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Thinking of building? Then you will need a concrete mixer for mixing cement mortar. But where can I get it? Buying is expensive, especially since it can be needed only once.
The way out can be a homemade concrete mixer from the washing machine. If you have an old washing machine with a working engine, then you can make your own equipment for household needs.
Advantages of a homemade concrete mixer from a washing machine
Some believe that there is nothing better than proprietary technology. However, a homemade concrete mixer also has its advantages:
- In addition to using old parts that are useless in the garage, you will save money on buying new equipment.
- Having your own concrete mixer, especially in the private sector, is always welcome. If you need to update the track or patch up the foundation, you won’t have to look for equipment again.
- You can make a concrete mixer according to your own drawing. So it will be easier to repair it in the event of a breakdown and calculate the dimensions for transportation in transport.
- The quality of mixing in a concrete mixer cannot be compared with a manual one, especially when the volume of work is large.
Instructions: homemade concrete mixer with a washing machine engine
There are two types of concrete mixers:
- Mechanical. The container is driven by force. This is almost the same as mixing concrete in a conventional container. How much effort and time will it take you to work with a manual drive? Therefore, it is better to stop at the next option.
- Electric. The tank is driven by an electric motor.
The manufacturing technology of a concrete mixer is quite simple. But before you get started, think about whether you can connect the engine yourself? If the answer is yes, then prepare everything you need.
Accessories
- A barrel from an old washing machine with a volume of 200 liters (preferably top-loading). It is this volume that is enough to mix the optimal amount of concrete for work.
- Electric motor (power 200 W).
- Pulley, drive belt, washer switch.
Due to the fact that most of the washing machine is used, there is no additional need to spend money on spare parts.
- To make the base, you need a metal corner measuring 50×50.
- Wheels. Two wheels can be taken from an old carriage, wheelbarrow, cart.
- As an axis, you will need a strong metal rod of 4,5 cm.
- Gearbox.
- Armature.
- Metal strip.
- Ball bearings.
- The wire.
- Washers and bolts.
Tools
- Bulgarian.
- Hacksaw for metal.
- Drill.
- Soldering iron.
- Welding with electrodes.
Why is it profitable to make a concrete mixer from an old washing machine? Because the tank of the machine is quite suitable for mixing mortar, its drain hole can be closed. The motors of the old washers are quite strong and reliable.
The integrated use of all elements protects the engine from the ingress of foreign objects during operation. This will save you from having to do protection.
Step-by-step execution of work
Before starting work, you can prepare drawings to facilitate the assembly of the structure. One of the drawings is shown below:
Make a frame (base)
This is an important point, since the entire structure will be based on the frame. The base must be strong and stable.
- From the prepared 50×50 corners, cut two parts of 60 cm and four of 80 cm each. The 60 cm segment serves as the basis for the reference triangle, the 80 cm segments are its edges. Fold and weld triangles. Put them opposite each other.
- Now weld two 50 cm corners to the edges of the triangles. It turns out a stable structure.
- Two nuts must be welded to the tops of the triangles. The diameter of their hole must be larger than a pipe with a diameter of 30 mm. Then this pipe must be pulled through the holes of the nuts and the ends are pressed in. The pipe should rotate freely, but not jump off.
- Make the top. Take two corners 1,4 m long and three 40 cm each. Put those 1,4 meters in front of each other. Place the rest across at an equal distance, like a ladder. Weld the parts to each other.
- Weld the bases of the finished structure to the movable pipe. It must be placed across the pipe in the center.
Chassis
Attach the wheels to the base of the frame with reinforcement.
Now it’s the tank’s turn. Remove the activator from the tank and close the drain hole. Install a shaft or shaft of suitable size in place of the activator. From a strip of metal, make homemade blades that will mix the concrete. They can be further tightened with pliers. Weld the blades onto a metal strip and attach to the shaft.
To install a large barrel with your own hands, put it on the frame ladder. Make sure that most of it is in contact with the corner. Weld the barrel to the base for a secure installation. In this case, the bottom of the tank should turn to the tops of the triangles.
Motor connection
The motor is connected to the back of the tank. To do this, drill two holes in the corners. You will also notice holes on the motor housing, attach them to the corners and secure with bolts and nuts.
To prevent the engine from breaking down due to bad weather, make a casing from a car chamber. Provide holes on the sides so that there is no overheating.
The motor is connected to the axle through a flange. In this case, the distance between the axle and the motor should be 2-3 cm.
It remains to connect the motor to the voltage network and check the operation of the homemade concrete mixer. The convenience of this design is that the ladder leans like a swing. Therefore, the finished solution can be easily poured by tilting the tank.
Note! If instead of the central axis you connected the motor directly, through the shaft, then the tank will not be able to tilt. Concrete will have to be unloaded manually.
Knowing how to make a concrete mixer from improvised means, you can save a lot and get your own equipment. Be consistent and everything will work out.