How to use a mixing board?

5th March 2020


	How to use a mixing board?


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			Before using a mixing board, make sure it’s placed in the best position for stability and working requirements.

			This is an example of mixing cement, sand and plasticiser to produce mortar. In this example the sand to cement ratio is 4:1, using 20 litres of sand to 5 litres of cement. A bucket of water will be enough for this quantity of mortar. You can add plasticiser to the water to entrap air into the mix.


			Step 1 – Adding sand Tip the sand evenly on to the base of the mixing board. Use your shovel to spread the sand across the mixing board, while making a chopping action with the blade of the shovel to remove any clumped sand.

			Step 2 – Adding cement Using your shovel, make a small indent at the centre of the sand and tip in the cement.

			Step 3 – Mixing materials Mix the cement and sand together using your shovel. Use a chopping action to mix the materials. After chopping the mix, use the shovel to repeatedly overturn the materials until they become a unified colour.

			Step 4 – Adding water At the centre of the mix make an indent using your shovel. Tip a small amount of water into the indent.

			Step 5 – Mixing water Using the end of your shovel, start the chopping action again, this time to push the material into the water. Once you have chopped the material a number of times, slide your shovel underneath the wet area and overturn the mix repeatedly.

			If the mix is still dry add small amounts of water to the centre and repeat the chopping and mixing actions until the mortar is wet but not runny. It should retain its shape if made into a small mound, but be wet enough for easy spreading and shaping with a trowel.

			Once the mortar is suitably mixed you have a couple of hours work with it.