They are made of ½ʺ pipe (the racks themselves) and s3 steel (thrust bearings).

6 - the crossbeam of the concrete mixer frame. A profile pipe with a cross section of 60 × 20 mm is used.

8 - an inclined beam (pipe 60 × 20 mm), and for its rigidity - a brace (pos. 7 ) connected to the crossbeam. For brace - pipe ½ʺ.

9 - the panel to which the control elements of the electric drive will be attached. The panel is cut from steel s3.

11 - wheel axle. Manufactured from a metal circle Ø16 mm - according to the size of the bore available wheels.

12 - the longitudinal beam of the concrete mixer bed. Profile tube 60 × 20 mm.

13 - vertical stand. Profile tube 60 × 20 mm.

14 - the lug for the articulated swivel subframe. Two parts are made, made of s5 steel.

15 - transfer gearbox. In this version - a ready-made assembly, worm-type, with a gear ratio i = 17.

16 - safety clutch on the drive shaft.

17 -. Specifically, in this concrete mixer model, the developer used a three-phase drive (380 V), with a rated power of 1 kW, a rotation speed of 950 rpm.

18 - an oscillating subframe, on which both the electric drive with a gearbox and the mixing bucket are mounted. It is made of the following parts: two side members from a pipe ¾ʺ, four cross members - from a corner 35 × 35 mm.

19 , 20 and 21 - electric drive control elements: start button, capacitor box and power cord with a three-phase socket, respectively.

Now - a slightly larger knot A, which ensures the installation and fixation of the mixing bucket in the desired position.

On a stretcher (pos. 18 ) welded eyelet (pos. 22 ), and on a clone stand (pos. 8 ) - sector (pos. 10 ). Both the eyelet and the sector can be made of s3 steel. The selected position is fixed with a pin (pos. 23 ), and so that it does not get lost, it is recommended to hang it on a chain.

The number of fixed positions per sector can be different. However, usually enough T pex:

- at an angle of 50 ° to the horizon - for mixing heavy concrete mortars;

- at an angle of 30 ° - for the preparation of light mortars (for example, masonry);

- horizontally - for washing the bucket.

After assembling the frame, all welded seams are beaten off from the slag, the parts must be cleaned of corrosion centers. Then it is recommended to cover the structure with high-quality metal paint. Rubbing components of the frame (suspension of the subframe in the lugs of the frame, wheel axles) are abundantly coated with conventional hinged grease.

In the variant under consideration, the drive and the gear unit are attached to the subframe (so that exact alignment is observed). After checking the performance (test run), you can finally assemble the concrete mixer by setting it in place and fixing the mixing bucket with bolts.

A few words about the drive

In the example under consideration, the electric motor and gearbox already recommended by the developer of the model were used. However, in the practice of independent production of concrete mixers, it is very widespread there is a situation when the master "on the fly" selects a drive from what is available and comes up with a way to transmit torque to the mixing tank.

It is customary to calculate the required power of the electric drive, based on the ratio of 20 W per liter of solution for a scheme with an inclined bucket. (In a horizontal arrangement, for example, in models with a barrel on a horizontal axis, 15 W / L will be sufficient). Do not forget about this ratio so as not to overload the drive. For example, if the engine in our case has a power of 1 kW, then you should not mix more than 50 liters of solution, regardless of the size of the bucket itself.

Thus, often the bucket itself begins to be made, starting from the parameters of the drive, which is planned to be put on the concrete mixer.

The rotational speed of the mixer bucket must also be within the certain framework. So, it is considered optimal from 30 to 50 rpm. Making the speed slower - deliberately delay the process of making the solution. And if the speed is too high, the solution will spray out.

Finding a ready-made gearbox that would meet the requirements for both dimensions and gear ratio is not always possible. Therefore, many craftsmen find their own, sometimes very original ways of transferring torque with the required angular velocity. In the version that was considered, the mixer is mounted directly on the driven shaft of the gearbox. However, often the bucket is mounted on a free axle, and the torque laneeats on it with a gear, belt, chain drive. For example, here are some original solutions:

Instead of pulleys - bicycle wheels

Homemade reducer - drive from an old washing machine transmits rotation by belt drives through the pulleys of their gears and old bicycle wheels.

The simplest frame with a homemade gearbox

Fixed frame for concrete mixer with homemade gearbox.

Homemade gearbox, which combines a belt and two chain drives. Again, there were some bicycle parts.

A small-sized concrete mixer, the rotation on the bucket of which is transmitted directly through a belt drive. The pulley is structurally located on the mixing tank itself.

Car parts that are unnecessary in the garage are often used. A popular solution is to use a ring gear flywheel. By the way, it is very easy to find a drive gear for it - from the car starter bendix, since they are "made for each other."

