How to make a bousse bis with your own hands?

Here at "All about Concrete," we cover all the information you require to work with concrete at home. This post will walk you through the process of creating a simple "bousse bis," or concrete bird bath, in your backyard. You can use basic materials and techniques to create a decorative and functional piece in this enjoyable and fulfilling project.

A bousse bis is made by molding a shallow basin for birds to bathe or drink from using concrete. It’s a fantastic way to draw wildlife into your garden and give your outdoor area a dash of artistic flair. With the right tools and materials, even a novice can finish this project in a weekend.

To begin, you will need the following basic materials: concrete mix, water, a mold (like a big plastic bowl or even a shallow box), a release agent (like vegetable oil or cooking spray), and optional decorative elements (like glass beads or mosaic pieces) to customize your bird bath. The majority of hardware stores carry these supplies, so getting started doesn’t require much searching.

First, get your mold ready. To stop the concrete from sticking, make sure it’s clean and generously apply the release agent. Next, mix the concrete as directed by the manufacturer. It ought to have the viscous, thick consistency of pancake batter. Wear gloves and work in an area with good ventilation to shield your hands from the alkaline nature of concrete.

After the concrete mix is ready, carefully fill the mold with it, making sure the bird bath is the right depth. To smooth the surface with a trowel or a flat piece of wood, gently tap the sides of the mold to release any trapped air. To guarantee a tidy finish that will improve the visual appeal of your bousse bis, take your time with this step.

As directed by the manufacturer, let the concrete cure after pouring it. Usually, this entails allowing it to cure for at least 24 hours without interruption. To keep the concrete from drying out too quickly, which could reduce its strength, cover it with plastic or a moist cloth during this time.

Your DIY bird bath will be revealed when the concrete has completely dried and the mold has been carefully removed. You can use sandpaper or a concrete rubbing stone to gently sand down any uneven surfaces or sharp edges. After that, set your bousse bis in a strategic location within your garden, ideally one that birds frequent, and watch your feathered guests splash and sip from your labor of love.

Making a bousse bis by hand is not only a rewarding do-it-yourself project, but it’s also a great way to enhance your outdoor space with a one-of-a-kind functional artwork and foster a sense of connection with the natural world. You can welcome birds and increase your enjoyment of nature in your backyard by combining beauty and functionality with a few easy steps and common materials.

Follow "All about Concrete" for more ideas and helpful hints on working with this adaptable and long-lasting building material.

How is the foundation drill TISE

TISE BUSE, which facilitates work performance, is made up of the following components:

• working handle designed to transmit torque through a metal rod to the working element. Structurally, the handle is a steel pipe of square or rectangular cross-section, or a solid metal profile. Rubberized handles are installed on two opposite sides of the rotating mechanism at a distance of 50–55 cm;
• a steel rod consisting of two sections. The sliding parts, each 1.1 m long, are locked with a clamp. The base part of the rod allows for accelerated work at a shallow depth due to the reduced weight of the device. If it is necessary to extract soil at a depth of up to 1.8 m, an extension element is used. The component parts of the rod are interchangeable, a hand handle can be attached to each of them;
• a soil accumulator with a radius of 12.5 cm, forming a well of the appropriate size. The soil receiver is made in the form of a metal cylinder equipped with loosening cutters, special plates and a guide rod. The design features of the soil storage tank ensure free penetration of loosened soil into the cylinder and do not allow the auger mechanism to deviate from the vertical position;
• folding knife, pivotally fixed in the lower part of the tool. The device is designed to form a spherical expansion in the lower part of the borehole, increasing the area of ​​the supporting surface of the future column to a diameter of 0.5–0.6 m. When immersed in the ground, the folding blade rotates due to its own weight. Lifting of the hinged cutting edge is carried out manually using a metal cable, the end of which is fixed to the working handle.

The weight of the tool and the level of manufacturing quality affect how quickly and easily the TISE hand drill can be used.

TISE drill for piles – advantages and weaknesses of the equipment

A common tool in private construction is the TISE foundation drill, which makes it easier to create soil cavities for pile supports. The instrument offers several benefits:

• reliable and proven design. A qualitatively made manual bourity can be operated for a long time, without needing repairs;
• Simplicity of use. To perform operations on the formation of wells and extraction of soil, you do not need to undergo training;
• environmental friendliness. When the tool is working, there is no negative impact on construction personnel, and the structure of the extracted soil is also preserved;
• universality. The foundation drill can be used to form cavities for various purposes, as well as applied both in the summer and winter season.

