Replies

1. 
   McDonnel3 | May 02, 2002 01:49am | #1

   Sounds like your contaminating your batches with old mix.

   You gotta have water clean tools, buckets, mixers, .........everything.

   I always wash everything between each batch. Use a 3M pad to get all the residue off.

   The rule of thumb I use is 1/2 the 90 min. (45 min) to use up what I mix. For 45 min, I have 20 min. For 20 min mud, I have 10 min. Yikes! Gotta move fast!  

1. 
   user-373105 | May 04, 2002 12:51am | #5

   Mark:

   Thanks for the tips.Got everything clean also a new water container and some 3-m pads.Got through the week anyway put three bags on and everything seemed to go ok.    GB

1. 
   McDonnel3 | May 06, 2002 01:20am | #6

   Your welcome!

   Edited 5/5/2002 6:21:17 PM ET by Mark McDonnell

2. 
   Homewright | May 02, 2002 02:45am | #2

   Good advice!  The whole thing with any mud, setting or pre-mix is maintaining the cleanliness of equipment.  Setting powders chemically set so if you haven't been getting your tools, pan, or mixing bucket clean from the previous batch, you're definitely accelerating the set time.  Set up a space where you have an extra bucket of water to clean the stirring wand immediately after mixing a batch, then keep an eye on your mud as you're using it.  When it starts to 'go', get rid of it and clean everything immediately.  With pre-mix, always scrape the side of the bucket down so you don't get any drying on the sides which can fall into the bucket and create those nagging chunks that screw up your mud job.  I even clean the lid when I first pull it.  It almost sounds anal but it's got to be done to avoid the hassles you describe.

1. 
   TLE | May 02, 2002 03:33am | #3

   It is absolutly necessary to completly clean between batches.

   If you over mix, it does speed up the setting time. It seems to be more of an issue with the Easy Sand compounds  than with the Durabonds.

   Terry

1. 
   Piffin | May 02, 2002 06:16am | #4

   I totally agree with the above about cleanliness

   but

   other variables include open or old bags having absorbed humidity from the air,

   and

   Temperature of water.

   Excellence is its own reward!

3. 
   MarkH128 | May 06, 2002 02:40am | #7

   I like to let the mix set for a little while after mixing because it seems to thicken up a lot after seting a couple of minutes. So I mix it thinner than I want it to be when applied. Then I clean the mixer etc, and by that time the compound will be the right consistency.

1. 
   DaveRicheson | May 06, 2002 03:48pm | #8

   I, and most of the pros around here, use a fender brush fo clean up. You can get them with long or short handles at an automotive supply store and some DW suppliers carry them. Clean water in a five gallon bucket at the mix site keep every thing tidy.

   Dave