Do-it-yourself vibrating screed for laying concrete

The reliability of a concrete coating depends not only on high-quality building materials and the correct proportions of the mixture. Maximum strength and durability of the screed is given by thorough compaction. Air cavities and voids in the frozen mass will reduce the quality and shorten the period of use.

When pouring a small platform or formwork for an outbuilding, air is released by piercing the cement mass with a pin (for example, a piece of rebar). But when installing a floor in a room, laying a road surface, concreting a parking lot or other similar areas, using the manual method is problematic and the high quality of the foundation is not guaranteed. A special bar with a small amplitude of intense vibrations helps to compact the surface on your own faster and easier.

Structures of any power and complexity are effective if concrete is laid and leveled in a layer of up to 20 cm. Screed of greater thickness is compacted layer by layer.

Do-it-yourself vibrating screed for laying concrete (drawings)

The reliability of a concrete coating depends not only on high-quality building materials and the correct proportions of the mixture. Maximum strength and durability of the screed is given by thorough compaction. Air cavities and voids in the frozen mass will reduce the quality and shorten the period of use.

When pouring a small platform or formwork for an outbuilding, air is released by piercing the cement mass with a pin (for example, a piece of rebar). But when installing a floor in a room, laying a road surface, concreting a parking lot or other similar areas, using the manual method is problematic and the high quality of the foundation is not guaranteed. A special bar with a small amplitude of intense vibrations helps to compact the surface on your own faster and easier.

Structures of any power and complexity are effective if concrete is laid and leveled in a layer of up to 20 cm. Screed of greater thickness is compacted layer by layer.

Scope and advantages of vibrating slats

The high efficiency of this tool with a relatively small investment of energy resources and labor makes it indispensable for the device:

• Concrete floors.
• Cement floor screeds.
• Road surfaces.
• Playgrounds.

For your information! Elements made using a hand-held vibrator have increased strength and durability than those built without specialized tools.

Advantages

Working with a vibrating screed has a number of features that distinguish it favorably from other types of vibrating equipment:

• Exceptional ease of operation and maintenance - does not require long-term training or study of technology.
• Compact and therefore not difficult to transport, which facilitates relocation from site to site.
• Good performance when working with dry solutions (mixtures containing no more than 20% water).
• High performance of uniform compaction of concrete pavements with a thickness of 10-30 cm.
• The best leveling result (the absence of any defects on the surface of the structures).

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Types of mechanisms

Vibrating slats are divided into 4 subtypes according to their design:

One type of such tool is with guide elements, which is convenient for deeper processing of the poured surface.

• Floating. Used for final layer processing.
• Sectional. Used when filling large areas.
• Telescopic. Universal, made with sliding slats.
• With guide elements. Relevant when vibrating to a depth of up to 30 cm.

Types of vibrating slats and their prices

Vibrating slats are used both for compacting the poured mixture to a certain depth and for leveling its surface.

To work in different areas and under different conditions, equipment with appropriate characteristics is used.

Depending on the type of drive motor, vibrating screeds are divided into:

Electrical

Can only be used when connected to the network.

Among the differences, it should be noted the relatively low weight of the vibration unit, the possibility of indoor use, low power, dimensions and weight, with the exception of sectional versions.

The cheapest models will cost 10 thousand rubles.

Gasoline

The models are larger and heavier vibration machines than the previous version, which can only be used outdoors due to the release of combustion products during operation.

On the other hand, the design with an internal combustion engine is completely autonomous and does not depend on the network.

Cost from 40 thousand rubles.

According to the method of application, vibrating screeds are divided into:

Floating

Capable of processing up to 3 - 5 meters of working plane width, compacting material to a depth of 150 - 180 mm.

To begin work, place the tool on the poured or laid solution, after which it is moved towards you.

Models with replaceable profiles, often made of aluminum, have become widespread.

This allows you to install a profile of the required length and simplifies transportation.

Assembled surface models usually weigh about 15–25 kg; such a small weight can be easily handled by one operator.

The price tag starts from 20 thousand rubles, and can exceed 100 thousand.

Models with guides

They are used to smooth out rough irregularities and can act on a layer of concrete up to 300 mm thick.