The flywheel can be fully assembled and welded to the bottom of the bucket.

Another option is when only the girth gear is used. Probably, there is no need to say that in this case, a very careful centering will be extremely important.

In a word, a thrifty owner can very often find parts for his own original solution to the issue of making the required gearbox. Perhaps the options shown will be a good hint for someone.

Video: another option for the design of a concrete mixer

Prices for concrete mixers Stroymash

concrete mixer Stroymash

If everything worked out, then the owner can be congratulated on the successful acquisition of a good "helper". But in order for the concrete mixer to last longer and not cause any emergencies, you need to adhere to certain rules:

• Like any equipment related to the consumption of electricity, a concrete mixer requires compliance with electrical safety rules. And in this case, this issue is even more acute, since the operation is always carried out in conditions of high humidity and a high probability of splashing water. That is, all cables and contact connections must have the most reliable insulation, completely excluding electric shock or short circuit.
• The operation of a concrete mixer is always associated with high levels of vibration. This leads to a weakening of the threaded connections, which means that they need to be checked and tightened regularly. At the same time, one should not forget to control the safety of other units and parts, welds, etc.
• Before starting work, you need to make sure that the concrete mixer is installed securely. It should rest tightly on all its standard stands. If the structure is mobile, then wheel chocks (wedges) are placed under the wheels.
• Never, under any circumstances not Do not leave the running concrete mixer unattended. Curious, let alone children, should not be allowed to see her.
• When working, it is better to use protective equipment for the skin and eyes, since cement is quite aggressive on tissues and mucous membranes.
• Checking the quality of the resulting solution with a shovel or a stick while the concrete mixer is in operation is the height of imprudence! Very often, such actions result in serious injury to the hands or face.

And at the end of the article - proof that there are no limits to creativity when creating home-made technology.

Video: homemade concrete mixer based on the old T-16 tractor

A concrete mixing machine, or a concrete mixer, or a concrete floor is a construction device designed for self-preparation of high-quality construction mixture. Such a machine can be stationary and mobile, differing in purpose and principle of operation. To date, 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 how they work

A concrete mixer is a technical device widely used in the conditions of modern construction for the preparation of concrete or other cement-based mortar, and is presented in very different types or forms. Regardless of the typical characteristics and design features, the main function of a concrete mixer or mixer is to obtain maximum efficiency in the process of mixing all components.

Continuous concrete mixers

Continuous concrete mixers have a forced mixing process of all components. From a structural point of view, these units are the same, but the main differences are in the size, capacity and shape of the mixing blades.

The principle of operation of a continuous concrete mixer is the forced mixing of the components of the solution

Continuous concrete mixing machines carry out a full 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 - continuous flow of mixture components is fed into the trough;
• 7 - blades fixed on shafts inside the trough at an angle of 40–45 °;
• 6 - shafts inside the trough;
• 5 - unloading gate;
• 4 - toothed pair;
• 3 - reducer;
• 2 - belt transmission.

The principle of operation of the mixer is based on loading a continuous stream of components with belt feeders or conveyors. The 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 unloading hole and can be loaded directly into a special vehicle.

Technical performance indicators of continuous mixers depend on the volume of the solution, which moves in a certain time in the direction of the axis, as well as on the size and angle of the blade part with the frequency of their rotation. The advantages of this version of the concrete mixer are represented by the ability to prepare mortars and hard concrete in significant quantities, as well as the complete static nature of the body. The disadvantages include the need for constant supply of components, and the inability to obtain a small volume of solution.

Cyclic action

Cyclic units differ in loading new components of the mixture only after the complete unloading of the ready-made solution. This type of mixing equipment is more mobile, and the level of productivity 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 movable, molding and rigid type with the presence of special additives. Units of this type can have a cylindrical or trough-shaped body with a shaft of vertical or horizontal orientation.

Mixing of the solution takes place using paddle shafts

• 1 - bearing;
• 2 - electric motor;
• 3 - frame structure;
• 4 - transmission of V-belt type;
• 5 - reducer;
• 6 - clutch;
• 7 - unit body;
• 8 - blade part;
• 9 - holder;
• 10 - opening for loading;
• 11 - shaft;
• 12 - pneumatic cylinder;
• 13 - shutter;
• 14 - unit discharge opening.

The principle of operation is ensured by the rotation of the blades on the shafts in a mutual direction, which causes the inclusion of an electric motor and a V-belt transmission. Due to the extremely uniform arrangement of the blades on the shafts, such elements ideally fit into the free gaps. The components to be mixed are delivered to the inside of the working mixer through a lock-type hole, after which mixing occurs using paddle shafts and the finished mixture is discharged through a discharge hole controlled by a pneumatic cylinder.

