Thanks¡
I don’t think a project this small would benefit from reinforcing wire. From my understanding, rebar (or other reinforcment) doesn’t actually make the concrete any stronger. It’s purpose is to prevent cracks from spreading. In this case, any strike strong enough to crack it would likely break it, and chicken wire isn’t strong enough to hold the pieces in place.
I’m also not sure if oil was a good idea. It might prevent the water in that area from evaporating while curing. I’m not really sure about that though.
There are different mixes of concrete with different strength properties. Best bet would be to ask someone local which would be the best to use.
For the next one, try tilting you mold at the same angle as your roof.
I’ll try it that way; it will be much more comfortable and attractive doing it in diagonal.
Yes. That is basic chemistry. Fresh cement-based mixes have a lot of “free” alkalinity. Neutralizing it with a vinegar-water solution might be a good idea.
Did it. I should start doing my second birdbath between today or tomorrow
How will the walls bond to the base if done seperate?
I’ll think about how to solve this problem. Nothing comes to mind right now, but i will figure it out as I go.
Its late now where i live. I prefer just to continue the bath tomorrow. Not this night
Here’s what I’m thinking. Drill some holes around the perimeter, put rebar in the holes, build your wall forms around it, pour cement, give the forms a thorough tapping to help release air pocktes.
You’ll need a masonry bit and hammer drill to do it. When it’s done, flip it and cover the rebar ends with more cement. You want them fully encapsulated.
I understand the tools might not easily available on a budget, but I don’t think the walls will make a very strong connection to the base if just poured over.
Wouldn’t this risk seeds in the water rotting or other problems?
I imagine the rock will be above water level, acting as a shelf. Water needs changed regularly anyway, so seeds won’t be around long enough to rot.
Many years ago, and for many years, my grandmother used to make bird baths out of cement using fibre glass moulds. If I remember rightly, she would seal them using a fairly thick mixture of pure cement and water. She’d then use a paint brush to paint it on and I think that sealed them off stopping the water leaks.
Then i’ll use the mixture I made a few days ago to seal it. I’ll just mix cement with a little water and nothing else.
Like: i’ll only use the “powder” cement, the pure kind.