First, the guides are set strictly in compliance with a certain level and angle, only after that the solution is poured.

During operation, the vibrating screed is placed on prepared guides and slowly moved at the optimal speed for leveling the surface.

Pulling is usually done using the lugs located on opposite sides of the working rail.

The principle of operation can be compared to plastering a wall using the beacon rule, but with a rather serious vibration effect.

Price from 12 thousand for models with a solid profile.

According to their purpose, vibrating screeds are divided into:

Double

Options for concrete - for compacting and leveling concrete surfaces using guides.

Structurally, the working part of the tool consists of two parallel profiles of mainly rectangular cross-section, fixedly connected to each other by rigid clamps, which forms a kind of frame.

Such equipment moves along guides, and due to a pair of profiles, it allows only one pass.

Finishing (vibrating mops)

Designed to work without the use of guides, this is the floating version.

Grout models

Tamping equipment is considered conditionally due to the specific functionality; it is used at the final stage of work to eliminate unevenness on concrete surfaces.

According to the type of working profile, vibrating screeds are:

Hard

Fixed length, which usually does not exceed 3 m (there are exceptions), otherwise there will be serious inconveniences during transportation between objects.

Cost 20 – 40 thousand rubles.

Telescopic

Rectangular frames with sliding slats, which allows you to level a large area of ​​mortar in one pass.

Before starting work, the model is laid out to the required width.

Sliding models are more convenient to transport due to the fact that their length when folded is reduced by almost 2 times.

Cost 25 – 50 thousand rubles.

Sectional

The main purpose is work in industrial construction.

The required length of the slats is selected from frame sections of 1 - 2 meters in stationary conditions.

The total length of the assembled sections can reach 25 m.

These models can compact down to a depth of 120mm.

Reversible

It has a box-shaped profile with edges rounded on both sides, which allows you to compact concrete by moving the unit both “toward” and “away”, in contrast to the same L-shaped profile.

The leveled and compacted surface is usually treated with trowelling devices.

Typical design and operating principle

The main components of the device in question are the following:

• Working frame - it is in direct contact with the concrete surface.
• Vibrator - attached to the frame and creates intense vibration movements, which perform the function of tamping and compaction.
• Motor - sometimes the vibrator is pre-mounted with it.
• Handles with which the vibrating screed is controlled.
• All handles are covered with vibration-absorbing material, otherwise working with the device will be very uncomfortable.

If a person has all the specified components, then creating a vibrating screed for processing concrete with your own hands will not be a big problem.

The device works simply - the engine drives a vibrator, which transmits its movement to the working frame. The frame itself is in contact with the surface being processed and transmits the generated vibrations to it.

The vibrator itself functions thanks to the presence in its structure of a special part - an eccentric, which creates powerful frequency vibrations that are transmitted to the frame. The higher the vibration frequency and the slower the surface is processed, the denser and better quality it will be.

Homemade vibrating screed for concrete

Types of vibrating slats for laying concrete mixture

When constructing concrete surfaces for platforms, roads, floor screeds, and slab foundations, special attention is paid to the strength, evenness and smoothness of the surface. The leveling method using hand tools is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Vibrating screeds for laying concrete, mortar and mixtures will help improve the quality and speed up work.

Vibration compacts the freshly laid material, removing air bubbles. After the concrete hardens, there are no cavities in it, into which moisture could get in over time and destroy the surface of the monolith. Vibrating screed treatment improves the quality of the surface layer, increases: strength, water resistance, frost resistance and wear resistance.

Features of using the device

A vibrating screed is a device that passes over the surface of the concrete being laid and performs several important tasks at once:

• Tamping the mixture, making the future coating more durable.
• Compaction of the solution - it contains a large amount of air impurities that require removal.
• Leveling the surface.

As a result, the structure of the concrete surface will be of higher quality and more durable.

This treatment of concrete makes it possible to achieve good performance characteristics of the future coating and remove possible voids, water and air bubbles from it. After vibrating lath, the coating is completely ready for finishing: laying tiles, laminate, linoleum, heated floors and other options.

The product is used in private construction and on an industrial scale.

