What cement do you use?

[concrete]

Hi all.

I've been making patio slabs and balustrade for over 25 years. I used to use Castle Cement, but due to the fact the are bulking it out with lime I am unable to use it due to pinholes in the finished item. I have been using Southern Cement, but even that now has had it's setting time reduced (EC regulations on reducing chromium in cement I'm told).

I have yet to try the latest Blue Circle Cement and that now contains fly ash and also has a slower setting time than Southern.

I know I can use a rapid hardening cement or use additives but that just increases costs at a time I need to be trying to reduce them.

I just wondered if there were any other precasters on here or guys who lay concrete and wondered how you are getting on with our ever worsening cement.

 

[noseall]

castle cement.

provides a fatty mortar, holding the water rather well.

some cement is just too 'dark' for my liking.

 

[seco services]

i take it then you don't use a vibrating table.

 

[concrete]

As I said I can't use Castle O/P due to the pinholes and the hardened product gives a dull thud rather than a nice ring when you knock it with your knuckles.

 

[concrete]

i take it then you don't use a vibrating table.

Of course I use a vibrating table, I'd have arms like Popeye if I didn't

The pinholing is due to the lime that is added to Castle O/P now. That information comes straight from Castle's technical department, I won't name the guy on here, but he also told me they have lost most of the precasters now that their cement has a slower setting time.

 

[seco services]

i'll ask one of the family they own a business making fence posts, gravel boards, slabs etc see what they use.

 

[Thermo]

concrete, could you do me a favour and contact me via e-mail (cant find yours in your profile) i could do with asking your advice on a technical issue with some slabs that have been made by a local company.

cheers

thermo