Thin and Sleek Concrete Garden Bed Molds - Plastic ABS Portland Cement based Forms

[@industrialathlete6096]

I appreciate how your presentation does not take anything for granted.This being especially helpful for novices!!!!

[@mkeyx82]

Simply put, this is excellent content.

[@Staeger2000]

I'm a huge fan of this series and I like what I'm seeing here with the thinner series. I'm definitely going to give these casting molds a whirl. Thanks for making these videos and sharing your experience.

[@DemokratieErwacht]

You explained it perfectly. And for me as a German it was easy to understand. Thanks you.

[@dac7046]

Love this series- I’ve followed it for years now. I prefer the aesthetic of the thicker panels but your 1 handed lift of the thin panels really caught my attention.

[@tomst9417]

I watched your first attempts of making concrete panels with wooden molds and thought that having plastic molds would be easier and less time consuming. Good for you seizing the opportunity and having the molds manufactured. I think these molds are a great option to make very durable concrete raised bed panels and I hope you sell lots of them!

[@KLFaber]

I appreciate that you eat your own cooking. I like watching DIY projects that are field tested so that you can tell us what works and what didn't work so well. I've been working on a DIY project for over a year now and I've finally worked out the bugs by field testing. Teting makes all the difference when it comes to performance, For example, I tested 4 different type of adhesive sealants / caulks before finding the one that works . Your details matter.

[@derekdean5691]

Great work. I just got my molds and will be having fun next weekend.

[@steveman223]

im glad you started weighing things..this is awesome..when i got your molds a while ago i started weighing my ingredients to try to get close to what i need cuz i would buy the ingredients in bulk and wouldnt be able to utilize and entire bag of concrete

[@alanjbuddendeck186]

These are great looking, and very cost effective! Thank you for sharing this informative and clear how-to. Much appreciated.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thank you very much!!

[@maddeusdoggeus1]

@@MANaboutTOOLSPlease have a Doctor look at your Neck/Throat area. I’m a subscriber from a while back and don’t remember your throat looking like this. If this is something you already addressed and I’m just late to the info please forgive me. If ya see this please give a short acknowledgment and I will Immediately delete this post.

[@XXXXARCTICXXXX]

I bought some of your first set of plastic molds and had great success using Rain-X. The finish you get from Rain-X is like marble. Just apply a few coats and let it dry. You can test its hydrophobic properties by spraying water on it to see if you missed any spots. I'll try the wax, though. My molds have gotten scratched up from multiple pours, and now I'm having a hard time getting them to release even with the Rain-X. But that's on me for pouring too roughly, I guess. I'm thinking about thinning some silicone window caulking next with some mineral spirits and applying a really thin coat to see how that does. You should think about marketing a silicone insert.

[@FranciscoJuan-g5b]

Very nice I was enyoj the videos thanks for the videos God bless you always

[@ConcreteLand]

I would suggest you try your vermiculite mix in these thin molds next. With the way you cure your castings there should be no issues with strength. You could still leave in 10% of your gravel if there is any concern. Love the project. Enjoy our beautiful sunny long weekend.

[@ConcreteLand]

Just wanted to add, excellent mixing instructions.

[@ВладимирОмельянюк]

So grateful for these ideas! It's a huge luck to find such information.

[@murlthomas2243]

I would love to have boxes like this. I’m not up to working in concrete though. I have enjoyed watching the development of these panels very much.

[@jenkinseric2]

I have had good success with mixing small batches with a tarp or piece of 6 mil poly. the down side is that it takes two people but it goes faster and is easy to clean up.

[@markpinther9296]

as others have mentioned, a concrete mixer would make this a breeze and you would be assured that it was mixed completely. That said, I realize you are trying to show how it can be done cheaply. Always enjoy your content.

[@xyztnce]

Loved shine on concrete. Makers at my part of world add very tiny gravel that makes mixing easy and strengthening. Mould is removed next day and than concrete is dipped into water tank for days. It slows curing n no cracks. Your stacking concrete idea is amazing. You can build a lot. Why not build cupboards internal structure ?