With its help, the following are built:

• bridges;
• hydraulic structures;
• overpasses;
• floors;
• blind areas;
• foundations and other similar objects.

Vibrating screed can be used for a large number of structures

Methods for making vibrating screeds

A homemade vibrating screed is a tool with a simple structure. It consists of the following main structural elements:

• drive;
• slats (frames);
• control knobs.

At home, vibrating tools are made in two ways:

• in the form of a mop;
• in the form of a rigid frame.

The equipment is driven by a gasoline or electric motor. For home use, it is better to use an electric motor as the basis of the mechanism, because it can be used indoors without any problems, for example, when screeding a floor.

The motor can be removed from an old power tool or from an unused household appliance.

An electric motor with a power of 1.5 kW is enough to compact a layer of concrete mortar 200 mm thick, as well as level it. If you use a motor with a large value of this parameter, this will, in most cases, lead to unnecessary energy consumption. Only when you really plan to carry out a large volume of construction operations in domestic conditions associated with compacting concrete, can you take a motor of greater power. This will be a justified step in terms of productivity, efficiency and safety of work.

If you have to work mainly outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, then it is quite possible to replace the electric motor with an internal combustion engine, for example, from a chainsaw or brush cutter. You just need to use it to start, in conjunction with the clutch.

To make the frame, a steel channel or a flat board is suitable. For home use, it is enough to equip homemade vibration equipment with a rack up to 3 m long. When choosing this parameter, in the general case, you need to be guided by the size of the object that needs to be built.

Design and principle of operation of a vibrating screed

A tool such as a vibrating screed is considered narrow-profile, as it is used for certain work - leveling concrete pours . The design consists of a rigid frame and a vibrator, which causes the working element to move asynchronously after starting the engine.

For convenient control, the device is equipped with handles that look like the handlebars of a bicycle or motorcycle. The vibration motor is powered by electricity or gasoline.

Reference! The frame (usually) is made of a thick sheet of aluminum or high quality alloy steel.

Operating principle of the device:

• by pressing the start button the unit is started;

• the engine transmits rotational movements to the frame system that reach the frame (rules);

• under the influence of the moving frame, the concrete solution also becomes mobile, as a result of which air bubbles come out of it, and high-quality compaction of the concrete is achieved.

The parameters of the vibrating screed working element vary (from 0.3 to 10 m), which largely depends on the type of installation being performed.

When comparing the gasoline and electric units, it was concluded that the first option is more powerful. Therefore, it is used in large-scale construction. Gasoline units have a peculiarity - they emit harmful impurities into the atmosphere during operation, which are formed as a result of fuel combustion. This gives grounds to limit the use of the installation, allowing work only on open construction sites. The electric model is used for both external and internal installation.

Reference! The main functions of a vibrating screed are to compact the concrete solution and expel air bubbles from it. A good idea is to use a device for leveling the concrete surface (screed, floors, etc.).

Construction stores offer a wide range of vibrating laths, but their prices are quite high. The simple design of the unit allows it to be installed at home using available materials.

Preparatory stage of work

A floating vibratory screed is not technically complicated, but to assemble it with your own hands you will need minimal knowledge in the field of construction.

As noted above, it is much easier to buy this device at the nearest specialized store, but if you want to save money and assemble it yourself, you should carefully prepare for the work.

To assemble it yourself, you must have basic skills in working with welding and electricity.

It is extremely important that when assembling a floating vibrating screed with your own hands, follow the safety rules.

Diagram of the vibrating screed: 1 - working plate; 2- vibrator; 3- shaft; 4-shock absorbers; 5- frame; 6- engine; 7- belt drive; 8.9- pulleys; 10-drive shaft.

This is because most of the work will be done using a three-phase starter.

Experts consider the optimal size of the working part of a vibrating screed to be three meters, and it is better to take the engine power no more than one and a half kW.

As practice shows, a floating vibratory screed with such parameters will allow you to work with a solution whose thickness is up to twenty centimeters.

To make this universal device with your own hands, you need to have a channel and fittings on hand, as well as angles made of steel or aluminum.

In addition, you need to stock up on bolts with different diameters, insulating rubber, and high-quality three-phase cable.

