Hopper bucket for plastering: prices and DIY manufacturing

The hopper bucket is also called a plastering shovel. This tool does have similarities with conventional shovels, but its design is still much more complicated. Outwardly, the tool resembles the most ordinary metal bucket of a relatively small size. On one side there is a handle with a lever for feeding the plaster mixture. On the other side of the bucket there are holes, nozzles, nozzles, from which the mixture is ejected, sprayed over the surface.

The principle of operation of a hopper bucket is generally similar to the operation of a spray gun. Only it is not paint that is sprayed, but a thicker plaster mixture, therefore, the device of the hopper bucket is different.

There are two types of pneumatic buckets:

1. For walls – the handle has an angle of inclination of 45 degrees.
2. For the ceiling – tilt angle increased to 90 degrees.

Different angle of inclination and at the nozzle, which should correspond to the location of the treated surface.

The biggest plus of the hopper bucket is its speed. The supply of plaster mixture is on average 60 cubic meters per hour. In a minute, with the proper experience, you can plaster at least a square meter. The plaster itself is also saved.

The principle of operation of the hopper bucket is as follows: you need a compressor, the hose of which is connected to the device. The air is supplied by a compressor under high pressure, and the plaster mixture is quickly sprayed out through the nozzles in the front. At the same time, the solution is distributed evenly, the direction is set by the master. It is convenient that the plaster can be scooped up with the bucket itself from another container, and not poured from a bucket each time.

Most often, a hopper bucket is used for applying plaster to the facade. This is understandable, because during the spraying of the mixture, the effect of a “fur coat” and pimples is obtained. You don’t even need to align, the time savings are very significant. However, in the process of interior finishing works, the pneumatic bucket also finds its application..

To achieve the effect of a smooth, even wall after working with a hopper bucket, the mixture simply needs to be leveled using a wide trowel.

You can use a hopper bucket to apply different compositions, including cork for the facade, liquid wallpaper, textured or concrete mix.

You can buy such a factory-made bucket with the ability to regulate the amount of solution ejected, which means the thickness of the plaster layer, at a price of 2,400 to 7,000 thousand rubles. Air compressor for bucket operation can be rented to save money.

If you want to save even more, you can make your own hopper bucket. For example, from an old iron canister or stainless steel sheet, which will have to be cut, bent and welded properly. Instead of welding, you can use a connection with self-tapping screws, rivets, but make sure that the seams are strong and do not leak.

It is important to observe the optimal parameters:

1. The inlet diameter must not exceed 5 millimeters.
2. The diameter of one outlet nozzle is no more than 10–20 millimeters.
3. The distance between the front and rear walls of the bucket is no more than 25 millimeters (we are talking about the narrowest, lower part).

In any case, you will have to buy a valve for supplying air under pressure to the bucket or find a suitable replacement in your farm..

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in the design and operation of the hopper bucket, but it brings tangible benefits, saving time and plaster. It is very important to thoroughly rinse the bucket every time after use so that the mixture does not harden and clog the holes, do not forget about this.