[@tealkerberus748]

You need a little concrete mixer instead of working out of buckets like that. Bonus, concrete mixers are great for mixing the various ingredients of potting mix or garden soil together. Just always remember to protect your lungs!

[@byranyates6987]

Great looking raised bed panels . I’ve used a small mixer when doing some of my cement projects ( counter tops, concrete edging, post hole mix. ). It sure is easier on the body. My concrete projects have turned out without any problems. One thing I’ve noticed to get a good mix is to let the little mixer turn the batch about 4-5 minutes. Also you can mix 160 lbs at a time if needed. Some of the big box stores have these mixers along with HF tools. Best purchase I’ve made for concrete projects. I have been looking at your panels and wondering about pre-fab fence panels. They are 12” high and 50 to 60” long. They stack them up to 5’ to 6 ‘ feet high between two cement channeled posts. Each panel weighs about 50 lbs while the posts are about 70 lbs. Pretty neat fence as I have seen them here from time to time. Great fence for windy areas instead vinyl fencing. The forms are made of metal. Internet has a lot of videos of 3rd world countries fab these panels along with prefabbed posts. Similar to your setup and ideas with your raised bed forms. Maybe a little ambitious of me to think I could produce enough panels and posts to build a fence for the yard.

[@MikeDolanFliss]

Big fan of this series. I'm curious if you've explored / considered, especially for these thinner molds, a 4' mold. 4' is somewhat of a special milestone in bed width, as a number of garden bed systems (e.g. square foot gardener) celebrate that width as about the max width that you can reasonably reach into from either side. I personally have a few dozen 4'x10'18" (approx - two nominal 2"x10"x10' make each long wall). But some of my longer living beds, e.g. those with fruit trees in the middle, I'd love to "promote" to cement at some point. But yeah, punchline - curious if (1) you think a 4' length makes any sense (given the weight), and (2) the profit / production math makes sense for you. Best wishes, and thanks!

[@JamesSullivan-ru4op]

Thank you. I really enjoy this series.

[@jyoung9181]

Very good video. Thanks!

[@williamhoffer9277]

Great presentation!

[@Lyndalewinder]

unbelievable price for the plastic moulds - good luck!

[@MrJhchrist]

I expected to make fun of you but checked just to be sure, and holy canoli you aren't kidding. For that price dude better come and pull the weeds twice a week!

[@Nozoki]

​@@MrJhchrist Maybe he'll eventually be able to sell them at Lowes and Home Depot and the bulk manufacturing would lower the cost. I'd pay $40 for the short ones and $50 for the long ones. Is Shark Tank still on?

[@steveman223]

I've been testing attaching a small PVC pipe around 8" long attached to an old oscillating tool blade. Then use that on the oscillating tool to put it in the mix and vibrate the concrete...i got really good results getting the bubbles out that way. the mistake I made is not put a cap on the end of the pipe which left a sharp edge which i scratched up the plastic when i put it in too far. I am currently sanding the scratches out and using a buffer and buffing compound to get is almost smooth again which I hope works. I am still gonna try to test out some safer ways of using the oscillating tool so I dont have to use a sawzall or a mallot.

[@brianboot8623]

I made a small shaker table from mostly scrap wood. All I had to purchase was a shaker on Amazon and some springs, less than $50 to make the table. Mine can hold two molds but it really only needs to hold one at a time. 😊

[@markricharddavies]

These are fantastic, love your videos! I going to buy the molds

[@f.demascio1857]

I hope to order my kit soon. Finances are not there yet, but soon.

[@RustyBobbins]

This has just gotten more and more awesome with each video! Have you considered making a mold for interlocking garden edging?

[@insertphrasehere15]

For strength, I would definitely suggest using crushed gravel rather than pea gravel. By that I mean gravel that has broken faces on at least three sides. Angular gravel clasts interlock and increase the strength of the concrete considerably, so when using thin moulds you would definitely see a benefit. Edit: There’s really no reason not to do this, which is why most industrial concrete produced today requires a broken faces test to verify that the clasts are sufficiently angular.

