Concrete slab question

[Archena]

Re: Concrete slab question

Okay, dumb question - how are you having trouble finding a trailer in LA? Don't y'all have a Trailer World or Lowes? What about an auction yard?

I confuse easily...

[fxpose]

Re: Concrete slab question

It may be too late for your job, but since you have a mixer, why didn't you get the navy jack (mixed aggregate) in bulk and the bags of portland and mix your own ?

Actually, I still have many more sections of slabs to pour when I get to the main patio area where I'll eventually pick a spot for my oven.
I have several bags of stucco, mortar, and portland cement on hand and I plan on using them to mix with aggregate.
I'm still looking for a trailer..

[Neil2]

Re: Concrete slab question

It may be too late for your job, but since you have a mixer, why didn't you get the navy jack (mixed aggregate) in bulk and the bags of portland and mix your own ?

[Archena]

Re: Concrete slab question

Ooh, finish the edges, support the sides and put a fire pit in the middle!

[ThisOldGarageNJ]

Re: Concrete slab question

wow,, getting that thing and the supporting lumber alone out of there is gonna be a job,, have you got a firepit ??

burn it dont carry it...

cheers
Mark

[fxpose]

Re: Concrete slab question

Mark.....Yeah, I've been using the wheelbarrow to feed the mixer by shoveling. I basically have most of the bags ready and stacked very close to the wheelbarrow.
Also, I think there's less strain on the mixer by shoveling rather than dumping the mix directly from the bag. Besides, concrete does not tend to clump up in the mixer by shoveling small amounts at a time. I start off with about 4 gallons of water in the mixer before I shovel any concrete mix into it.

Here's a shot of the big tub I took this morning:

[ThisOldGarageNJ]

Re: Concrete slab question

fx,,
when i did my oven I was carrying the bags into the backyard one at a time from the back of my pickup to the mixer... Then I got a genius IDEA,,, I cut them open, dumped them in a wheelbarrow and shovele them into the mixer,,(much easier) dont know why I didnt think of it earlier,, I know your in a different position with all those steps, too bad you cant build a slide of some sort as I think you still got a lot of bags to carry.... And it will be worth it when you are done as it is all about the PIZZA !!!!

Cheers
Mark

could you set up some planks and a wagon going down the stairs, harbor freight sells a 12v winch for 49.95

[fxpose]

Re: Concrete slab question

Hi Mark.......I estimate I poured over 210 90 lb bags of concrete so far. My back is holding up so far but my arms and joints bother me often, mostly from lifting & carrying the bags of concrete. I thought I was in pretty decent shape but this project is putting a heavy physical strain on me. But that's ok because I have something to look forward to when this is over......PIZZA!

[ThisOldGarageNJ]

Re: Concrete slab question

hey fx,

just looking back over your pics,,, You have poured way over a crapload of cement.... do you have any idea how many bags you've carried and used so far ?? Hows your back ??
Still,, its looking good
Cheers
Mark

[fxpose]

Re: Concrete slab question

David....thank you for that info. I hadn't done it yet but thanks for the heads up, I will check and follow proper ratios.

I guess an additional unit of cement would bring that ratio to 4:2, sand to cement. 6 units of gravel added to that will give me 6-4-2, or more commonly, 1-2-3, cement, sand, gravel mix.

[david s]

Re: Concrete slab question

fxpose,
If you add aggregate to your mortar to make concrete, you'll end up with a weak mix. The mortar is typically 4:1 sand, cement. You will have to put some more cement in with the aggregate to boost the cement content to make a good structural concrete.

[fxpose]

Re: Concrete slab question

Poured another slab on Xmas Day. I think I'm about a 1/4 of the way complete before I reach the oven foundation area.

[Archena]

Re: Concrete slab question

Thanks. Yeah, when I bought my vehicle 10 years ago it came with a short wiring harness for trailer hookup. I just need to find it.

Try under the carpet under the toolbox you've been meaning to get out for the last three years.

Hey, it's where I usually find stuff!

[Neil2]

Re: Concrete slab question

In many ways a trailer is a good buy for home projects.

For one, you can use it for storage until you need the material; you don't have to unload it right away. This is great for aggregate - just shovel directly from the trailer to your mixer.

Also they have a good re-sale value when you are done with it.

If you can get one with 14 inch wheels, it will likely have the same bolt pattern as the spare for your SUV.

[fxpose]

Re: Concrete slab question

Two words: wiring kit. If your SUV isn't already set up for towing you'll need a towing kit installed (mine was just under $200 including instillation). The nice guys at the auto parts place didn't think to tell me I'd need a wiring kit as well. I found out the day I bought the trailer.

Thanks. Yeah, when I bought my vehicle 10 years ago it came with a short wiring harness for trailer hookup. I just need to find it.