concrete Block building

Scotty Dive · Nov 16, 2011

Need some guidance here...I have used concrete before but really only for mail box posts, flag poles and mortar jobs.

I want to build a rectangular concrete block with hooks that will attach to the back edge of the box blade and on my back blade - I think 200+ pounds would be good to add some additional counter weight - I have loaded turf tires and a FEL.

So...My guess is to build a plywood box and pour/make some concrete - ...
1. How do I get the plywood to pop off after the concrete has cured?
2. If I place hooks into the cement - do I need to attach it to multiple pieces of rebar for strength? Will the hooks hold or eventually break out due to bouncing and general movement when using the BB or back blade?

Is my idea crazy? - shoot holes in it. I just figured it was a cheap and easy solution to my problem....a lot cheaper then finding suit case weights that would hang on to the BB or the back blade.

Combustix · Nov 16, 2011

Sounds like a good idea I would use the rebar as my hooks and bend them so the pass through the whole block and can hook on the back blade. Dont worry about the plywood I would just get a pry bar and pull off. Post some pics when your done

NormL · Nov 16, 2011

Scotty Dive said:
Need some guidance here...I have used concrete before but really only for mail box posts, flag poles and mortar jobs.

I want to build a rectangular concrete block with hooks that will attach to the back edge of the box blade and on my back blade - I think 200+ pounds would be good to add some additional counter weight - I have loaded turf tires and a FEL.

So...My guess is to build a plywood box and pour/make some concrete - ...
1. How do I get the plywood to pop off after the concrete has cured?
2. If I place hooks into the cement - do I need to attach it to multiple pieces of rebar for strength? Will the hooks hold or eventually break out due to bouncing and general movement when using the BB or back blade?

Is my idea crazy? - shoot holes in it. I just figured it was a cheap and easy solution to my problem....a lot cheaper then finding suit case weights that would hang on to the BB or the back blade.

Just moisten the forms with used oil. They will separate much easier.

Gary Fowler · Nov 16, 2011

We used good ole Johnsons Paste floor wax on plywood forms in heavy constructions jobs. Just rub on a good coating and dont miss any spots and the forms will come off with no concrete adherance. Some oils are not good for concrete strength and ****** the set up so be careful with that. There is a special concrete form oil but cheapest thing is the floor wax.

Gary Fowler · Nov 16, 2011

Also just bend an L shape on your rebar and insert it minimum of 6" into the concrete and it should hold. Best to cold bend it if you can. If you get it too hot, you will substantially weaken it. I think that if you have a welding machine, you could fab up some attachment plates to bolt the whole thing onto your box blade. Bolts could also be used as concrete anchors. You could weld on nuts to your attachment plate on the concrete side and then screw in the bolts after you got it all formed up and ready to pour.

LD1 · Nov 16, 2011

If you can, I would form the two hooks out of ONE peice of rebar. And make sure it is embedded a good 6" or so into the concrete. It will never pull out.

I would also wad up some wire or old fence and place in there as well. It makes it a lot stronger and you wont have to worry about it breaking into two peices or anything.

This is also a good time to get rid of any old/bent nails you may have. If you are like me, I have a jar full of em. Anytime I tear something down, or re-make something, I save the bent nails. Because I dont like burning them, and I certainly dont like taking them to the scrap yard, because the risk of flat tires there is already high. Anytime I do anything with concrete, I dispose of all my bent nails:thumbsup:

And x2 on not worring about the forms. They will come right off .

bozowise · Nov 16, 2011

I just did this for my disk and used regular spray pam on the forms. Popped right off this am.

Once you pour in the concrete make sure and hit the sides of the form with a hammer multiple times all around as it helps smooth the sides. I also put some molding in the corners of the form so the edges are rounded.

I used chains as the attachemnt point because they are versital on moving the blocks and mounting them on different items.

Scotty Dive · Nov 16, 2011

Any pictures?

Egon · Nov 17, 2011

Once you pour in the concrete make sure and hit the sides of the form with a hammer multiple times all around as it helps smooth the sides./QUOTE]

Maybe, but not too many times or the aggregate all ends up on the bottom and the sides in contact with the form get too high a water ratio.