Jim Elbrecht wrote:
I've got a few projects coming up that I'd like to save my energy
spent mixing mortar by hand for the project itself.

I work alone & don't work for long any more- so mix one batch and I'm
done for the day. It is time to automate that part so I can expend
the energy on stacking block, plastering, or finishing.

I've used a mud mixer on a 1/2" drill with some success- up to a
gallon or two of mud. But without a stand it isn't really a whole
lot easier than mixing in a tub with a mortar hoe.

The one I have is like this
http://www.contractorsdirect.com/Til...-Spiral-Mixers
Works great for paint & wallboard mud- not so much for dryer stuff
like mortar. I might buy/build a stand & see if that helps any.

I'm also looking at one of these--
http://www.kolmixal.com/mixal.cfm

I've got a 1/2hp motor on my cement mixer- so I could get the M-60
without motor for a couple hundred bucks- or I might make a 'tipping'
one & just buy the paddle.

Any thoughts?

You could use a wetback recliner. Here's on on Craigslist:
http://houston.craigslist.org/tls/1507451545.html