A quality concrete coating has many advantages. First of all, it has a long service life, high strength and increased wear resistance. However, all these advantages are present only in the coating, which was made in compliance with the technology. For concrete to be of better quality, it is necessary to compact it very well, then compact and, of course, level it.
At the moment, many devices have been created that greatly facilitate construction work. It is to such devices that the vibrorail for concrete belongs.
What is a vibrorail?
This device consists of a frame, which, as a rule, is made of high-quality steel or aluminum. Another important detail is the vibration unit. It is she who drives the device.
A vibrating rail works for laying concrete thanks to the engine. He is the "heart" of the installation. The engine transmits torque to the vibrating unit. And this, in turn, sets in motion a metal frame. And this detail affects concrete. It is worth noting that the length of the rail can be from 0.5 to 10 meters.
Types of vibration rails
There is a vibrorail for concrete electric and gasoline. The last installation option has more power. However, due to sufficiently harmful emissions into the atmosphere, it is only possible to use a gas vibrorail in the fresh air.
The electrical installation has less power. However, it can be used for construction work directly in the room.
What do you need?
All parts for vibration rails can be purchased at almost any hardware store. Perhaps someone will find material in the home workshop. To get a good vibrorail for concrete, you will need:
- An electric motor with the necessary power.
- Channel, which will serve as the main frame.
- Bolts.
- Aluminum or steel corners.
- The installation is vibration.
- Rubber required for insulation.
- Motor starter, preferably with speed control.
- The cable is three-phase electric.
- Several pieces of fittings for making pens.
What tools are needed?
The vibrorail for concrete considerably facilitates work. To make it, you will need the following tools:
- Screwdriver.
- Drill.
- A set of drill bits for metal.
How to make pens?
Do-it-yourself vibrorail for concrete is not so simple. You must be able to work with a welding machine and have some knowledge of electrical engineering. Start creating vibrorails with handles. It is best to make them from reinforcement. First you need to give them the necessary curved shape.
Ready-made pens should be attached to the profile. This can be done by welding. For reliability, you can fix them with screws. Before fixing the handles, it is better to place the structure on a flat surface, for example, laying it on a desktop or a workbench. So it will be much more convenient. In addition, the handles should be insulated to make the device safe. For these purposes, it is better to use rubber. In addition, holding on to handles made of fittings is not so convenient. Rubber will greatly soften vibration.
Of course, in the manufacture of the device, you can make one handle. However, experts recommend doing two. The vibrarake for laying concrete with two handles is much more convenient and reliable.
Motor connection
When the frame and handles are ready, you can begin to install the engine. This part is best placed in the middle of the profile. So the vibrations will be evenly distributed along the entire length of the rail. There are several ways to fix the engine. For fixing it is better to use corners from metal.
In the first version, you can install the mounts first on the engine, and then weld the finished structure or fasten it to the profile.
The second method involves installing corners to a metal beam. In this case, the engine will be seated on the structure last. To fix the motor to the profile, you can use self-tapping screws or spot welding.
Each of these methods is effective. It's just that not everyone has welding, but a screwdriver can be found in any home.
Build completion
Do-it-yourself vibrorail is more reliable than purchased. However, in its manufacture it is worth considering some nuances. It is better to place the vibration unit so that it can be more firmly and firmly fixed to the profile or handles.
A three-phase wire that hangs underfoot usually becomes the main cause of injury. The starter, which is simply necessary to start the engine, can, of course, be left on the motor. However, it is best to place it on the handle. This will make starting the motor more convenient.
What design can be made?
The vibrorail for laying concrete can be prefabricated. This is relevant if you need to ram up areas of different sizes. To do this, measure equal pieces of profile along the length and cut them off with a grinder. In several places after this, it is worth drilling holes, and then attaching them on both sides to the device as needed. For fixing it is better to use corners.
There is also a frame, double or floating vibrorail. Such a device is perfect for ramming large enough concrete layers. The manufacturing process of a double vibrorail is no different from the assembly of a conventional model. In this case, the engine must also be installed in the center of the structure, but using a special mount.
Experts advise fastening the frame in three places: in the middle and at the ends. It is worth noting that the frame vibrorail can also be a team. It is made of four pieces of profile.
What you need to know to independently make a vibrorail?
Of course, in the manufacture of such a device on one desire and enthusiasm you will not go far. It is necessary to have certain knowledge, as well as skills in the construction field.
In addition, anyone who wants to make a vibrorail with their own hands should have a good understanding of electrics and also know how to work with a welding machine.
Another important point is compliance with safety regulations. After all, the manufacture of vibrorails is carried out on the basis of a three-phase starting mechanism. In the work, as well as in the manufacture, you should carefully handle the device.
The working part of the vibrorail is best done with a length of 2.5 to 3 meters. Of course, it all depends on the size of the poured site. But the power of the finished device should not be more than 1.5 kW. This indicator is quite enough to compact and level the concrete layer, the thickness of which is from 15 to 20 centimeters.
Operation tips
When the vibrorail, made with your own hands, is fully assembled, you can begin to work. Before starting operation, install guides along which the device will move. After that, you can fill the solution layer. The thickness should exceed the marks of the guides by several centimeters. That's all, you can start the ramming process. In this case, do not rush. This is the only way to get an even coating. If you are new to construction, then do not rush to fill large areas on your own. Start with a small area. When you adapt to this kind of work, you can pour in a lot of concrete.
If the layer during ramming the donkey is lower than the rail, then the solution should be added. Otherwise, the surface will be uneven.
Finally
Recently, such devices are in great demand. However, the cost of the devices is quite high. In addition, the service life of purchased appliances is much lower than that of homemade ones. Of course, in some stores rental vibrorails for concrete is available. However, it is better to make the device with your own hands. It is more economical and practical.