I need to compact several small areas of ground/chippings before laying
Indian stone slabs for light foot traffic. In the past I have rented a
plate compactor for this purpose.

For various reasons this is not going logistically easy or cost
effective this time though.

I was thinking of improvising a manual compactor with a big plug (say
30KG) of concrete with a 2x4 set in to it with through handles to lift
drop a few inches each time I pound.

ASCII diag:

||
==||== --- handles
||------ 2x4
||
##||##
#-||-# --- concrete plug, with screws/bolts to secure
######

Has anyone tried something similar? Did it work? Can anyone offer any
advice?

Thanks in advance,

Alex.