Product type
— Mixer. Construction tool for mixing various building mixtures: paint, glue, plaster, mortar, etc. Unlike drill mixers (see below), the functionality of these devices is strictly limited to mixing viscous solutions. But at the same time they are much more powerful, reliable and boast high torque. They can be in demand both in construction and in the household.
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Drill mixer. This tool combines the functionality of a construction mixer and a classic drill in one relatively compact body, making it a more versatile solution for home use. Usually, all models of this type are equipped with a chuck and support the possibility of installing a mixing nozzle or equipment for drilling holes in wood and other materials. Lighter and more convenient to use when compared with the mixers described above, but at the same time inferior to them in terms of power.
Real power
The useful power of the tool is the maximum power that it can deliver to the working nozzle. This power is always less than the power consumed (see below), since part of the electricity inevitably goes to heat and friction in the tool mechanisms. In addition, this parameter is not given for every model, often information in the characteristics is limited to power consumption. Nevertheless, the actual capabilities of the tool directly depend on the net power: the higher it is, the greater the speed and/or torque this model is able to develop, the easier it is for it to cope with tasks that require high efforts. So, to compare different devices with each other, it is best to use this parameter (of course, you can only compare models of the same type or similar in type).
Also note that high working power is not always an advantage: it accordingly affects the dimensions, weight and price of the tool, while in fact high speeds and efforts are not always necessary. Detailed recommendations on the optimal values for different tools and different types of work can be found in special sources.
Power consumption
The power consumed by the construction mixer (see "Device") during operation.
High power provides the device with high performance — such a model can easily cope with complex tasks, such as mixing a large volume of mixture at a time or while working with heavy fillers, such as crushed stone. On the other hand, high power affects the power consumption of the device, its weight, dimensions and cost. It makes little sense to purchase a powerful model if you select a tool for domestic use from time to time.
Rotation speed
The rotation speed of the nozzle or mixing container provided by a plaster mixers.
High rotation speed devices work best with paints, varnishes and glues.
Low rotation speed models do a good job of preparing thick mixtures. Many modern plaster mixers and mixer-drills support the ability to adjust the speed (see "Features"), which allows user to choose the most optimal mode for a particular mixture. Powerful tools especially need a rotation under heavy load support system.
Max. torque
The
higher the torque, the better the tool handles viscous masses, where special force is required to turn the mixing nozzle. It is measured in Newtons per metre (N/m). Note that with an increase in the speed of rotation (see "Number of revolutions"), the torque decreases, and vice versa.
Max. mixing paddle diameter
The vast majority of attachments for construction mixers have a standard size in length, usually 600 mm. But their diameter may differ, its maximum size is limited by the manufacturer, which must be considered when choosing. The indicator depends on the technical characteristics of the tool. The most popular sizes are
120mm,
140mm and
160mm nozzles. The larger the diameter of the auger, the easier it can cope with a large volume of mixed mixture.
Reduction drive
The ability to switch speeds allows you to cope with various types of tasks: low speed and high torque are perfect for mixing viscous or heavy mixtures, and vice versa — high speed and low torque are better to cope with liquid materials such as paint, glue, etc.
Note that the support for
two speeds provides the presence of a two-speed gearbox. At the same time, many modern construction mixers with a single-speed gearbox support the ability to smoothly adjust the speed of rotation of the nozzle (see "Functions / Capabilities").
Reverse
Type of
reverse provided in the design of the tool.
Reverse allows you to switch the direction of rotation of the nozzle. The type of switch responsible for this function is also indicated here. There are sliders, flags, and on the start button. Here is a detailed description of each of these varieties:
- Slider. The switch is in the form of a slider with two opposite positions. As a rule, it moves in the “back and forth” direction relative to the tool chuck - this format is considered the most practical. The sliders are quite simple and at the same time convenient and visual. That is why they are the most popular option nowadays.
— Flag. A switch in the form of a flag, usually installed above the start button and flipped left and right. One of the advantages of a checkbox is that it is right at hand and can be switched with virtually no unnecessary movements (which is not always possible with a slider).
- On the start button. Reverse switch combined with the start button. Such a combination button is usually made in the form of a “rocker”, and the direction of rotation depends on which side of the rocker the customer pressed; The same press immediately starts the engine. This design allows you to easily and quickly change the direction of rotation - for this you do not need to be distracted by individual switches, just move your finger slightly and press the other half of the start button.
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— There is no reverse. In models without a reverse function, you will have to use special right- and left-handed whisks to mix solutions. Nozzles of the first type are intended for the preparation of thick cement and plaster mixtures, of the second order - for mixing substances with a low degree of viscosity. Mixers with reverse do not have such strict requirements for twisting the spiral in the working nozzle, since the direction of rotation of their shaft can be easily changed.Max. stirred weight
Numerical value, expressed in kg, indicating the maximum weight of the solution that the mixer can mix in one step.