Step 4 - How to make the Weight Plates

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4. Add the water and mix with the trowel
   
   Keep in mind that you want to avoid breathing the dust.  cement dust isn't good for you.  So, if you have a paint mask or other dust mask, it is a good idea to wear that. 
   
   But really, working outside, it's not hard to avoid the dust.  Pour some in, stand back, wait a few seconds for the dust to clear.  That's all...
   
   Mix the concrete and water to make a slurry, a lot like oatmeal or applesauce. 
   
   The bag's directions tell you how much water to use for the entire bag (almost always less than one gallon, so I fill an empty plastic gallon milk jug with the amount of water specified for the entire bag.  Then as I fill the mold, I can see how much of the bag I have used, and add the appropriate amount of water.
   
   Generally speaking, it's better to add a little bit too much water, rather than too little.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Next: Step 5 - Add the sleeve