The advantages of the most modern models lie in the high quality of mixing in a relatively short time period and in the possibility of using components with different densities, as a result of which a high-quality ready-made composition is obtained. 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 the construction machine, characterized by the mixing of concrete mixtures by means of gravity. Gravity mixers are a drum that rotates around an axis of a horizontal or inclined type. A prerequisite for 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 productivity.

Gravity mixers for construction are usually designed to prepare mixes that do not exceed one cubic meter. The modern mobile unit is very easy to transport. The most popular and widespread gravity models are concrete mixing plants in the form of traditional concrete mixer trucks.

The rotation frequency 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 - flanged electric motor;
• 5 - mixing drum with blades;
• 6 - the steering wheel of the unit;
• 7 - output shaft of a three-stage gearbox of cylindrical-conical type;
• 8 - ends of the rope, which covers the bucket;
• 9 and 10 - limit switches for turning off the electric motor;
• 11 - traverse;
• 12 - flanged electric motor;
• 13 - one-stage gearbox;
• 14 - fixing device.

Principle of operation: vane elements inside the drum in the process of their uniform rotation are picking up, lifting and dropping down the prepared solution. The standard rotational speed in gravity concrete mixing equipment 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. The serious disadvantages of such models include low versatility and the risk of not obtaining homogeneous hard mixtures.

Forced

Concrete mixing units of forced action are used in the production of not only mobile, but also rigid concrete of the molding type, and also allow the production of lightweight concrete with a significant amount of all kinds of additives. Forced mixers can be equipped with a horizontal or vertical shaft that fits in a trough-shaped or cylindrical body.

In such a concrete mixer, you can prepare solutions with different density indicators

In forced mixers, high-quality mixing of all components is ensured, and due to the versatility of the design, it is much easier to manufacture concretes, as well as solutions with different densities and levels of mobility.

All components are loaded into the drum of the concrete mixer, 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 reducer for shafts;
• 9 - belt drive protection;
• 10 - safety clutch;
• 11 - mixing shaft.

The principle of operation is based on loading all components into 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 useful 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, kneading can be carried out in a trough using a conventional shovel, but this approach is very labor-intensive, which does not allow obtaining a sufficient amount of a homogeneous and high-quality mixture, and the consumption of components in this case increases significantly.

Self-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 the necessary material and a set of tools, and also 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 mixture being prepared.

The design of such a concrete mixer is quite simple.

• 1 - metal barrel;
• 2 - base from a metal corner;
• 3 - shaft from the 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. The barrel mixer is capable of mixing about three buckets of concrete solution very well in twenty turns.

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;
• "Grinder" or hacksaw for working with metal;
• spanners;
• level, tape measure and marker.

1. Drill holes at the ends of the barrel for installing the shaft.
2. Install the bearings under the rotary handle on the outer part of the covers.
3. Cut a hole for easy extraction of the ready-made mortar.
4. Seal the door with rubber.
5. Fix the door with the hinges on the hinged latches.
6. Weld a supporting frame structure from metal corners.
7. Fit the shaft with sheet steel blades.
8. Install the shaft and rotary knobs.
9. Place the drum on a supporting metal structure.

If desired, the design can be supplemented by an electric motor, a gearbox for reducing torque, a V-belt and a moisture-proof switch, as well as a wiring system. In operation, such a model of a concrete mixer is less stable, therefore, it requires mandatory provision of 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 required, 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 stable geometric figure is a triangle, which can withstand significant loads and retains its position well. The advantages of a concrete mixer, independently assembled on the basis of a washing machine, are presented by an individual selection of height, but the best option is a design with the lowest point of the container at a level of 50–80 cm. The volume of ready-made cement mortar directly depends on the size of the washing machine tank.

To ensure stability, you need to make a solid base for the concrete mixer

Materials and tools:

• welding machine;
• electric drill;
• standard set of screwdrivers;
• hacksaw for working with metal;
• container from the washing machine;
• metal corners or pipe for the manufacture of a frame frame;
• steel sheet for making blades.

If you want to make your own auger concrete mixer, you need to make a special shaft.

Step-by-step manufacturing process:

1. Seal the drain hole in the working washing machine of the activator type.
2. Make a swivel mechanism from metal corners or pipes.
3. Place the washing machine on the swivel tilt mechanism.
4. Install the frame on “legs” half a meter high to ensure maximum stability of the structure.

It is important not to rigidly fasten the tank around the perimeter of the frame, and installation on a canopy should allow tipping with an emphasis on the frame base. Such a structure is fixed on the basis of an activator-type washing machine with only four metal corners. The performance of the finished construction mixer is ensured by connecting the unit to a 220 V network.

