Portable cement mixers are the perfect solution for small projects around the home that require the use of cement. These small devices can be used for a wide range of projects, including repairing driveways, pouring cement patios and even making cement fixtures for the lawn and garden.

Choosing Your Cement Mixer

There are several things to consider when buying portable cement mixers. The size and the weight of the machine will be important to think about. You will typically want a machine light enough to move without assistance, and a machine that fits into the storage space that you have available. There are very small mixers that can easily fit into the trunk of a car, allowing for easy transport and storage at home. Depending on the type of project you work on the overall capacity of the mixer may also be important.

Choosing an Appropriate Capacity for Your Mixer

The average portable mixer can hold two eighty pound bags of ready to mix concrete, but larger and smaller sizes are also widely available. Look for a machine made with quality metals, such as stainless steel, if you plan on using the machine regularly over time. Higher quality mixers are going to last longer and provide better service than those machines made with lower quality materials. The engine is also important to look at. More powerful mixers can ensure the concrete is mixed properly and can also often mix larger amounts of concrete in less time.

Using a Mixer

Portable cement mixers can be purchased fairly inexpensively and used over several years time, or longer, allowing you to have access to the mixer anytime. You can also rent small cement mixers for one time projects, as well. You will need to have a user’s manual that tells you the amounts of dry concrete mix and water to add to the machine to ensure the concrete sets up properly.

Concrete can be sensitive to moisture and humidity in the air. Do it yourself projects using a portable concrete mixer should be completed on drier days when there is little chance of rain. If possible, you will also want to work when there is lower humidity in the air to promote the drying of the concrete that you pour.

Other Tools to Have on Hand

When using portable cement mixers you really need to have some specific tools on hand to move and smooth the concrete. Boards, preferably new, will form the area where you are pouring concrete. The first step of the process is to dig the area where you will be pouring the concrete. The ground should be completely level and free of any debris to create a uniform thickness in the slab and to avoid using more concrete than necessary.

After you have prepped the ground where you will be laying the concrete you will want to make sure that you have all the tools needed for the job. Along with portable cement mixers you need to have a trowel, stakes, boards for setting the form, a rake, a shovel and a device to smooth the concrete. If you are looking for a rough finish on the concrete you can sweep it lightly with a broom to form tiny ridges along the surface. A bull float can be used to finish the concrete to a glossy, smooth surface. Other options for finishing include using a wood float. For the corners and edges of the slab you will need an edger.

Mixing Your Concrete with a Portable Mixer

Portable cement mixers often require that you add the cement and water in small portions until you have reached the desired consistency for the mixture. The weather may have an impact on the amount of water that you need for a specific amount of cement, so be sure to monitor the mixture rather than just adding the suggested amount of water. Too much water weakens the concrete and makes it difficult for the mixture to dry.

When adding water to the portable concrete mixers you will need to add the water in batches to reach the right consistency. A mixture that is wet and slightly thicker is generally preferred for home concrete projects. You can add the amount of water suggested on the bag to the concrete mixer, saving about a gallon to mix in once the initial amounts of water and concrete have combined thoroughly.

Tips and Tricks

When using portable cement mixers it is a good idea to take your time and become accustomed to the machine. You will usually be able to choose from either a gas powered or electricity powered cement mixer. At home, an electric mixer can be simple to use when there is an outlet nearby while a gas powered mixer is more flexible in location. You will also want to know how to care for the machine.

After mixing each batch of concrete, rinsing the inside of the machine is ideal. The extra rinse will remove all of the loose bits of concrete that have stuck to the inside of the machine, which when dry is very difficult to remove. Prompt cleaning of your portable cement mixers is recommended to ensure the machine lasts for an extended period of time without extra buildup on the inside of the machine.

When using portable cement mixers it is also best if you know exactly how much cement you will need for your project. You can use an online calculator for the square foot and depth of the slab that you are laying. Knowing exactly how much concrete you need beforehand can keep you from making an extra trip for more cement mix and can also assist you in staying within your schedule for finishing the project.