Low Rent Renaissance

(When I first posted this I used the word "coupling" to describe a 1-1/4" bushing . I apologize and hope I didn't cause anyone any grief. You need a 1-1/4" threaded  bushing  . So far, despite that I've had to make a few adjustments, this sprayer has worked well for me. A little electrical tape around the threads of the bottle make for a tighter, more permanant fit.Thanks.) This is an effort to make and use a simple, inexpensive mortar sprayer. I’m using it with my Harbor Freight  2 hp 125 PSI air compressor. The sprayer is made from a 1.42 gallon Clorox bottle, a 1-1/4” PVC threaded bushing and plug, a Harbor Freight air gun, and a brass coupler. It was simple to make, easy to use, and worked well spraying a very wet mix of three parts sand to one part Portland cement. As you can see in the photos, the bottom is cut from the bottle to make a funnel. Then the PVC bushing screws onto the Clorox bottle. It's not a perfect, tight fit. You can stil...

The armature is made of 10 gauge all purpose steel wire wrapped with chicken wire. The mortar is two parts sand, one part Portland cement, one part lime. Components are mixed dry in a large bucket, then enough water is added to a small portion make it damp and clumpy. I wet my glove, then massage a handful of the mix to the right consistency. I'm experimenting to see if the wire armature is strong enough to support the cement sculpture. The figure is about two feet long.

The front of gate is pretty much complete, except for some touching up with the Dremil tool. The back will will simply be primed  and painted.

Almost completed.  Knots, grain, splits, & nail holes.