You will definitely need an electric motor of appropriate power, suitable starters for it, as well as the vibration installation itself.

The tools you should find are a welding machine, a drill with a screwdriver, and a set of wrenches.

All materials must be of high quality and reliable, since during its operation the floating vibratory screed will be subject to fairly high loads.

In addition, when assembling this device, it is necessary to comply with safety regulations as much as possible and ensure reliable protection of all electrical components of the equipment.

It is advisable at the preliminary stage of work to draw up a detailed drawing of the assembled device and carry out all work in strict accordance with it.

Vibrating screed rental

Professional vibrating screeds cost from 20,000 rubles (electric) and from 40,000 rubles (gasoline). Not everyone can afford this.

Also, many developers do not see the point in spending that kind of money, and when screeding the floor and foundation, they cannot do without this tool.

Therefore, the best option would be to rent a vibrating screed for concrete. Almost all large stores offer rental services for tools and equipment.

You can rent a vibratory screed for a certain number of hours or several days, leaving a certain deposit, which is provided for by the store’s policy.

How to choose a vibrating screed?

A vibrating screed is a rather expensive professional tool.

Although the model line of some manufacturers includes a budget series of equipment, for private construction or for small volumes of work, renting tools will be optimal.

Craftsmen who are busy filling areas with concrete will need a good professional vibrating screed.

If we talk about floating models, the best option would be one with replaceable blades.

Its advantages include the ability to select the required width within a fairly wide range, as well as ease of transportation.

For the same reason, you should look towards telescopic frames when purchasing equipment for guides.

If you plan to work on electrified objects, electric vibrating screeds are advantageous, since they can be used both outside and indoors.

NOTE:

The main disadvantages of 220 V models (for household power supply) lie in their higher cost than 42 and 380 volt models, and when compared with gasoline equipment, the wire is of limited length. On the other hand, 42 V vibrating laths require additional equipment in the form of a step-down transformer, and 380 V devices require a three-phase industrial network.

The choice of vibrating screed should be made taking into account the type and volume of work to be done, of course, priority is given to models with the ability to adjust the width of the working profile.

Also a good addition would be to adjust the vibration frequency and driving force.

In addition, you should take into account the required productivity, the duration of the working season, the location of operation, and the availability of high-quality service support.

DIY vibration screed

For small jobs, you can use a homemade vibrating screed.

Manufacturing

The simplest option is to assemble a vibrating screed from a board, timber and drill.

1. 
   First, the surface of the board must be sanded, all irregularities must be removed. It is this material that will serve as the basis.

2. Next, a drill is attached to the board, about 25 cm wide and about 30 mm thick, with self-tapping screws. The drill should lie lengthwise on one of the sides.
3. Also, a meter-long beam is attached to the board using self-tapping screws.

Usage

It is easy to use.

You insert a curved drill into the chuck of an electric drill and connect it to the mains, thereby creating vibration movements of your board.

Flaws

There are no shortcomings in a homemade vibrating screed. They are as follows:

• No matter how you sand the board, it will not have the same smooth surface as an aluminum screed.
• The power of the drill is not sufficient to work with a larger board, and accordingly, the work will be performed in small sections.
• Disposable vibration screed, because After the first use, the board will become unusable.
• It is impossible to regulate the speed.

Vibrating screed option with aluminum profile

It will be more difficult to make a vibrating screed with a metal lath with your own hands. In addition to the monetary costs, you also need to have technical knowledge.

Instead of a board, in this version an aluminum profile will be used. This design will last you longer. The function of the handle will be performed by a pipe, and, of course, a vibration motor.

We do not recommend using welding in this option. For safety reasons, cover the handle of such equipment with insulating material.

Adviсe

1. Your homemade design will be reliable if you secure all its components properly . The bolts must be tightly screwed. The wire should not dangle.
2. After you have made a vibrating screed with your own hands, test it . To begin with, a small surface will suit you. Test your homemade tool first, otherwise you may ruin the entire screed. Do the work without rushing.

