AboutDave Expertise machine tool setup and operation,selection and use of cutting tools, welding and metalfabrication methods, machining of plastics and metals,cad/cam,cnc,workholding and all related questions regarding metalworking and finishing
Experience over 25 years experience as a class a machinist in both job shop and r&d
environments.
Expert: Dave Date: 12/7/2004 Subject: papercrete machine needed
Question Dave,
I came upon the site and thought why not ask for help? I want to make papercrete blocks, in volume to build a structure.
Papercrete is paper mache with portland cement formed to make a block. I've seen a dome and and home addition with this and I want to try it. My problem is that I have no machine to process paper and water. In miniature to make test batches with a food processor I use mostly water, and newspaper processed then drained some to a bowl of oatmeal like consistency, then add portland, then make forms with small bread pans. A 2-3 part 'oatmeal' to one part portland is close to the right recipe. The block is light, strong, high R factor, and cheap.
The person I saw doing this was in Silver City, New Mexico. He used a 55 gal drum. Above the drum was a 5 hp electric motor with a shaft going into the drum with 2 food processor type blades. In the bottom a valve was placed to drain into a tub with drain holes. like I suppose I could make one like his but I don't really know now. At Ebay I see electric and gas motors for sale but I don't know what parts I need to attach a shaft and then a blade(s).
I mostly have a strong back and want to many blocks but need help buiding the machine. Also, a machine that fairly safe is desirable since I don't want to be a patient in the hospital where I work. Any ideas?
Thanx,
Steve P. Scott
Van Alstyne, Texas
Answer Steve
Sounds like an interesting project. You could try going to a local machine shop or welder. They may be able to help you out. Also if there is a industrial recycling facility
(junk yard) in your area they may have something already made that you could modify to do what you want.
It may be a project your local tech school could help with.