[@Funnyboy2402]

I was here to say the same. Crushed gravel is much better for concrete work as it add a ton of strenght. If it has any real value on this small project thoug im not sure. They are still only 2 inch thick and no real load on them. But could be fun to se a compar them though. But any how thanks for yet another great video.

[@fleaniswerkhardt4647]

Doesn't the gravel just act like a filler and it's the amount of cement that gives it a higher MPa?

[@insertphrasehere15]

@@fleaniswerkhardt4647 rounded clasts have less surface area, which means less bond strength, but also the shape of the stones matters. If you've ever seen a broken piece of concrete made with rounded gravel you'd understand because the cracks follow the rounded edges of the stones, breaking between the gravel and separating. The way that jagged stones interlock makes this much harder to do without the crack needing to propagate through the middle of at least some gravel pieces, and since the stones are MUCH stronger than the concrete matrix itself, it means that the overall strength of the concrete is stronger with angular gravel. Rounded gravel in concrete can be useful for workability, as it can flow better, but in this case, with an open mold, that's not really a concern.

[@jackcoats4146]

Your could get some fiberglass or basalt reinforcing bar. They won't rust and are just as stiff for longer rods. It is available but depending on location, they might not be locally.

[@bradleycarroll5038]

have you tried covering with plastic to hold moisture in to slow the hydration and stop the shrinkage cracking. sorry if i didnt hear or see in the comments or video if you mentioned it. or even cover with blanket and keep wet

[@philindeblanc]

because the locking design is a reverse, I should be able to have the inside facing outward? I dont want a rectangle design showing, I think if I place a thicker plastic over it, it should also smoothen it out.

[@jimbennett1519]

Excellent video

[@sergeykazantsev1]

Bro, you perfected it!

[@MJ_IND]

Hi, I love your videos. You always try to have everything in control, like the weather and very accurate measurements. Wouldn't you be interested in trying to try a run but trying not to be so strict with the weather control and using construction waste to decrease the cement and make it cheaper?

[@rrb79]

Where do you get construction waste and in what form?

[@hunterjackson802]

Would love to see even shorter or even a different design that resembles more of a landscape edging. Different geometries.

[@leblackstock]

I would love for you to experiment on adding more colors and possible customizable designs into the panels. Also, can you add outdoor latex paint into the concrete mix? (I saw someone else do it but it wasn't tested for something like garden panels).

[@boerinbeton7052]

Thanks for the video

[@OhioCoastie94]

Would adding glass fiber be good, bad, or indifferent?

[@jodirauth8847]

I learned so much, thank you very much.

[@rometjoearu184]

Good job! 👍🙂

[@ruthdoyle9085]

As many as you make you should consider making a vibrating table…easy to do. Plus you can vibrate while you’re filling them…

[@DavinStewart]

13:49 Try setting the plastic molds in a water bath while it's curing?

[@ReedKelly]

Very nice. Will you make 48" molds? A 48" lightweight & reinforced panel would be ideal.

[@79PoisonBreaker]

Hello. thanks for another video with great tips. would just using 6000psi pre mix work for thin panels? with 0 concrete exp I'm looking for simple . I would like to try making a wood mold. is weight the reason you do not have a 48" panel ? for stacking taller beds I thought 24's mix with 48's to stagger joints or is that asking for problems?

[@GARDENER42]

How about using fibreglass rebar for pins?

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

They should be fine.

[@bradmaas6875]

Looks good

[@bigjohn6458]

i really wish i could afford some of these, but money don't come easy these days.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

I do have plans available if you wanted to make some thin concrete forms yourself. manabouttools.com/concrete-garden-box-panels-version-iii-digital-plan/

[@philindeblanc]

Yes, they are a bit more than I find reasonable for my pocket :-). I don't doubt them being worth it for a large project.

[@rrb79]

@@MANaboutTOOLS At a more reasonable $100 a panel, many folks will pull the trigger. You deserve all the success for your hard work and willingness to share!

[@theoverworkedgardener5648]

How about if you took some of the mortar mix and mixed it into your concrete, would that make it set quicker, or would it ruin the concrete? I haven't really messed with concrete much, just dumping a bag in a hole and putting a post in or something like that.