How to make your own vibrating screed for concrete compaction

Concrete coating is one of the most popular and widely used in construction. It is characterized by high wear resistance, strength, and long-term operation. Screed, blind area, floor, columns, as well as many other options for using concrete require a competent approach to pouring technologies. In order for the quality of the coating to be high, you need to have on hand not only good building materials, but also special tools. Therefore, a master who follows the instructions must have a vibrating screed. It will help compact, compact and level the mortar mass.

Purpose and varieties

A vibrating screed is equipment used for several operations when pouring concrete:

The vibrating screed removes remaining air bubbles and water from the concrete. This prevents the formation of cavities inside the hardened concrete, which can subsequently cause structural failure. Modern tool models allow you to obtain a perfectly smooth finishing surface.

Vibrating screeds for concrete compaction are used both on an industrial scale (bridges, overpasses, hydraulic structures) and in individual construction (foundation, floor, blind area). A professional tool is expensive, but for home use it is quite possible to make a simple mechanism with good performance characteristics.

Such models are installed on concrete and smoothly pull themselves, while compacting and compacting a layer up to 18 cm deep. Grip length – from 1.5 to 5 m. Used for freshly laid surfaces. They are operated by one specialist, for whom operation of the device does not present any problems.

2. Working according to guides.

More productive and efficient, they compact the layer up to 30 cm. The power of the tool allows you to do without deep vibrators. They have a lot of weight, which is precisely what determines the use of guides, thanks to which the rail does not sink into the concrete.

Engineering is progressing, so new models are appearing that combine the characteristics of basic and innovative capabilities. Reversible vibrating screeds can move not only forward, but also backward. And sectional (sliding) ones allow you to capture a width of up to 25 meters.

Any vibrating screed consists of two main parts - a profile and a power unit. The shapes of the structures are very diverse. An aluminum, magnesium or steel profile is used. It is possible to use a gasoline or electric engine.

Operating principle and structure of the rack

The vibration screed consists of two elements:

• Rigid, durable frame. Consists of two parallel slats or wide strips made of high-quality alloy steel or thick aluminum. Lightweight aluminum does not corrode, is easier to maintain and lasts a long time. Steel planks are cheaper.
• Vibration system. A gasoline or electric engine drives the frame into asynchronous motion.

The device moves along the plane manually. When the motor starts, a rotational motion is transmitted, causing translational vibrations of the rack. The vibration of the frame compacts the solution, releasing air from the voids. A vibration screed with a gasoline engine is more powerful and efficient than an electric one. But a gasoline-powered unit emits harmful waste products into the environment, so it is recommended to compact concrete indoors using an electrically driven device.

The length of the planks reaches 10 meters, which allows the structure to be used for leveling surfaces of any size. On large areas it is more convenient to compact with an autonomous gasoline engine. The marks left behind are removed with a grinding machine while the cement screed hardens.

Types of vibration devices

Divided into 3 types:

• Floating, non-retractable. The simplest ones, intended for private use. Their power does not exceed 1.2 kW. The area of ​​the compacted surface is limited by the length (no more than 3 meters) of the floating rigidly fixed strip.
• Telescopic, sliding. The devices are practical and versatile, allowing you to compact concrete screeds of any size. When extending, the slats increase the length to 10 meters. The leveling frame of such units consists of two bars. Designed for use by professional builders. Structurally more complex, they cost more than floating models.
• Sectional. The working part is increased by adding additional triangular frames to the rule. Functional, with convenient adjustment.

• Before starting, the tool is carefully checked: the bar must be clean, the fasteners are securely tightened;
• the operating engine must not be touched;
• after turning off the device, the rack is washed with water;
• if necessary, work with a gasoline model indoors, ensure good ventilation;
• The electric motor must be grounded.

Prices for vibrating screeds

The table shows the cost of some popular vibrating screed models:

Assembling a basic vibration screed with your own hands

To compact a concrete surface in a small room in 30 minutes, a disposable device is assembled from scrap materials. For production you will need:

• A smooth, strong board 3-3.5 cm wide, 25-28 cm long, 50-60 cm long.
• Handle made of a block or pole up to 1.5 m long.
• Drill with button lock.
• Aluminum mounting plates.

