No modern master will ever lose sight of developments that improve the quality of work. One of these devices is the "hopper" plastering bucket. This device is aimed at mechanizing the work process. In this article, we will analyze the scope of its use, study the distinctive nuances and find out the varieties of this device.
Features of the
"Hopper" in translation from English means "jump", "jump". This property is transferred in the principle of operation. Externally, the device is a bucket with a handle, from the nozzle of which the finishing material is mechanically sprayed onto the treated surface of the base. On the front side, the bucket has a special hole, from where the plaster mix is supplied directly to the wall.
This is a kind of assistant to the master, due to which it is possible to carry out high-quality finishing of planes in a short time. The device does not provide for work in small areas. Its distinctive feature is the distribution of plaster mixes in the shortest possible time. It takes no more than a few seconds to empty one portion. Within 1 hour, the "hopper" is capable of consuming up to 60 cubic meters of solution.
The use of a mechanical method provides a mortar mixture saving up to 40%. Masters call such a device a pneumatic bucket. The purpose of the device is quite extensive. In addition to plaster, he works with other finishing mixtures. For example, this tool copes with the application of cement-lime and adhesives to surfaces, as well as mixtures based on gypsum and paints and varnishes.
The construction of the plastering hopper bucket is quite simple. However, it has the function of adjusting the feed rate of the existing mortar from 5 to 10 seconds per 1 portion of the plaster mass. This allows for variability of the applied layer thickness based on the choice of mixture and the planned finish. For example, it will take more for applying relief finishing plaster.
The operating principle of the bucket is simple. They start the entire solution at once (it will not have time to dry). After that, the bucket is filled and emptied over and over again until the entire treated area is covered with a plaster mixture. Then take a rule or a wide spatula and level the base.
If you need to make a relief pattern or other finish that requires additional time, the base is prepared no more than 1 wall at a time.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let's outline the main advantages of the "hopper":
- Greater grip. Due to the pressure and force of impact of the mixture on the base, adhesion to the surface is enhanced.
- It is intuitively easy to use. Even a beginner can use such a device, while the quality of work will not suffer. Docking points of different portions of the solution will not be visible.
- Simplicity and ease of construction. The tool has a comfortable handle. You won't be distracted by adjusting to it.
- Its sizes are variable. You can choose the most optimal option for yourself, based on the volume of planned work.
- Spray precision. You will not waste extra material, while the thickness of the processed surface will be more uniform compared to manual work.
- The use of finishing materials of different compositions and colors. In addition to the fact that the "hopper" can be used not only for plastering, it is suitable for interior work and facade decoration.
- A wide range of. The market for such products allows you to choose a device from a reliable and high-quality material that is resistant to rust.
- Affordable price. You will meet the budget, while saving time, get a high-quality and durable coating.
- Ease of maintenance. If you regularly wash the device after work, it will serve you for many years.
- Plane finishing with complex configuration. He will apply the composition where it is difficult to do with an ordinary trowel or spatula.
- Variety of equipment. Industrial products are equipped with additional compressors, due to which it is possible to work with different types of surfaces.
- Highly appreciated by professionals. Experienced builders note the relevance of using the "hopper" as an auxiliary device when working with different mixtures.
We also note the disadvantages of the plastering bucket:
- The solution used must have a certain consistency. If this is not adhered to, it will drain from the surface of the surfaces to be treated.
- This device is not considered for purchase if it is not planned to be used permanently. If you need to finish a small area one-time, there is no point in buying such a tool.
- The quality of the processed surface directly depends on the preliminary preparation of the base. If this fact is ignored, the quality and durability of the finished plane may suffer.
- According to the estimates of professional craftsmen, in the case of application of several layers, the time spent on spraying is not too different from working by hand.
- Failure to clean the device will cause its breakdown. The dried solution clogs the nozzle, which, when the unit is turned on, automatically disables it.
Views
All models of the plastering hopper bucket have their own classification. Conventionally, all types of products supplied to the construction market can be divided into 2 types:
- wall;
- ceiling.
Their difference lies not in the parameters, but in the features of the design itself. They differ in the nozzle. This is expressed in a different angle of inclination in relation to the treated surface. For a wall tool, the angle of inclination is 45 degrees, for a ceiling counterpart, it is straight (90 degrees).
Plastering buckets are homemade and industrial. The difference between the two is obvious. Homemade buckets are less powerful. However, they are considered more versatile, despite the fact that they often do not have several nozzles at the same time. Industrial products are connected to the network. The design of self-made devices, in addition to a bucket with a long handle, sometimes resembles a pistol with a bucket located above it.
