Construction mixer: photos, characteristics and rating of devices
The construction mixer, the photo of which is presented in the article, is used mainly for preparing mixtures of different densities. Some models can also be used as a drill for working on wood and metal. When choosing, first of all pay attention to power and rotation speed. No less important parameters are the convenient location of the handles and the weight of the tool. The basic selection rules are described in this material.
The content of the article
Main technical characteristics
To figure out how to choose a construction mixer, you need to study several technical characteristics. Among them, the speed of mixing the solution is of great importance, as well as power, feeding method and other parameters.
Speed
The devices operate at 2 speeds, which are measured by the number of revolutions made in one minute:
- The first lies in the range from 500 to 650 full rotations in 1 minute. Suitable for mixing a solution with a very dense consistency. They can be used well to treat, for example, putty.
- The second is from 700 to 900 rotations. Suitable for lighter mixtures. This could be varnish or paint.
Some devices are equipped with only one speed, others have two. Moreover, if we say which is better - a concrete mixer or a mixer, it is not necessary to focus on speed. In this sense, the volume of the mixture is more important. If you need to prepare a small volume of concrete up to 1.5 m3, a mixer is quite suitable.When mixing larger batches, you cannot do without a mixer.
Power
To make a profitable purchase, take into account the rating of construction mixers. Moreover, it is easy to notice that different models differ in their power. To mix a liquid mixture, a unit with an indicator in the range from 600 to 1000 W is sufficient. If the mixture is viscous like a primer, a more powerful model from 1000 W is required. If you mix dense solutions using cement, the indicator should be at least 1500 W.
Nutrition method
The choice of a construction mixer is also related to the type of food. According to this indicator, devices are divided into 2 classes:
- Network (220 V).
- Rechargeable.
On the one hand, battery-powered models are more convenient. They are mobile, portable, and can be used almost anywhere. But on the other hand, the battery needs to be constantly charged, and after 2-3 years of active use it may require replacement.
If you use a network tool, these problems are not present, but it is limited by the length of the cable. If there is no outlet, you will not be able to use it. Therefore, the question arises as to whether a hammer drill can be used as a mixer. This is a completely acceptable replacement, because both units are equipped with approximately the same electric motor. In addition, a hammer drill is a fairly common tool that can probably be found on a construction site or in the household.
Nozzle type
This indicator largely determines the type of construction mixers:
- framed;
- screw;
- screw
Frame ones are used for preparing those solutions in which you need to get rid of air bubbles. They are used, for example, to prepare a composition with an adhesive base.
The screw nozzle is used to work with liquid solutions of low density.This can be a composition with paint or varnish. The screws are equipped with 2 spirals that work in different directions. One spiral pushes the mixture up, the other down.
If you figure out which construction mixer is best to buy, you can also pay attention to the screw mechanism. It also consists of 2 spirals - right- and left-handed. This is the best option for different mixtures, and the preparation proceeds carefully, since the liquid splashes around.
Handle type
This is no longer a technical, but a consumer characteristic, which also matters. Handles can be in the shape of a ring or the letter "T". The ring version is not suitable for everyone, since your hands can become very strained during operation. Therefore, it is better to choose the second option.
It is worth considering that the greater the power, the greater the width of the handle should be. In this sense, it does not matter what is better - a concrete mixer or a construction mixer. Both devices work with viscous mixtures, so you need to hold the unit in your hands and make sure that the handle is comfortable enough.
Model rating
After studying the technical characteristics, it becomes more clear which construction mixer is better. To specifically answer this question, it is also worth studying the ratings of different models. If you choose the best options in terms of price and quality ratio, you can pay attention to the following options:
- BOSCH GRW 18-2 E - a device from a famous German brand. It features high power of 1800 W, high-quality assembly and the ability to adjust the speed through an electronic system. But at the same time, the price is higher than that of a number of other instruments.
- Metabo RWEV 1200-2 - another German instrument that develops a power of 1200 W. Equipped with 2 rubberized handles, making it comfortable to hold while working.If you are considering which construction mixer to choose for different jobs, you can choose this model. Along with kneading, it is used for drilling in wood and even metal.
- DeWALT D21510 – a light and compact device (weight exactly 3 kg) with an average power of 710 W. At the same time, it has a high torque of 50 N*m. Allows you to attach different beaters with a maximum diameter of 160 mm. When considering which drill mixer is better to choose, you can choose this option.
- Makita UT1401 – a powerful device of 1400 W with a maximum speed of 730 rpm. Equipped with a 3 m long cable, while the weight is not too heavy - 5.5 kg. It has 2 rotation speeds and is equipped with a soft start mechanism. But some reviews note an uncomfortable handle.
- RedVerg RD-Mix develops a power of 1500 W, operates in 2 speed mode, and can reach 800 rpm. Equipped with 2 handles with anti-slip insert, easy to use. Another plus is that when the gearbox heats up, heat is removed quickly. Therefore, the device can be used continuously for a long time. Moreover, the weight is 8 kg, so it is better to work in one place.
Thus, there are several criteria by which you can understand how to choose a manual concrete mixer. Each model has its own characteristics, pros and cons. Therefore, before purchasing, you need to analyze not only technical, but also consumer characteristics.