The tool is assembled in the following order:

• The surface of the board must be smooth; for this it is cleaned and sanded.
• The drill is fixed with aluminum plates and self-tapping screws on a wooden plank in the middle so that the axis of rotation of the chuck and the center of the board coincide.
• The handle is filed at an angle and similarly secured to the board with an oblique cut.
• A rod with a shifted center of gravity is installed in the drill chuck: a piece of reinforcement, a crooked drill bit, or a clamping key to the chuck.

The button of the drill connected to the network is clamped and fixed. The vibration created by the displaced center of gravity of an object inserted into the chuck is transmitted to the board.

The metal profile is more even and smooth than the board. And the weight and power of the units sold make it possible to use long slats and cover a large area, but for a single use such a vibrating screed will do.

Assembling a metal rail

For many craftsmen, the main difficulty is the lack of a welding machine and skills in handling it. In this case, welding of parts is replaced by a bolted connection.

For production you will need:

• steel channel, profile pipe or aluminum rail of the required length (1.5-2 meters or more);
• 2 corners 4x4 20x25 cm or channel sections;
• 2 pieces of pipe or fittings for handles of a convenient length;
• vibration motor, electric motor or internal combustion engine (for example, from a chain saw or walk-behind tractor, together with a clutch).

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• Corners are welded on top of the center of the channel across the strip. The distance between them is determined by the size of the engine. Holes for mounting the motor are drilled and it is installed. The fasteners are tightened thoroughly so that the vibration is transferred to the frame and the motor does not come loose.
• Handles made of the selected material are welded on both sides of the engine. When working with an electrical device, they are isolated and the motor is grounded. Having the appropriate knowledge in electrical engineering, a speed controller is installed on the handle.

Installation of the main element of the vibration rack

Well, now it’s time to work with the rule. It is necessary to drill 4 holes in it so that it can be connected to the side ribs of the platform with bolts. And again, fasteners from the “couldn’t get simpler” series. If necessary, the rule can be removed and used manually, or replaced with a longer or shorter one.

PHOTO: YouTube.com The rule has been established, which means you can assemble and check the vibrating screed for functionality

Peculiarities

The work of the vibrating screed is based on removing air bubbles and excess moisture from the solution, which minimizes the formation of voids and, after drying, makes the mixture more dense and homogeneous. The mixture, which has not yet had time to dry, under the influence of vibration, moves the concrete and grains of crushed stone in it, thereby displacing voids and air. The result is a monolithic surface, devoid of seams and cracks.

The surface of floors, bridges, road surfaces or concrete platforms treated with such a device will be durable and strong.

Vibrating screeds are actively used in both private housing construction and industrial-scale construction sites. They are also used if it is necessary to level any surfaces during concreting done in layers.

The invention of this unit can be considered one of the achievements of modern technologies that influence the improvement of construction processes.

The vibrating screed for concrete is used mainly for freshly laid mortars that have not yet had time to dry, as well as for the purpose of correcting cement layers.

Design and principle of operation of the mechanism

The vibration screed consists of the following parts:

• an engine with a vibrator, powered by electricity or gasoline;
• handles treated with vibration isolator;
• a working frame with a vibrator, which is made of metal hollow pipes and a metal profile tightly attached to them.

The operating principle of the device is based on the fact that torque is transmitted from the engine to the vibrator. As a result, the eccentrics of the vibrator, which has a displaced center of gravity, create certain vibrations that are transmitted to the concrete layer through the profile.

The optimal operating mode of the vibrating screed is selected using a special sensor. The higher the oscillation frequency and the lower the speed, the mixture will be denser, but the work productivity will noticeably decrease.

The vibrations of the vibrating screed help to achieve 7-day strength of the concrete layer within 24 hours of work. In addition, the impact of this mechanism significantly increases the resistance of concrete to frost and temperature changes, by almost 30%.

What is a rack vibratory compactor

In fact, a vibrating screed for concrete is a standard rule on which a three-phase asynchronous motor with eccentrics is attached. When the shaft rotates, the displaced center of gravity of the eccentrics causes mechanical vibrations that are transmitted to the rule in the form of vibrations of various frequencies. As a rule, a metal frame made of interconnected hollow profiles is used. To control the structure, handles with a vibration-insulating coating are provided, and for carrying, transport handles are provided.

