Stone Molds - Frequently Asked Questions

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www.slatershardware.com
Steve McDonald breaks World Record at the 2007 Arnold Strongman Classic

Steve is lifting a custom Atlas Stone made from a Slater Stone Mold by Slaters Hardware over a 46" bar. This very massive world record stone weighs 522 lbs and has around 200lbs of lead in it.

 

 

From Howard’s Work Shop located in Slater’s Hardware Inc

These molds make great stones inexpensively with very little effort which were designed by the late great Howard Weaver.

Q. How many stones can I expect to make with my mold?

A. Good Question. I can only say that with proper care they should make many, many very good stones. We have had one customer make up to 50 stones with his 18” mold. I have made several dozen of stones with my molds and other than the dirty color from the concrete and duct tape they look as good as new. There are no warrantees on these molds. But if for some reason they arrive damaged by UPS please let us know within 24 hours.

Q. How do I prep the Slater Stone mold?

A. Spray the inside of mold and inside of the retaining ring with a heavy amount of our special MOLD RELEASE spray (safe for plastics) prior to filling with concrete. If you do not use enough spray the separation process may be more difficult. Using the MOLD RELEASE will add to the life of the mold. Tape the mold with quality duct tape (we suggest Gorilla tape which we stock for you if you would like it) Tape around the retaining ring and tape from top to bottom 8-10 times this will hold the mold together.  To keep the clean up as easy as possible spray the outside of the mold with our MOLD RELEASE once you put the tape on. Place the mold in an old truck or car tire. Be sure the mold has a few inches of clearance so the bottom of the mold does not touch the floor when the weight of the concrete is added. If it was to touch the floor the stone will have a flat spot on it once cured.With this technique we have found that it is best if you use a tire with a softer inner bead. If you use a tire with a stiff inner bead the weight of the concrete may depress the mold into the inner bead leaving a slight indentation of a ring where the mold touches the tire once the concrete sets up.

Q. What Type of concrete should I use?

A.  If you want added strength use Quikrete 5000 or Sakrete regular or High PSI concrete. For a smoother stone make the mix a little soupy.

 Q. Whats the best way to Mix and add the Concrete?

A. We mix most of our regular Quikrete 5000 mix in the new concrete mixing bags. These are heavy-duty reusable plastic bags. Designed to mix up to 80 lb. in minutes. No wheelbarrow, bucket, mortar box, hoe, or shovel are required. The excess concrete may be left in bag to be discarded. No other clean up. These bags are nice because they can be picked up to pour the mix into the mold.
As you add concrete press a 1" dowel rod or broom stick into the concrete in the mold several times to help rid it of air bubbles. We like to do this every bag of concrete.

Once you fill it completely shake the tire or mold lightly to allow excess water from the concrete to escape to the top. This also helps press the concrete into the mold. You can also use a concrete vibrator to help push all air bubbles out and help settle concrete to give you a smoother stone. I have used a body massager around the outside of the mold with success to help remove excess air pockets and water. I normally just shake the tire slightly for 5 min. or so and that works well.
Q. How do I release the Stone?

A. Tap the mold off with the small tap block which has been included. Use this block by placing it against the correct side of the retaining ring (it is marked black on the outside lip). Tap the block lightly with the black part on the tap board placed against the black part on the retaining ring.  Continue to tap around the ring every 6" or so and the mold will give away freeing the stone.

Q. What’s the best way to cure the stone?
A. We like to keep the Stone in the mold for 3 to 7 days. Helping it to cure
from the inside out, increasing the strength. If we make a stone on

Saturday we can us it cautiously on the next Friday night. It is best to allow it to cure for around 20 days or so after you take it out of the mold. You can cover the stone in wet burlap to help it cure slowly and/or place it in a large trash bag to seal it.

Q. How do I make several different weighted stones out of one mold?
A. You could have several weight sizes of stones with one mold by adding either our 25lb or 45lb lead inserts in the center. Or by adding one of our  reinforcing re-bar lightening ball to the center to take away weight.

To place an order or for further information please call Slaters Hardware and ask for the stone mold Department or ask for Steve or Matt at 740-654-2204 Mon-Sat. 9am-6pm .
Or you may e-mail us at steve@slatershardware.com