On Mon, 1 May 2006 00:35:14 -0400, "Proctologically Violated©®"
wrote:

Very illuminating replies.

Actually, Ig, a cu yd, at 0.6 cu ft per 80 lb bag, would be 45 bags of ready
mix--and 3600#--2 full loads in m'pickup.

But I had no idea sand/gravel was so cheap.
Figgers HD charges an *order of magnitude* more for stuff than would
legitimate suppliers--the smaller quantities notwithstanding.

My own situation, tho, sort of condemns me to buying sacks--of something or
other.
The pouring location is remote from a drop-off point, miserable to transport
inside, AND I'm only able pour an approx. 3 foot by 14 foot patch at a given
time, approx. 6" deep, for about 21 cu ft--more than I would want to mix w/
a shovel (uh, Ig, uh, back problems??? g), but not enough to benefit from
a pickup truck full of loose sand/gravel or or to justify a cement truck.
I figger at 0.6 cu ft per bag ready mix, I'll need about 35 bags or so for
each pour.
Plus, ready mix will eliminate a few more variables that I might screw up.

So it seems I will go w/ ready mix, but I will almost surely *not* buy from
HD--on GP, and bec. it's such a g-d hassle, what w/ the insultingly long
lines, humping around those g-d trolleys, etc.
A normal supplier will either deliver (often for free), or load yer truck
for you--so much easier, even if you had to pay more, and most often you
don't have to.

Also, I have visions of effing HD ceo Bob Nardelli laughing at the human
cattle on long HD lines, via hidden camera...... which has gotta be better
than porn, for a social fabric-eating bidnissman/entreepreeneer.

The idea of getting a used mixer is neat, as well. I don't hold out too
much hope for this, but it would indeed tickle me not to give HD $300 for
their chinese import--even tho I have a HD/Husky compressor that I'm pretty
pleased with--esp. the floor price I got it for.

Later, for kicks I'd like to compare truck-delivered concrete w/ buying the
components from a good supplier, and vs. bagged ready mix.

Appreciate all the insights.

Many ready mix places have a concrete dump trailer you an rent quite
cheaply, which holds IRRC 3-4 yrds.

Assuming you have something to pull it with. Half ton full sized
pickup is most commonly used around here for this. You can back it in
yourself, or dump it into wheel barrows and schlep it in.

Gunner

"I think this is because of your belief in biological Marxism.
As a genetic communist you feel that noticing behavioural
patterns relating to race would cause a conflict with your belief
in biological Marxism." Big Pete, famous Usenet Racist