Vibration treatment of the concrete mixture prevents the formation of voids in the hardened mortar and cracks on its surface, thereby improving its performance properties.

Rack seals are also used when working with dry screeds (at a humidity level of 20%). With the help of vibrating slats, you can quickly and efficiently lay paving slabs.

Electric motor installation

Metal corners will securely fix the engine. It is better to place it in the center of the profile. This will help distribute the vibrations along the entire length of the rack. The engine is secured in two main ways. The first involves installing a special mount directly on the electric motor, then the resulting structure is attached to the profile itself. In the second case, it is necessary to secure the corners to a metal beam and only then install the engine on the structure. To fix the electric motor on the profile, use self-tapping screws or welding. Both methods are equally effective, but a welding machine, unlike a screwdriver, is not accessible to everyone.

What to use as a vibrating screed motor

When starting to make such a tool, you should understand that it must be universal. The point is that pouring the screed is a one-time job, which means that the engine from the vibrating screed (if the latter is not needed) should be used for other purposes. Therefore, the best option here would be to use a conventional vibration grinder as a motor.

There is another advantage to using a grinder: you don’t need to trick a regular motor shaft by turning it into a vibrating one. All that remains is to think about how to attach the electrical equipment to the platform so as not to damage the grinder.

Sanding concrete ceilings and walls

Performed to eliminate seams in monolithic slabs. The seams are located at the junction of the formwork sheets, but do not fit tightly to each other. That is why, after removing them, bulges, bulges or spills may appear at the joints.

Sanded walls, ceilings and partitions help to decorate the room in the Loft style. To fully achieve this effect, the concrete is additionally polished, bringing it to a shine.

Sanding concrete walls allows you to remove old paint or refresh plastered walls.

For grouting walls and ceilings, hand-held grinding machines equipped with a dustproof casing are used. Instead of cutting elements, cups with diamond coating are used.

Method of working with a vibrating screed

1. 
   Before pouring concrete, it is necessary to set the horizontal guides.

2. The vibrating screed is lined up along the guides.
3. The concrete mixture begins to be poured, which should slightly cover the vibrating screed.
4. Next comes the compaction process by vibration of the tool.
5. The rail is pulled along the aligned guides.
6. During operation, the vibrating screed makes unpleasant noises, and due to vibration, calluses can form, so use personal protective equipment.

All of the above methods will help to avoid difficulties when laying concrete pavement.

Homemade vibrating screed for concrete - specifics of use

Despite the simplicity of the design, follow certain rules when working with a vibrating compactor:

• check the operation of the equipment before starting;
• mount, if necessary, guides at the zero level;
• use a lath with a power corresponding to the thickness of the concrete layer;
• pour concrete mortar onto the base two centimeters above the level of the guides;
• start the vibration installation and gradually move the device;
• control the invariance of the position of the beacons during the operation of the rack;
• add small portions of concrete mixture in areas of subsidence;
• clean the metal structure from adhering solution;
• Clean up any defects on the finished surface after the concrete has hardened.

Compliance with these rules will ensure the quality of the formed surface and make it easier to work with the tool.

Platform for installing vibration motor

To make a platform for the engine you will need two wide brackets. You can find them at a metal warehouse, or perhaps someone has similar ones lying around in their garage or shed. As a last resort, you can purchase a small piece of cable duct and unravel it using a grinder. The width of the staple should be 5–7 cm, this will be enough.

To make the platform, you will need to weld these brackets to the handle of the paint roller. In words, everything can be difficult to understand, so we suggest you pay attention to the photo example posted below.

PHOTO: YouTube.com This is how you need to weld the staples to the handle of the roller

That's all the welding work that was mentioned at the beginning of the article.

Advantages of a homemade device

During manual work, the mixture is prepared and applied to the wall in small sections. Drying occurs unevenly, which leads to unevenness and cracks.

When using mechanics, the solution can be saved by saturation with air during the process of mixing and spraying under pressure. For finishing 1 sq. m with the manual method it takes 16 kg, mechanized - 13 (calculation is approximate, depends on the thickness of the layer).