You can use the tool’s design features to prepare supports for piles on a variety of difficult soil types.

Using a homemade TISE drill enables:

• to erect a pile foundation for a private house in a limited time with minimal labor intensity;
• construct reinforced concrete supports with increased load-bearing capacity;
• eliminate the need to use heavy drilling equipment on a vehicle chassis;
• perform soil extraction activities for foundation columns on your own;
• significantly reduce the amount of costs associated with the implementation of activities to form cavities.

Because the homemade TISE drill doesn’t need to be connected to the water supply or electrical grid, it can be used independently. One of the drawbacks is that the cutting edge on the working cylinder needs to be periodically renewed in sharpness. Owing to its numerous benefits, the DIY TISE drill has gained popularity in home building.

What soil receivers are included with the foundation drill

Buildings on columnar foundations are constructed on both light soils with a higher sand fraction concentration and heavy soils with mineral inclusions. The tool is outfitted with a variety of soil receiver types to facilitate the drilling of pile channels on different types of soil. There are some variations in the soil collector’s design:

• for performing work in clay soil and soils with an increased content of small stones, the working tool is equipped with four soil-collecting elements located vertically at the same distance from each other. Small rocky inclusions up to 50 mm in size penetrate into the gap between the fangs along with the soil. When drilling soils with an increased content of clay particles, clay sticking is excluded;
• for forming wells in loose soils, the working head is equipped with two cutting elements with a serrated edge. The design and arrangement of the horizontal cutters prevent soil from spilling when removing from the cavity of the drilling device. The saw-tooth working edge ensures the selection of a small rocky fraction, and effectively loosens the soil.

Hand tool manufacturers can outfit the TISE drill with a soil intake that meets the necessary design specifications, based on the preferences of the customer.

This article from "All about Concrete" walks readers through the process of making a "bousse bis," or homemade concrete planter, with basic supplies and tools. We’ll cover every step of the process, from concrete mixing to molding and finishing, to help you create unique, long-lasting planters. This project offers a creative way to add handmade concrete planters that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing to your indoor or outdoor space, whether you’re a novice or an experienced do-it-yourself enthusiast.

TISE hand drill – performance characteristics

The only feature that separates homemade tools from industrially manufactured manual drilling devices is the soil receiver’s design.

The device’s operating parameters:

• maximum soil healing depth – 0.18 m;
• the size of the working body in diameter is 0.25 m;
• working handle length – 0.55 m;
• folded length – 0.125 m;
• size when extended – 0.225 m;
• diameter of the formed expansion – 0.4–0.6 m;
• weight of the tool assembled with storage – 10–12 kg.

The hand tool’s features guarantee that it can be used successfully on clay and light soils, as well as soils that contain a lot of mineral impurities.

How to make a TISE drill with your own hands

In order to produce hand tools for cavity drilling on your own, you need to do the following tasks:

• decide on the type of soil receiver;
• develop drawings or sketches;
• prepare the necessary tools and materials.

Once the necessary preparations are finished, you can start producing the device. Let’s examine these points in more detail.

TISE drill drawings

Drawings need to be prepared ahead of time if you intend to construct a TISE drill by hand.

The options listed below are feasible:

• acquisition of ready-made drawings or sketches, according to which the drilling device has already been manufactured;
• independent sketching from a full-scale sample, the operability of which has been tested in the process of forming wells.

Standard drawings with your dimensions on them can also be used. If you select this option, keep in mind that the force on the handle will increase significantly as the working part’s diameter increases.

What is needed to make a TISE drill

The following supplies and tools are necessary if you want to complete the task yourself:

• electric welding machine;
• drill with drills;
• angle grinder with a metal cutting disc;
• paint brush.

You must get ready the following supplies in order to make it:

• a piece of steel pipe with a diameter of 25–30 cm, corresponding to the size of the pile;
• used or new blade from a circular saw;
• a pipe or metal profile for making a handle;
• pieces of metal with a thickness of 2–3 mm;
• 4×4 cm profile pipe or a pipe with a diameter of 3.2 cm;
• paint for anti-corrosion protection of the metal surface.

Utilizing materials from different assortments that you choose in accordance with the specifications of the drawings is permitted by the design.

