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Burned $150 on a fancy mortar mixer attachment - did I just waste my cash?
Two years ago I bought a $150 paddle mixer attachment for my drill, thinking it would save time on mixing mortar for big jobs. First few batches were fine, then the paddle bent on a stiff lime mix. Now I'm back to using a $30 square shovel and a wheelbarrow, which takes longer but never breaks. Has anyone else had good luck with those paddle mixers, or are they just junk for anything beyond small patch work?
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jamie8043mo ago
Read a review from a mason who said the same thing... those paddle mixers just can't handle the heavy stuff long term. I think the problem is they're made for thin set and grout, not real mortar with lime or sand. The torque twists the shaft right off center, then you're done. Saw a guy on another board who reinforced his with a steel sleeve and it held up a bit longer, but still failed eventually. For $150 I'd rather spend that on a good quality hoe and save my shoulders... the old methods last forever.
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evan_cooper733mo ago
Yep been there. Those paddle mixers just cant handle the heavy lime or sand mixes, they're made for thin stuff. Save your money and stick with the wheelbarrow and shovel, it might be slower but it wont leave you stranded mid job.
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michael_green443mo ago
My buddy Dave bought one of those paddle mixers last spring for a patio job. He was mixing some 3:1 sand to lime and the thing started wobbling after maybe 20 minutes. The shaft just bent right where it meets the paddle, total junk. @jamie804 is spot on about the torque twisting it off center, Dave's looked exactly like he tried to mix rocks with it. He ended up borrowing my wheelbarrow and old school hoe to finish the job, said he learned a $150 lesson.
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