Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - making cement bricks?
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sagecat
05-27-07, 06:37 PM
After searching around town here I am unable to find a brick that I like to trim my flower beds that are within my price range. I figured that it shouldn't be too hard to mix my own cement and make my own bricks but I am unsure where to start.
I remember making cement bricks way back when in shop class but I can't remember all the details. I know I need to get a back of cement and I know I need to build a wooden frame but the rest is lost.
Firstly, what consistancey do I mixed the cement? Secondly, do I need to build a bottom onto the mold or can I get away with just laying plastic down? Seems to me we didn't make a bottom onto the mold we made in school.
Is there a way to pop the brick out after it's finished w/o destoying the mold?
I remember making cement bricks way back when in shop class but I can't remember all the details. I know I need to get a back of cement and I know I need to build a wooden frame but the rest is lost.
Firstly, what consistancey do I mixed the cement? Secondly, do I need to build a bottom onto the mold or can I get away with just laying plastic down? Seems to me we didn't make a bottom onto the mold we made in school.
Is there a way to pop the brick out after it's finished w/o destoying the mold?
danfrain
06-10-07, 03:49 PM
First suggestion-
Call some of the local concrete companies. If they make ready-mix, they may also make blocks and bricks. Going to the home center concrete blocks are $1.50 where I live. Figure half that if you get them from a concrete company.
Cement bricks are commonly used under the mesh in larger pours. That way the slab is all concrete, and wire stools aren't able to bust out the bottom of the slab and give a chance for rusting and then water (freeze/thaw, etc.) problems.
Last time I bought any, they were CHEAP. Of course, I picked them up from the concrete company's yard, and we were spending several thousand dollars a week with them. That might have influenced the pricing somewhat.
Now, to answer your question. I'd use plywood strips as wide as what you want the thickness to be. A table saw will be a really good friend. If you don't have one, you know someone who does. Cut strips as long as you want the bricks to be and space them as far apart on a longer strip as you want the bricks to be wide. Use screws to attach the short pieces to the longer ones. Drill pilot holes. That will save you a lot of blisters.
Yes, I'd use a bottom piece. You can make a lot of molds out of a single sheet of plywood. Be sure to check for square on each piece, or you'll end up with cockeyed bricks, and I don't think you want that. Then again, you may.
You won't want to use a regular concrete mix; there are too many pieces of rock bigger than you'll likely want. Buy a sand mix and mix it up according to the package directions. Unless you have a lot of molds, don't make much or you'll end up throwing it out. Why waste the time and money? They sell a special mold release at most building supply places, but I've used automatic transmission fluid and gotten good release in the past.
The sand mix is NOT for structural use. It is not a strong mix, so please don't try to use it for structural use except surface patching for esthetics.
Good luck with your projects. Have fun.
Stay safe, and may God bless. I wish you His peace.
Dan
Call some of the local concrete companies. If they make ready-mix, they may also make blocks and bricks. Going to the home center concrete blocks are $1.50 where I live. Figure half that if you get them from a concrete company.
Cement bricks are commonly used under the mesh in larger pours. That way the slab is all concrete, and wire stools aren't able to bust out the bottom of the slab and give a chance for rusting and then water (freeze/thaw, etc.) problems.
Last time I bought any, they were CHEAP. Of course, I picked them up from the concrete company's yard, and we were spending several thousand dollars a week with them. That might have influenced the pricing somewhat.
Now, to answer your question. I'd use plywood strips as wide as what you want the thickness to be. A table saw will be a really good friend. If you don't have one, you know someone who does. Cut strips as long as you want the bricks to be and space them as far apart on a longer strip as you want the bricks to be wide. Use screws to attach the short pieces to the longer ones. Drill pilot holes. That will save you a lot of blisters.
Yes, I'd use a bottom piece. You can make a lot of molds out of a single sheet of plywood. Be sure to check for square on each piece, or you'll end up with cockeyed bricks, and I don't think you want that. Then again, you may.
You won't want to use a regular concrete mix; there are too many pieces of rock bigger than you'll likely want. Buy a sand mix and mix it up according to the package directions. Unless you have a lot of molds, don't make much or you'll end up throwing it out. Why waste the time and money? They sell a special mold release at most building supply places, but I've used automatic transmission fluid and gotten good release in the past.
The sand mix is NOT for structural use. It is not a strong mix, so please don't try to use it for structural use except surface patching for esthetics.
Good luck with your projects. Have fun.
Stay safe, and may God bless. I wish you His peace.
Dan
Concretemasonry
06-10-07, 06:01 PM
danfrian is right about going to the manufacturer if possible.
A block producer and a ready-mix producer are not in the same plant since it requires a different process for a different type of concrete than ready-mix concrete. The only things in common are cement, aggrgate and water, but that is it.
Go to your local block plant and find out what the cost is for you to pick up plain concrete brick. Plain concrete brick is not big profit item like archetectural concrete brick, so it is doubtfull you could make them as cheap if you include everything. Some block suppliers buy plain brick from a competitor because it is not a profitable item to produce.
Think of the gas, time and running around for materials (sand, stone, cement, additives, forms) that you will have. You will also have waste and numerous bad batches and some bad brick that you have to get rid of. This is assuming you know what to use to get durability for ground contact if you are in a cold climate.
Dick
A block producer and a ready-mix producer are not in the same plant since it requires a different process for a different type of concrete than ready-mix concrete. The only things in common are cement, aggrgate and water, but that is it.
Go to your local block plant and find out what the cost is for you to pick up plain concrete brick. Plain concrete brick is not big profit item like archetectural concrete brick, so it is doubtfull you could make them as cheap if you include everything. Some block suppliers buy plain brick from a competitor because it is not a profitable item to produce.
Think of the gas, time and running around for materials (sand, stone, cement, additives, forms) that you will have. You will also have waste and numerous bad batches and some bad brick that you have to get rid of. This is assuming you know what to use to get durability for ground contact if you are in a cold climate.
Dick