On Saturday, February 22, 2014 10:00:36 AM UTC-8, Oren wrote:
On Sat, 22 Feb 2014 09:23:51 -0800 (PST), wrote:



I'm installing a stabilized (mixed-in) DG path, and need to compact it. I'm sure that a powered compactor is going to be easier and better, to a degree. My question is: to what degree? I can rent a powered one but the problem is strictly logistical. It weighs 150 lbs, and I have no helper. So I either hire someone for the day to help me, or go with a hand tamper. On a small (200 sq. ft) job, would a hand damper be good enough? This sort of thing: http://tinyurl.com/handtamper.



A powered plate compacter is best IMHO.



Aside, if you use the hand tamper, do the DG compacting in layers of ~

2 inches or less and mist the area on each layer. The hand tamper can

be used with reasonable results. Do not try to compact 4 inches DG at

a time without using a plate compactor. HTH / YMMV

Be sure to moisten. I wasted a lot of DG, time and energy (hand tamp) before someone took mercy on me & explained why weeds were popping through big-time.

HB