Some years ago, I had a new tarmac drive - with a line of pavers all
round to finish it off. The people doing it pointed between the pavers
using a mortar gun - and made it look very easy, but I suspect that
there is a steep learning curve! I later bought a mortar gun but have
not thus far had the courage to use it.

I have a patio which is in need of re-pointing - and would be an ideal
candidate for the mortar gun.

I would be grateful for any pointers(!) as to:
* what sand to use and what sand to cement ratio
* what - and how much - plasticiser to use make the mortar flow
* anything else relevant

TIA.
--
Cheers,
Roger

On 09/05/2022 14:09, Roger Mills wrote:

> Some years ago, I had a new tarmac drive - with a line of pavers all
> round to finish it off. The people doing it pointed between the pavers
> using a mortar gun - and made it look very easy, but I suspect that
> there is a steep learning curve! I later bought a mortar gun but have
> not thus far had the courage to use it.
>
> I have a patio which is in need of re-pointing - and would be an ideal
> candidate for the mortar gun.
>
> I would be grateful for any pointers(!) as to:
> * what sand to use and what sand to cement ratio
> * what - and how much - plasticiser to use make the mortar flow
> * anything else relevant

I sort of feel I ought to be able to answer this since I also got a
mortar gun back when doing my patio rebuild[1] in 2020. However in the
end I did not end up making much use of it, but I can't really remember
why! I think I may have thought it might speed up pointing, but found
that the time spent filling it somewhat negated the benefit.

Plasticiser helps, but you don't need much of it. I typically use 1
measure from the container (prolly about 15ml) per mixer load. Just
added to the gauging water before mixing.

Sand and cement ratio is more determined by the mix you need. A small
amount of grit (sharp) sand added might help it flow.

[1] http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/The_never_ending_patio_rebuild

--
Cheers,

John.

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On 10/05/2022 11:06, John Rumm wrote:
> On 09/05/2022 14:09, Roger Mills wrote:
>
>> Some years ago, I had a new tarmac drive - with a line of pavers all
>> round to finish it off. The people doing it pointed between the pavers
>> using a mortar gun - and made it look very easy, but I suspect that
>> there is a steep learning curve! I later bought a mortar gun but have
>> not thus far had the courage to use it.
>>
>> I have a patio which is in need of re-pointing - and would be an ideal
>> candidate for the mortar gun.
>>
>> I would be grateful for any pointers(!) as to:
>> * what sand to use and what sand to cement ratio
>> * what - and how much - plasticiser to use make the mortar flow
>> * anything else relevant
>
> I sort of feel I ought to be able to answer this since I also got a
> mortar gun back when doing my patio rebuild[1] in 2020. However in the
> end I did not end up making much use of it, but I can't really remember
> why! I think I may have thought it might speed up pointing, but found
> that the time spent filling it somewhat negated the benefit.
>
> Plasticiser helps, but you don't need much of it. I typically use 1
> measure from the container (prolly about 15ml) per mixer load. Just
> added to the gauging water before mixing.
>

Pretty much that, a faff to get a relatively small amount of mortar in,
a faff to get the mix just right so it would go through (too dry, no
good obviously, too wet and you just push the water out of it.

I binned mine.