Replies

1. 
   KARLSTER | Nov 21, 2002 04:54am | #1

   Why not just use a low speed electric drill with a giant "egg beater" chucked into it and a five gallon bucket to mix the thinset.  Maybe I have been missing out on a better method???

   Karl

1. 
   JSTARKY | Nov 22, 2002 05:59am | #8

   You're right the 5 gallon bucket has been fine for several years.  As we are growing, and with each batch we mix, we think " there must be a better way". Thanks

2. 
   0Timothy | Nov 21, 2002 05:07am | #2

   I Know of some guys who have used the same type your looking into. One had lots of trouble with break downs and getting parts and service. ( A real drag if your in the middle of a big job and the clients are already nervous about the closing date!) But from what I understand, they can handle a lot more thinset if you have multiple setters on a big job. Just be sure to have a backup!  For me though,  I,ve been setting tiles for over 20 years with a low speed, high torque drill (Milwaukee) and a paddle bit, stuck in a 5 gal. bucket. Its still running strong and all I do is change the brushes.

1. 
   FrankB89 | Nov 21, 2002 05:47am | #3

   I use a Milwaukie Hole Hog on low speed.  Seems to mix best in reverse.  But I've never done a tile job so large that I needed more than a third to a half 5 gal bucket at a time. 

1. 
   joeh | Nov 21, 2002 06:09am | #4

   I've never tried reverse, but a Milwaukee will spin the bucket around pretty well. How much mud are you mixing? Or is this the "I need a new toy" itch?  Joe H

1. 
   nigelUsa | Nov 21, 2002 06:12am | #5

   Use flat head screws and attach the bucket to a wide plank, when you stand on the plank the bucket won't spin and the handle stays away from your shins.

2. 
   FrankB89 | Nov 21, 2002 06:21am | #6

   I'm not the one wantin' the toy, but you're right about spinning the bucket.  I just got in the habit of gripping the bucket between my feet when I'm mixing. 

1. 
   CAGIV | Nov 21, 2002 06:32am | #7

   Im with everyone else here, dont get me wrong Im all about buying tools, and spending money for tools to make my life easier, but a speacial tool to mix thinset? an old paint bucket with a mixer attached to a drill always seems to work pretty good and with most things, the simpler you can do you something the less head aches your going to have.

2. 
   JohnSprung | Nov 23, 2002 02:36am | #15

   > but you're right about spinning the bucket.  I just got in the habit of gripping the bucket between my feet when I'm mixing.

   How about this:

   Take about 6 - 8 ft. of sash cord, tie one end to a wall stud or something equivalent about 16" above the floor.  Wrap the rest of it around the bucket in the direction the paddle will turn, tuck the end under another part of the sash cord.  Turn the bucket to wind it up tight.  Mix it up, and when done, turn the bucket the other way to make the cord drop off.  This might be quicker and easier than the board and screws method.

   -- J.S.

2. 
   JSTARKY | Nov 22, 2002 06:05am | #9

   Thanks for your reply.  Our backup would be our .5" drill that we are using now.  We thought that there might be a better method that we haven't tried yet.  We have a 3500 sg' job ahead of us-that's a lot of buckets of thinset!  That's what started us thinking about an easier method.

1. 
   joeh | Nov 22, 2002 08:59am | #10

   I don't have 3500 sq' of knees left so I'm okay with the Milwaukee. Joe H

1. 
   0Timothy | Nov 22, 2002 05:55pm | #11

   I don't have 3500 sq' of knees or back left either so you can have my Milwaukee. A note to the wise, young tilesetter, find another trade while you still have your original back and knees!

   T.B.

1. 
   joeh | Nov 22, 2002 06:23pm | #12

   Yeah, become a roofer!

3. 
   booch | Nov 22, 2002 06:55pm | #13

   I bought one of the mixers (about an 8" throw on the two blades) and had my 17 year old use it with the 3/8 " pro model sears drill (could be nearly 1/2 hp) He damn near smoked the drill. You need a strong drill to make this work. Thinset in the confined area of the bucket is really stiff and I wonder if it is worth the wear and tear on the tools to do it with a motor.

   I switched back to a plastic mixing tray with a mud hoe(2" holes in the blade). Surprising how well that works. 15 bucks for the hoe, 10 for the plastic mud pan. It works as long as I do.

   <
4. 
   Scooter1 | Nov 23, 2002 12:44am | #14

   Like others I use a Milwaukee drill with a mortar paddle. Since thinset has a life span of only 3 hours, I can't imagine using more than about a half a bag. Thinset is better fresh.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927