[@cap2c484]

I notice you didn’t put the looped wire reinforcements around the holes on the ends? Was wondering why not?

[@brucejohnson5882]

I need to terrace a garden space that is on a slope. I need a 9" high terrace every 6' to 9'. The terraces will be 21' long. Will your 3' long thin panels work to place 7 of them end to end and then berm the soil against them? I would use at least one panel at each end squared to the terrace panels. Thanks!

[@Treeeche]

Can we mix gypsum with a small amount of cement and foam to make a better and stronger block, these are a little cheaper than others in our region.

[@vasilisk-66]

Попробуйте применять в таких случаях смолу древесную омыленную. Она очень хорошо вовлекает воздух в саму конструкцию. И позволят создавать слой бетона на не смачиваемых гранулах. Ее применяют для изготовления полистирол бетона

[@jayway712]

Thanks for these videos! Do the thinner molds create panels with a slightly slanted edge? Also, it seems like the thinner mold makes panels roughly the same weight as the regular panels with a light weight mix. Is that true?

[@lezbriddon]

if the concrete is drying fast and hot, cant you mix in something to slow the reaction?

[@ColtonBown]

Any thoughts on trying the vermiculite or perlite mixture with these thinner panels and stress testing them?

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Hi, I'm thinking that those lightweight blends need the extra thickness for strength.

[@ruthdoyle9085]

What about fast setting cement mixed with sawdust in place of perlite, for a lightweight heat absorbing mix?

[@peterstevens6555]

Will you by making any Garden Bed Mold - 48″ x 8″ x 2-1/2″?

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Yes I will. Coming this spring.

[@forthehonorforge4840]

​@@MANaboutTOOLS huh. Maybe I ordered too soon.

[@javonr7794]

Do you think you will make a 48" mold?

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

I'm working on that. Then length is more challenging to form.

[@CrowPasture]

@@MANaboutTOOLS Can't wait! I'm a customer as soon as the 48" molds come out. I've just got too much length to cover for 36" molds.

[@javonr7794]

@MANaboutTOOLS Thank you for the reply! I will be buying the 48-inch molds when they come out.

[@ReedKelly]

@@MANaboutTOOLS Awesome! I look forward to buying some 48" molds!

[@timchestnut8531]

Do you need the pea gravel.?

[@codycarse]

Have you experimented with any spray on mold releases?

[@cobravenum]

do you leave them to cure for 2 weeks or longer, and how often are you spraying them down? Thank you!

[@frankb5728]

Have you tried a GFRC mix in there? you probably need a thinner face coat and then you can pour the GFRC mix

[@albertbell7120]

Perfect mate not sure if these moulds are available in the U.K. 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thanks! We do ship to the UK.

[@DesertGardenPrepper]

very cool!

[@TheKazii]

Are you going to try these with your lightweight mix? Id be curious about the strength of these thin panels with the lightweight mix, as well as if it will again be around 30% lighter.

[@Mikedenton541]

How would these or the thicker ones work as a one layer tall retaining wall?

[@philindeblanc]

Was ready to order these, which are a GREAT idea, but I dont want a design element in mine. I wonder if there are any without the rectangle design in the middle? Maybe they can be installed backwards? Lover how these stack!!

[@forthehonorforge4840]

That was what made me hesitant to order. But I ordered anyway figuring I can install them backwards or even carve my own designs into the flat spaces.

[@philindeblanc]

@@forthehonorforge4840 And how did it go?

[@forthehonorforge4840]

@@philindeblanc they haven't arrived yet. I just ordered recently so I will let you know when they turn out. If I remember to. :)

[@forthehonorforge4840]

​@@philindeblancmy molds arrived pretty quick. I casted mine with just straight Quickcrete High Strength Concrete Mix. Used about 1 1/2 60lbs bags. One of the smaller casts broke as I was extracting it. I should have probably left more minwax on the mold. I used coconut oil for the handles. That worked great and I'll try it for all of one of the smaller ones in the next cast. As for reversing the panels for doing your own design, it works. The "top" of my casts are lumpy cause it was my first time and I forgot I had trowels that needed to be cleaned anyway. Making sure the molds are filled to the same level might be tricky so it may work to overfill the mold and scrap away the excess with a board or trowel. As for applying designs, I have not tried that yet. I used some of the excess from my last pour to make a 12"x14"x2" tile with a footprint. Footprint would probably have turned out cleaner if I had wait 6 hours before stamping it into the concrete but it worked. If you want I can continue to give updates.