Homemade TISE drill – assembly technology

Make the TISE drill after getting the supplies and equipment ready.

When working, adhere to the following order of steps:

1. Cut blanks, the dimensions of which correspond to the requirements of the drawing.
2. Make working edges using a cut electric saw blade.
3. Assemble a rod with a fixing clamp.
4. Weld the cutting edges at an angle of 15-20 degrees to the bottom of the rod.
5. Assemble the soil collector, fixing the tubular blank above the knives.
6. Fix the vertical knives by welding on the outer part of the soil receiver.
7. Tack the hinges of the hinge mechanism above the cylinder of the soil collector.
8. Hinge the working blades to the hinges and attach a steel cable.
9. Weld a crossbar to the upper part of the extension, which functions as a handle.
10. Make sure that the sliding rod and hinge mechanism move freely.
11. Check the quality of the welded joints, clean them and remove burrs.
12. Remove rust, cover the metal surface with an anti-corrosion compound.

Once the assembly is finished, the tool’s functionality must be verified. When cutting edges are installed correctly, soil should be efficiently filled into the soil container.

How does a foundation drill work?

The technology used in drilling is very basic and doesn’t require any specialized knowledge.

When completing tasks to create wells, follow this algorithm when working:

1. Mark the pile field and remove turf in the drilling areas.
2. Assemble a TISE hand drill and equip it with the necessary storage device.
3. Dig small pits 15–20 cm deep in the drilling area.
4. Place the tool at the drilling point, ensuring its vertical position.
5. Rotate the homemade TISE drill, applying force to the handle in a clockwise direction.
6. Monitor the filling of the soil receptacle and periodically remove soil from it.
7. Extend the length of the rod if necessary and clamp its components with a clamp.
8. Continue immersion in the ground, form a depression in the lower part of the cavity.
9. Pull the cord, lift the shovel and remove the tool from the well.

On light soils, a single pit can form in thirty minutes. In heavy soils, drilling takes two to three times longer.

TISE drill – reviews and practical recommendations

Professionals and private developers who have utilized both homemade and commercial TISE drills in their work have nothing but praise for this instrument and highlight the following features:

• ease of use;
• compactness;
• durability.

When utilizing the device, experts advise following these guidelines:

• do not apply increased force in the handle, since the tool easily sinks into the soil under its own weight;
• avoid lateral loads, which can result in significant deformation of the prefabricated rod;
• control the verticality of the homemade TISE drill when immersed in the ground.

When used properly, the tool will simplify the task and present no issues.

Step 1: Gather Materials	Collect all necessary ingredients such as yeast, flour, sugar, and water.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients	In a large bowl, combine yeast, flour, sugar, and water. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Let It Rise	Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour.
Step 4: Shape the Dough	After rising, shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake	Preheat your oven and bake the rolls until golden brown.

Constructing a concrete birdbath can be a rewarding do-it-yourself project that adds charm to your garden and gives birds a useful place to drink and bathe. To begin, gather the following supplies: concrete mix, water, a mold (such as a big bowl or container), and any optional decorative additives. Make sure you have adequate ventilation and protection for your workspace, such as plastic sheeting or a drop cloth.

Mix the concrete first, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. This usually entails adding water to the dry mix until it becomes thick and oatmeal-like. Mix well to prevent lumps. After mixing and using a trowel to smooth the surface, pour the concrete into the mold, tapping the sides to release any air bubbles.

Think about incorporating ornamental elements like glass beads, mosaic tiles, or embedded designs while the concrete is setting. Be cautious not to press these too deeply as you gently press them into the surface of the concrete. For at least 48 hours, let your birdbath cure in the shade without being disturbed. Make sure it stays moist by covering it with plastic or giving it occasional mists of water.

Once the curing period has elapsed, remove the mold carefully. Next time, use a release agent or give the edges a gentle tap if the concrete sticks. Using sandpaper, smooth out any sharp edges and clean the surface. Make sure your birdbath is level and stable before placing it in your garden. When the birds start to enjoy their new oasis, fill it with water and observe!

Constructing a concrete birdbath is an inventive method to add flair to your outdoor area and support nearby wildlife. A little perseverance and attention to detail will enable you to make a sturdy, useful item that will delight you and your feathered companions. Try varying the molds, colors, and finishes to create a genuinely one-of-a-kind birdbath. Appreciate the beauty your garden gains and the process itself!

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