From a flask

Traditional flasks of milk or paint can be an excellent base used in the manufacture of a compact concrete mixer. Technological capabilities make it possible to make a frame based on metal corners or pipes, as well as ordinary wooden blocks. 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 positioned in an inclined position, using for this purpose four conventional rotating supports or a frame structure with an angle of 20-30 ° with respect 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 concrete mixer based on a flask

The flask makes a good mixing tank. Engine components Manual version The principle of operation of a concrete mixer Composite mechanism for a homemade concrete mixer

A homemade hand-held 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 frame frames.

Step-by-step manufacturing process:

• Drill holes for handle installation.
• Pass the axle, equipped with a handle, through the holes drilled in the flask.
• Make the supporting metal structure of the frame.
• Place the machine on the frame.

Easy operation of a construction mixer is ensured by the mandatory balance of such a unit, so the axle is passed only through the center of gravity. The bushings for the axle can be ordinary plumbing couplings, and the stops are made by welding to the axial part of the nuts lubricated with lithol or grease. This option is very simple in operation, but a large amount of solution is not mixed well and quickly enough.

Concrete mixer options for self-production (with drawings)

There are several easily feasible independently options for construction mixers that have proven their high efficiency in the preparation of concrete solutions of various volumes.

Mechanical option

The main advantage is a sufficiently 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 inclination of the structure to one side.

The main disadvantage of such a cylindrical bucket is the insufficiently high-quality mixing of the solution in the corner zones and the risk of splashing the mixture if the structure is too fast. The model is capable of mixing 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 cylindrical tank design with high uniformity and excellent mixing speed. The device also has a high speed and quality of the solution preparation procedure. To mix one batch of solution, it is enough to perform only four turns of the handle.

Combination type concrete mixers have good mixing speed

The disadvantage is the structural complexity and a large number of components, and increased attention is required to install an unloading hatch with high quality and very reliable seals, latches and hinges.

Combs are made from conventional metal corners

For the manufacture of the comb, metal corners should be used, which are securely fixed to the base.

For reliability and stability, it is recommended to make a base under the concrete mixer

To weld the side posts, struts, channels cut into separate elements, as well as strong metal corners are used.

Electric option

The most common and demanded construction mixer design, most often done by hand. To date, a huge number of variations of such a unit are known, which may have some differences in terms of design and technical characteristics.

Such a construction mixer is a way to ensure a considerable yield of the finished solution.

The best option is considered to be the use of a cylindrical tank, in which the bottom part and the neck must be reinforced with cross-welded strips. Such a frame electric concrete mixing structure, reliably welded on the axle, is characterized by high productivity and a sufficient output of the ready-made mortar.

The assembly of the container rotating with the axial element can cause some difficulty, due to the need to make a high-strength frame structure. Nevertheless, it is precisely due to this technical feature that the electric concrete mixer can be operated for as long as possible.

Vibrating option

In the presence of a perforator with a power rating of 1.0-1.3 kW and a forced impact mechanism, it is quite possible to make a home-made vibration concrete mixer.

In this design, it must be taken into account that the distance to the bottom must correspond to the radius of the unit

When making such a structure, 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 should match the radius of the unit. It is strictly forbidden to use any flat containers made of sheet metal. In such a reservoir, there is no excitation of waves necessary for mixing the solution. The best option is to use a pair of metal plates folded together, and the diameter of the vibrator should be a quarter meter for every 1.3 kW of power.

Modern barrel version

An interesting design from the point of view of technical characteristics, which can easily be performed in accordance with the step-by-step illustrations below. It is necessary to prepare a two-hundred-liter barrel, an electric motor of 250 W and 1430 rpm, as well as a wheel from a regular motorcycle, two belts and a couple of rings welded together. The pulley is welded securely to the bottom of the tank. The frame structure is made on the basis of a channel and a strong metal tube.

Photo gallery: making a concrete mixer from a regular barrel

An ordinary barrel is suitable for making a concrete mixer. Part of the drive mechanism Fastening metal sheets to the frame Preparation of the base for a concrete mixer Installing a concrete mixer on a base The concrete mixer is ready to work The construction unit can be equipped with an engine Engine drive belt Tank with paddles 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 construction of a self-made construction mixer is represented by a stationary or mobile bed, mixing working elements, a tank for the direct mixing process and an unloading mechanism. Also important parts of the design are the transmission and the gasoline or electric propulsion unit.

It is not difficult to carry out an effective concrete mixing unit on your own, but it should be remembered that the distance from the gears to the pulleys should be correctly adjusted as much as possible even before the installation work. The impossibility of connecting a grounding contract to a concrete mixer is leveled by the electrification of the device by means of a standard RCD, and all moving internal parts must be equipped with protective covers. The initial start-up of the concrete mixing machine is carried out in idle mode, but the preparation of the first concrete solution should not amount to the full load of the device.