Usually, to speed up the workflow, the nozzle for a specific type of material has to be installed before spraying (for example, for painting or applying glue). However, home appliances often cannot cope with concrete. The disadvantage of handcrafted hoppers is the fact that they are not intended for ceiling finishing. This must be taken into account when making the product yourself. In this case, the "hopper" will have to be altered or a specialized device will have to be purchased.
Scope of application
Depending on the type of pneumatic plastering tool, its scope of application is different. When choosing a different finishing material in the construction industry, the plastering bucket can be used for:
- applying concrete;
- decoration of the walls of the facades of private buildings;
- work with glue;
- base painting;
- distribution of liquid wallpaper;
- work with silk plaster;
- applying a textured plaster mixture.
With regard to textured plaster, it is worth noting that the bucket copes with certain types of coating. For example, it contributes to the creation of textures "bark beetle", "fur coat", "shagreen" and Venetian plaster. It can be used when working with multicolor and mosaic paints, cotton coatings, mixtures with glass and foam chips. It is also suitable for spraying cork coatings. Moreover, in addition to gypsum and cement mixtures, the device allows the use of compositions:
- shotcrete;
- calcareous;
- clay;
- glass fiber concrete;
- waterproofers.
In addition, it is suitable for all types of ready-mixed mixtures. However, in each case, consistency matters. Too thick pasty masses will not be able to evenly distribute the bucket.
How to use?
Before using the auxiliary unit, the surface is moistened and beacons are exposed. Reinforcing mesh may need to be installed. The hopper is filled with the composition and sprayed over the base. In this case, the distance from the nozzle to the surface to be treated is approximately 4-5 cm. When spraying, the ladle is gradually moved so that the layer of the applied mixture is uniform.
After the plaster has been applied to the wall, it is trimmed. If necessary, perform a textured pattern. The bucket is immediately cleaned.
Wear protective goggles, a respirator and work clothing when working with this device. The equipment will protect you from particles of the composition that can get in when spraying the used mixture.
How to do it yourself?
Despite the fact that the "hopper" is notable for its reasonable price, it is often made at home with your own hands. This usually does not take long if there are drawings, the necessary materials and a set of tools. When working, you may need:
- metal sheet with a thickness of 0.4-1 mm (steel, aluminum is suitable);
- air gun or steel tube (D = 1⁄4 inch);
- nozzle;
- washer 1 or several (depending on the number of nozzles, D = 10 - 12 mm);
- scissors for metal;
- Bulgarian;
- electric drill + drills;
- metal ruler;
- marker.
To simplify the task of installing a plastering shovel, it is better to choose a ready-made scheme by downloading and printing a drawing indicating all dimensions. For example, it will be a bucket for 6-8 kg of mortar. The next instruction is as follows:
- The circuit is transferred to a sheet of metal. The reamer must fit on the sheet exactly, a shortage of raw materials in any part of the drawing is excluded. If there is not enough material for a solid scan, it is divided into several parts.
- The hopper pattern is cut along the outlined contours using metal scissors or a grinder.
- The metal part of the "hopper" reamer is bent along the designated bottom plane.
- With the help of a welded machine or autogen, the shovel is assembled into a one-piece structure.
- The handle is fixed. Attach a handle with an inlet connection for a hose with air.
- At the bottom of the hopper, holes are made for nozzles, which are then fastened with steel washers on both sides.
- A spray gun is installed opposite the nozzles.
- To redistribute the mechanical load, reinforcing plates are attached to the side walls of the bucket.
- It is necessary to determine the power of the compressor and connect it to the hopper. Then you can test the unit in operation.
If you are determined to make a plastering bucket for wall decoration yourself, there are a few important nuances to consider:
- When creating a design, take care of the presence of a cover. It can be hinged or removable and is necessary to exclude the flow of solution when the bucket is tilted.
- Do not use tin to make a hopper. This material deforms quickly under the weight of the mortar. Make sure that the thickness of the metal does not exceed 1 mm.
- Replacing the pneumatic valve with a ball valve is inadmissible. This will cause an increase in the consumption of the mixture used, since the valve is not able to instantly shut off the mixture supply.
The size of the outlet depends on the type and consistency of the applied material. The larger the bucket opening, the greater the distance between the nozzle and the substrate to be treated should be.
How to make a do-it-yourself hopper plastering bucket, see the next video.
