Mixing plaster is the first essential step to plastering. If you don’t mix plaster in the right proportions, the resulting mixture may not have the required consistency and strength. These days, plaster material comes pre-mixed for convenience. You only need to add the right amount of water, and the plaster is ready for application.
You can mix plaster manually or by using a mixing drill. Plastering mixing drills are handheld devices powered by electricity. It is a convenient tool for faster mixing. Mixing drills can mix other plastering ingredients such as jointing compound and fibrous materials.
A heavy-duty plastering mixing drill is also ideal for mixing cement in massive quantities. Aside from rapidly mixing plaster material, mixing drills are also durable and can be attached to power drills for increased effectiveness.
How to choose a mixing drill
Selecting the right mixing drill depends on the type of material you will use it to mix. Here are essential factors to consider before buying a mixing drill:
- The thickness of the plaster material determines its resistance. Therefore, you have to identify the type of material mixed using the drill. For example, concrete and plaster containing fibrous materials are more resistant and will need a mixer with higher torque.
- Mixing capacity. Mixing capacity is in kilos, indicated in the product specifications. The mixing capacity pertains to the maximum weight the equipment can mix without overheating the motor. For DIY mixing, you don’t need more than 30 kgs of capacity.
- Rotational speed. The revolutions per minute measure the rotational speed of a mixing drill. Slower rotational speed is ideal for mixing thick plaster material. On the other hand, faster speed is best for mixing thinner materials like paint or varnish.
One useful tip when buying a mixing drill is to look for a progressive-start feature.
Buying accessories for your mixing drill
A mixing drill is not complete without the proper accessories. Specifically, you need to choose a spindle and a blade or paddle. Mixers either come with one or two spindles. Two axles increase the efficiency of mixing and helps the user save time. However, you may not need two rods depending on the size of the project. A single-spindle mixer is just as efficient. At the end of the mixer spindle, you can install either a paddle or a blade. A blade is intended for mixing thicker materials like concrete and tile adhesive.
Choosing a mixing drill is not as difficult as one might think. You have to start by determining the intended use and consider upgrade options later on. Infrequent mixing jobs by novice or DIY plasterers don’t need any more than a drill and a spindle attachment. However, professional plasterers require high-powered mixers for optimum production.
You can find a variety of options available from plastering equipment suppliers in-store and online. Read user reviews to guide you in finding the most durable make and model preferred by trade users. You also need to make sure that instructions are followed to guarantee that the equipment works perfectly with every use.
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