I keep reading the instructions, and it seems you cant mix this in a wheelbarrow, why not, must go off instantly?
both the Mitre ten and bunnings products say the same
question is can i mix the ordinary stuuf with thsi fast stuff in the wheelbarrow reason is , i am pouring into sand
stevo2,
Sep 22, 3:22pm
The fastcrete or Rapidset is not meant for anything other than post holes. It cannot be mixed nor can it be successfully floated (trowelled) for a nice finish. For concrete that needs to be floated like a path or mowing strip you'll need ordinary concrete. Wet the sand first to prevent it going off to fast or pour it on a polythene base if you are concerned that the sand is going to suck out all of the moisture.
arabelle,
Sep 22, 5:05pm
I mixed my fast-crete mix up in a plastic bag [thick dog food one] and poured down the holes cos I wanted some both sides of a frame, it worked out well and all bits contained and worked well, the posts still standing in the right place
bicyclerider,
Sep 22, 6:14pm
That really good info, it was more the 15 mins working time, that made me think i could mix it up out of the hole, really need to look into this stuff as i like to have a bit of concrete under the posts
clangie,
Sep 23, 4:18pm
i usually give it a mix in the barrow, eg if im using it on a post i will mix right next to the post hole-make it reasonable wet so it mixes easily and then pour straight in the hole. the instructions usually say fill hole with a bit of water-tip in bag of mix-add a bit more water -and poke with a stick etc to mix a bit. you usually have 10-15 mins to work with
captaingraham,
Sep 23, 6:29pm
I tip the bagfull down the hole, make sure the post is vertical, then give it all a good hosing. No mess, no mixing.
sanders4,
Sep 24, 3:43am
Mixing is best as per clangie, but you need to get it out of the barrow real quick. My barrow has a few lumps still from a job needing some love and care! Water can never penetrate evenly when poured over dry mix.
tim41,
Sep 28, 5:15am
don't do this,mix in a barrow and wet the ground if its dry,youll get stronger concrete
callum.irvine,
Sep 26, 8:56am
Yeah I've done all three methods. On the same fence! I had to dig it up again a few years later. Soil was clay.
1. Mix in barrow. Best result. Very solid and nearly no crumbly bits. But yes, you do have to be fast and also hose the barrow out immediately after or bits will cure to the barrow. Plastic barrow is better then steel at releasing it. Although a brand new shiny barrow will probably be even better at giving you a few more minutes.
2. Water in hole and mix on top. OK but I used a long poking stick (golf club with no head) to aid mixing after. This result was OK, some crumbling at the edges when dug up and weaker spots here and there.
3. Mix in hole and water on top. All seemed ok but when dug up the bottom half was all crumbly.
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