Any ideas to save hand mixing sand/cement?

[Fab5Freddy]

I'm laying a course 3 bricks high x approx 10f long. Not retaining much at all, just for decoration and hold in a bit of earth/raised garden of maybe 12" width.

I don't have a cement mixer and just mixing the 'footings' will probably require 3 of the big garden waste tubs of concrete , which I know my wrists are going to be struggling with before I even start on the bricks.

So, my question is - is there any 'quick and easy' compound I can do for the footings, like a post-crete type thing ? ie just add water. But obviously, I'd need to work it to level it. Or any way of taking the pain out of the mixing? (I know the 'rolling it around in a tarp' method, but the only flat area I have is a tiled patio that I dont want to risk a tarp leaking on to.)

Thanks

 

[SFK]

I use an old shovel and a small or large mixing tray.

concrete mix tray - Google Search

And then get tired and wish I had hired a mixer.

 

[Pat ex]

Hire a mixer.

 

[Diver Fred]

Use a wheel barrow! Stir with a shovel.

 

[Mr Chibs]

Tray or mixer, personally I hate barrow mixing... don't forget the plasticiser

 

[Tigercubrider]

I know that you mentioned the tarp, but there used to be a plastic barrel that you could roll?
depends on space.
a rented mixer sounds a better idea though once you allow for the one off.

 

[Fab5Freddy]

@Pat ex ex I just looked and hire prices are not too bad, so I could possibly make a bit of that back by buying sand/cement rather than pre-mix.
Thanks

 

[lostinthelight]

I know that you mentioned the tarp, but there used to be a plastic barrel that you could roll?
depends on space.
a rented mixer sounds a better idea though once you allow for the one off.

I've got one and it's a killer in the back if rolling it in the ground, used for small mixes to save cleaning the Belle but soon abandoned the thing.
Anyone is welcome to it if they fancy a trip to the chiropractor

 

[Old Salt]

Buy a second hand mixer, use it, then sell it on and get your money back.

 

[cdbe]

Use a paddle mixer in a 40l Flexi bucket. Mix small amounts - it's a lot easier to use when fresh. Have a second bucket filled with water to clean the paddle - stick it in and give it a whizz.

 

[JohnD]

Buy a second hand mixer, use it, then sell it on and get your money back.

Exactly

Even a small new one is quite cheap.

 

[Fab5Freddy]

Cheers all. Kicking myself a bit as I saw a neighbour selling one last year for £50, but didnt think I'd need one anytime soon and have nowhere to store one either.

 

[Old Salt]

Store it under a builders bag until you’ve finished with it