The Ultimate DIY Rocks!
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Insane Reefer
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MMM, I'd leave that stuff alone. I just googled it and found that it is the same type of stuff I found last fall. I'd gotten a small sample to play with - if you look in my gallery, there should still be a picture of the stuff. It is the size of a large BB or a small sweet pea. It dissolves almost immediately in water on preliminary tests, however when I mixed it into the mud, the cement bound around it and it would not release from the cement, so there were brown balls of lime throughout the rock.
HTH
Insane Reefer
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So you didn't read the Super Long Post?
Last summer I made a large batch outside, and didn't think running around barefoot while doing so would cause any problems - after all, I'm not mixing the mud with my feet...
Anyway, after hosing down the drive and cleaning my tools, I went in, took a shower and everything was fine.
Until the next morning, and it looked like my feet had gotten leprosy. Only took that day, but when I got home and took my socks off, I had smooth shiny feet. Better than a Spa!
:rollface:
The bags, sites, and MSDS's all say to use protective gear, as cement has a pH of 12-13 - that is pretty caustic and can cause burns. Just because some people don't wear gear and don't seem to get burned, doesn't mean anyone should go glove-less. Skin oils can protect you some, those with oily skin are less likely to get burned (and I hear that guys who work with cement will use udder balm regularly through the day), but you know, safety standards are put into place for a reason...
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Insane Reefer
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All knowledge is worth having. Thanks for trying that out and posting results for us
ozadars
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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10692377#post10692377 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Insane Reefer
So you didn't read the Super Long Post?
Last summer I made a large batch outside, and didn't think running around barefoot while doing so would cause any problems - after all, I'm not mixing the mud with my feet...
Anyway, after hosing down the drive and cleaning my tools, I went in, took a shower and everything was fine.
Until the next morning, and it looked like my feet had gotten leprosy. Only took that day, but when I got home and took my socks off, I had smooth shiny feet. Better than a Spa!
:rollface:
The bags, sites, and MSDS's all say to use protective gear, as cement has a pH of 12-13 - that is pretty caustic and can cause burns. Just because some people don't wear gear and don't seem to get burned, doesn't mean anyone should go glove-less. Skin oils can protect you some, those with oily skin are less likely to get burned (and I hear that guys who work with cement will use udder balm regularly through the day), but you know, safety standards are put into place for a reason...
I knew I should but you know, the white powder looks very innocent :rolleye1:
We dont have I,II,III or IV grade Portland cement over here. I asked for white Portland and they gave me something. I hope what they gave me is really white Portland cement and wont beat anything.
I used 3 rocks as the base and covered them with the cement/sand/crushed shell mixture. They dried into one piece, which I plan to use at the back of the tank.
I am doing this at our summer house and have to go back to home in 2 weeks. I will let the rock dry this week and put it into the sea on Sunday. The rock will stay in the sea for a week, then I have to go back to Istanbul.
Insane Reefer
New member
If you asked for cement, and they understood "cement", then chances are pretty good that what they gave you is cement and the rocks will be safe, especially in light of them going into the ocean to kure (should flush out impurities, etc).
You know, I could use a vacation...
I could keep an eye on your rock. Yeah, that's the ticket...
:bum:
Another Canadian question. Anyone know where to get the salt that was mentioned. I've checked a few places including HD and WM and neither of them had it. One of them had a salt that was 98% pure, but since the one mentioned here was 99% i thought I'd ask first and buy later!. Thanks.
pdhenderson
New member
For the canadians asking questions
I used lafarge type 10 normal portland - Rona for $13.00 for 80 pounds, and crushed oyster shells at Rens pet food - Trafalgar and burnhamthorpe roads in oakville - 50 pounds for $12.00
Rona does have a salt that is 99% for 4.99 20 kilo.
I just used the cement and shells without salts and like that way it looks. Will post pics soon
I used lafarge type 10 normal portland - Rona for $13.00 for 80 pounds, and crushed oyster shells at Rens pet food - Trafalgar and burnhamthorpe roads in oakville - 50 pounds for $12.00
Rona does have a salt that is 99% for 4.99 20 kilo.
I just used the cement and shells without salts and like that way it looks. Will post pics soon
jasonh
New member
Also, does anyone know a good way to extend the cure time of rapid-setting cement without significantly extending the cure time? My wife and I did a decent sized batch the other night, and it started setting up before we wanted it to.
I did make a really big piece that I think will turn out super cool though. Have it wrapped in a plastic bag and wet it every day. Might wait a week or two before I try to get the casting salt off of it.
I did make a really big piece that I think will turn out super cool though. Have it wrapped in a plastic bag and wet it every day. Might wait a week or two before I try to get the casting salt off of it.
Sorry let me rephrase what I said yes it can be directly applied to the glass or acrylic it will probably not stick permanently and will need to be self supporting. If you have plumbing that can be roughened it will help the mix to stick better. A heavy overhang with little support under it will probably break loose at some point down the line (usually when it will do the most damage :lol
if it doesn't have something to help hold it in place.On your other question about increasing set time you would probably need to change the material you are using to one that states it has a longer setting time. Hydraulic cements are made to set very quickly because they are very often used to plug leaking holes in concrete structures.
Alright, so I checked 3-4 places and couldnt find anything other then this:
What do you guys think, will it be ok? I know Cayars said not to get anything with rust prevention, but this just said it inhibits rust. My only concern really was the "Improved Resin Clean Formula". Anyways, what do you think? Gunna start making these tomorrow if the salt checks out.
Appreciate it,
Matt
What do you guys think, will it be ok? I know Cayars said not to get anything with rust prevention, but this just said it inhibits rust. My only concern really was the "Improved Resin Clean Formula". Anyways, what do you think? Gunna start making these tomorrow if the salt checks out.
Appreciate it,
Matt
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