Cement Mixers of Different Breed

Cement mixer construction comes in different design and build. This is true due to each builder tries to keep the cost to a minimum, one builder suggests his design is better than the other, most of the time, parts availability in the area is one factor to consider, too. Below are photos of different built, different brand, with varying prices that gives me the ideas on how I conceived mine:

Kobalt brand from Lowes Store.

This was built from a discarded washing machine.

Made from a metal drum.

This looks like a big hand mixer to me.

Hand driven swinging metal drum.

Cement Mixer Mod1

After learning some basic arc welding, I decided to up the ante on my cement mixer. One of the problems I encountered is the mixer bucket is low to ground. If I have to transfer mix cement to a wheelbarrow I will have to raise the whole machine. Also, carrying the mixer itself is a bit awkward, although the mixer feels more rigid when in placed, with its outward facing legs there will always a chance that it will hit your knees as it happened to me one time. Transporting the whole machine takes some space, have to allow at least 3 sqft of space.

Welding results

Welded pieces of left over bed frame brackets.

After a continuous two hours of welding lessons, the batteries voltages dropped. A call for a break time and an opportunity to charge charge the batteries.

Getting More Things Done

   God created the world in six days, and then he took a day off. Well, good for the Almighty, but that’s a luxury most of us don’t have. There’s just so much to do - and so many supposedly time-and labor-saving devices to complicate the process. We can’t necessarily change our to-do list, but according to time management expert Julie Morgenstern, we can do something about the sometimes cockeyed way we try to get it all done.

Make A Plan. Don’t just jump into the fray of your day; in fact, try to avoid the fray entirely. Morgenstern suggests that you sit down for five to ten minutes before the start of the workday (better yet, the night before) to plan what needs to be done and when. Draft a to-do list and assign times to various tasks throughout the day to keep yourself moving forward.

Beat The Clock. Set an oven or computer timer for 10, 15, or 30 minutes and challenge yourself to get as much done on a given tasks as possible. A deadline is a great motivator and a mighty aid in avoiding the mother of all distractions: the internet.

Stay Focused. Turn off the phone and shut down e-mail when dealing with tasks that require focus. When someone comes to you with a matter that can wait, let them wait. Don’t be afraid to say, “I’ll have to get back to you later.

Become a Taskmaster. Don’t avoid delegating around the house because “it’s easier to do it myself.” That attitude is both martyr like and exhausting. Assign age-and time-appropriate tasks to everyone in the family, and you’ll marvel at how much gets done. Outside the home, organize volunteer activities so you can trade off with others.

Chunk It. Instead of writing, clean the attic on you to-do list, break down the task into bite-size jobs. You’ll make progress faster and feel as if you’ve accomplish more.

Plan for Unpleasant Surprises. Is your doctor or airline running behind? Always carry a book, a small organization or planning project, a list of phone calls to make, letters to write (or read), or a knitting project. You’ll have something to work on while you’re waiting.

Be Flexible. If something in the day’s schedule doesn’t work out, don’t fret and don’t miss a beat. Just move on to the next task. And don’t be a slave to your to-do list. You don’t work for your list; your list work for you. If someone invites you out for ice cream on a beautiful afternoon, go says Morgenstern. Rest assured, the list will be there when you go back.

Readers Digest Sept 2011 issue