A do-it-yourself plastering machine, assembled from what you found in the garage, can make finishing work easier.

Mount for grinder

The sander can be secured to the platform using two pieces of DIN rail. They must be screwed in such a way that the power tool can be tightened using bolts on both sides. Elementary clamps that are very easy to disassemble if necessary, and then use the vibrating grinder for its intended purpose.

PHOTO: YouTube.com Attaching a sander to a platform can be ridiculously simple

Basic grinding steps

Concrete grinding begins 2-3 weeks after pouring the solution. By this time, it will gain strength, and the crushed stone or granite will be well fixed in the total mass, so they remain motionless during grinding.

The surface of a fresh concrete screed is covered with cement laitance, which must be removed before treatment.

Before grinding itself, the following preparatory operations are performed:

• checking the floor for cracks and defects, which, if they appear, must be eliminated;
• tapping the floor to identify subsidence; if detected, refill the floor;
• removal of remnants of reinforcement and mesh;
• caulking the seams between the floor and baseboards.

When the concrete gains strength, it needs to be checked for rigidity. To do this, you need to sand a small area and check the result.

Stage 1. Rough grinding of concrete. This operation can be performed with your own hands using a grinder, on which diamond discs with a grain size of 20-30 microns are installed.

Stage 2. Impregnation of the concrete coating with strengthening solutions. They will react with concrete and due to this provide it with better moisture resistance.

Stage 3. Grinding the floor with diamond nozzles with a grain size of 50-120 microns. When choosing a wet treatment method, the floor surface must first be watered with a hose.

Stage 4. Finish grouting of the floor using a disc with a grain size of 400-1000 microns. This procedure will produce polished concrete and improve its strength.

Stage 5. Remove dust and dry the sanded floor. If necessary, coat it with paint or polyurethane varnish.

Method of performing vibroslating at home

To make a vibrating screed for laying concrete yourself, you need to acquire the necessary parts.

To fasten spare parts together, you should use a welding machine or other available options for creating fasteners.

Handles can be easily made from pieces of reinforcement or small diameter pipes. The build process looks like this:

• Two corners are connected to a channel of the required size (it will act as a frame).
• The handles of the device need to be attached to the channel. Their length should be sufficient for comfortable work.
• The engine is also mounted on a channel, usually in the middle.

It would be nice to use aluminum to create the frame; it is not subject to corrosion and is lightweight. Creating a vibrating screed for laying concrete is not an easy task, but it is quite within the capabilities of the average person.

Making a unit for treating concrete surfaces is not that difficult. Using a store-bought device will definitely be more pleasant, but a homemade version, if executed correctly, can easily cope with the tasks assigned to it.

The power of the selected motor must be sufficient to create high frequency oscillations. To get an even and compacted coating, you need to move the lath slowly, pay attention to problem areas on the concrete surface, and periodically clean the working frame from material that will stick to it.

Features of choice

To select the correct tool, consider:

Workload. To compact small areas, a floating or telescopic structure is sufficient. It is advisable to treat large areas with vibrating screeds on guides or sectional ones.

Engine's type. For safety reasons, it is prohibited to use slats with a gasoline vibrator in a confined space. For electric, you need to have a power source suitable for the number of phases.

Density of concrete. If you have to work with mixtures of different characteristics, you need to purchase a tool with an adjustable vibration frequency. Then stiffer mixtures will be compacted well, and in liquid ones the equipment will not sink. The oscillation frequency is adjusted by changing the position of the vibrator's unbalances.

The mass of the vibrating screed. The lightweight design is convenient for one operator to use. Massive equipment is used for team work.

Beam length. For maneuvering in small areas, it is rational to use profiles measuring 1.5-2 m. Concreting large spaces is carried out with a larger tool.

Material. Steel vibrating laths are made of channels and have high strength and rigidity. Aluminum ones are made from profiles. They are lightweight and durable.

Cost of equipment. Prices for vibrating screeds depend on the design, material, type of drive, options, and manufacturer. They range from 10 thousand rubles to 350 thousand. Steel options are cheaper than aluminum ones.

You can order vibrating screeds for concrete at competitive prices here