Re: SB: New stucco sprayer plans now ready...

[John Kingsley <johnk@magma.ca>]

Hi Marcus,

Marcus Hardwick wrote:
> Nice work John. I really like the scoop-n-spray approach. Smaller hopper
> obviously means you have to fill it more frequently but it looks a lot easier
> and quicker to do. Two handed operation avoids strain on one arm (or wrist).

Yes, the hopper size is a trade off: the smaller the hopper, the lighter
it is to hold but more scooping is required as you say.

The size I have holds about 1/2 gallon or just over 2 litres of "mud".
This empties from the hopper in about 45 seconds or so (I haven't timed
it so this is just a guess!).

On my web site there is a spreadsheet so if you want to make the hopper
a little bigger, just change the inputs: width, height, etc and
new dimensions for the pattern for the hopper are calculated.
But it is important to play around in cardboard with scissors
and a stapler before transfering it to metal.  It makes a good
winter project!

> Seems like if you had a helper they could bring mud to you by rotating batches
> in a couple of wheelbarrows. Mix mud and maybe do knock down too? I'll have to
> try building one.

Yes, helpers sure make the work progress faster!  But the nice thing
with this little sprayer is that you can easily stop and take a break.
The hopper cleans out real easy.  Compare this to a full size
professional sprayer with pump. That is a 8 or 9 person job and
once the mortar starts flowing you don't want it to sit in the
hoses and cure.  Mind you, an entire house can be sprayed in a
few days with this kind of professional setup.

> What are you thinking of for earth plaster? Larger 'blast
> hole'? Multiple holes?

Yes, both.  I haven't really thought about it much and I know
very little about earthen plaster.  So this summer I'm going to
to learn more about it and try to do some experiments.

...And now some comments not directly related to your email...

I'm not sure if the earthen-inclined folks out there
will like it.  It might be too high tech - sometimes simple
is better.

Here are the cons that I can think of:
  - you need compressed air
  - it is a little noisy
  - you need air and eye protection (lots of particles in the air)
  - tends to make a big mess since the plaster is less controlled
    (e.g. you have to cover windows before starting to plaster)
  - you have one more machine to maintain

And the pros:
  - it speeds up the plaster job
  - less skill is required to apply the plaster (compared
    to hand application when doing cement plaster)
  - it makes a great bond of the mortar with the straw
  - my arms and wrist are much more happy at the end of the day
    (but still exhausted!) [Yes, I know this contradicts what
    Lars said earlier with his sprayer but it is just my observation.]

All I can say is that it worked for me.  It seemed to be
a good compromise between doing everything by hand and
having a full size professional sprayer and pump setup.

cheers,
John

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