Looking back at mixing mortar by hand versus the first mixer I used on a job in Denver

We did a whole church wall repair back in '98, and the foreman brought in a Belle Minimix 150. I was sure it would be a pain to clean and slow us down. But after two days of mixing by hand for the foundation, that little machine saved our backs and got the mix way more even every single time. Who else remembers switching over and never wanting to go back?

2 comments

2 Comments

troy_harris2d ago

So you were already two days into hand mixing when it showed up. What was the first batch like with the machine? Was it just the speed, or did you notice right away that the mortar itself was better for laying up?

the_sarah2d ago

Actually, I was only a few hours into mixing by hand when the delivery truck pulled up. The difference was immediate, but not just in speed. That first machine-mixed batch had a smooth, almost creamy feel that held together better on the trowel. Hand mixing always left little dry pockets or uneven spots, but this was totally uniform. It just stuck to the bricks differently, way less slump right out of the box.