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I made a few PVC condos yesterday and set the PVC in about 6'' of Kwickcrete in a 5 gallon bucket. It's been 24 hours since I mixed it up and now I can chip it off with my fingernail. Why is it still this soft? I didn't mix it up super wet, just enough to get it mixed througly. I'm no expert on this stuff so any feedback is welcomed. I also brought it in out of the cold into a room that is around 72 degrees. Thanks.
Sounds like to me you didn't get enough water in it...Or didn't mix it up enough...You would rather have it soupy than not enough water...You really need to mix up the concrete good...Good luck...
Me and my buddy are going to make some bamboo in a 5 gallon bucket with concrete this spring..We are going to rent a concrete mixer at the local power tool rental shop....Thirty dollars for 24 rental....It will be well worth it..
Jeremy
That's what I was thinking. For now I could get one of those mixers that you chuck in a power drill. Would be better than mixing it with a stick LOL.Quote:
Originally Posted by jcd
I put a post up a week or so ago on some crappie condos. I was having the same problem and i have started mixing and pouring mine in the shop and letting set for 24-36 hrs. so far all of them have done like thay are suppose to. I mix mine to where its just a little soupy. when i put the cane in it i would have to be careful and not let it fall. Try to mix and set it all in the 72 degree area.Quote:
Originally Posted by Railroad Man68
Mix it in a wheel barrel with a hoe, 1 bag at a time.
Might just be the cold weather. Give it another day or two.
Depending on the temperature where you mixed it and the moisture levels it could take a couple of days for the concrete to cure.
Agreed, do your self a favor and pre warm the bags of cement; even adding water, with frozen or even very cold mix you can encounter chipping/ crumbling...and as others have said, better a little too wet ("soupy") than too dry...mix it VERY thourghly...the suggested hoe and wheelbarrow have always worked just fine...
Thanks fellas.
If you want it to set quicker, use hotter water when mixing. the air temp is important, but the water temp starts the chemical and evaporation process.
Same thing applies in the heat, add ice to slow it up...
That's right!Quote:
Originally Posted by Countryboy N.C.
Railroad Man you want that mix like soup! When it starts to set it will push all moisture to the top! Tilt and drain some but not all! Also drill long screws into your pvc that you put in crete to anchor them in! Let them stand awhile and dont be in a big hurry! They will set nice!
Next batch I mix up I'm gonna use warm water and make it a little more soupy. I drilled holes and put in some 4'' nails to help anchor the PVC. Thanks for the pointers everybody :)Quote:
Originally Posted by coolerfull