[@philindeblanc]

@@forthehonorforge4840 Nice! Thanks for the update. I just want a filled blank, no rectangular pocket. I actually plan to use it and make a fence around a area. So I will stack them at aruond 3-6 feet high, depending on how I can make the engineering work.

[@blackpqbeearnaiz74]

Nice. How much did it cost to molds those concrete block?

[@brianboot8623]

Is there any plan to come out with a 2.5” thick by 4’ long ABS mold? I purchased your 2’ and 3’ molds and they are great, I plan on making a 4’ mold if you have no plans for a 4’ ABS mold.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Yes. A 48” mold is in the works. Thanks, Kent.

[@s9josh778]

Modern treated wood is treated with copper and is non toxic to humans. It's insane how expensive your concrete ones get after buying the molds, materials, and doing all the labor. But I guess if you are rich, bored, and want the look of concrete, these are great.

[@jeffrychaffee724]

Did you do the narration for the show “How it’s made”?

[@cameronwaugh7136]

have you tried fibre reinforcement?

[@johntompkins147]

Why are you not using the wire wrapped around the plastic pipe to strengthen this area, as you do with the other moulds?

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

There's not enough room for the wire.

[@rrb79]

@@MANaboutTOOLS Some wire showing on the inside of the bed should be ok, albeit an eyesore for the ocd.

[@juliotiradojr5090]

I love the molds you've made and i would like to know how i could purchase a set of yr molds. Is there a website or a link to help me get some of these molds? Any information is greatly appreciated. Keep up the great informative videos. I love the content you create

[@Nozoki]

It's in the video description. The link that says Plastic Molds.

[@lorenbush8876]

When did you make the vacuum formed plastic molds? Those are cool and I bet they are easier to use.

[@brianboot8623]

They are much easier to use 😊

[@barbaravanerp4598]

Can you do hypertufa with these molds?

[@barnowl6807]

I understand your price for a popular, single source item and expect similar molds to hit the market soon for a greatly reduced price. This is a get it while you can philosophy and I would do the same thing. However, this present cost is beyond my budget and I have little choice but to look for lower priced products. Eventually you will have competition.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Hi, I appreciate your comment and insight. There will always be competition and eventually lower quality products that will be cheaper. This is our market system. All I can do is provide something that is better. The cost of bringing a product like this to market is surprisingly high (even though it may look simple). And not to mention what is happening with shipping rates for these big boxes. I will do what I can going forward to bring this all down if I can. Regards, Kent

[@brianboot8623]

@@MANaboutTOOLSI chose to buy yours because you took the time to develop and foot the bill to bring it to production. It’s not that often when I can support someone that brings a great idea to market. I look forward to your 4’ ABS Mold 😊

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

@@brianboot8623thank you very much!!

[@udd123123]

Can I use quikrete high strength concrete pre mix sold ? Can you provide how much to use for these thin panel for each mold ?

[@dancutter8197]

Do you know anything about perlite concrete pours under a pizza firebrick oven! ???

[@keithhobbs]

hey can i make high heat resistant beds? i want to use it like a fire pit

[@lordvonmanor6915]

Unfortunately I can't afford them but looks like a great product.

[@jojopornebo188]

I want to use aircrete as a large movable floor slab for pig flooring. Do you think there is a method to cast aircrete that can hold 350 lbs /4 legs (when standing) = @65 lbs.? It should not not scratch and gradually chip when pigs walk on it with their hooves. Can we discuss this possibility on your blog?

[@phrozenwun]

From what I remember, crushed gravel is stronger and cheaper than pea gravel for making concrete. YMMV

[@johnparkhurst1141]

thoughts on air Crete?

[@Nozoki]

Was wondering the same thing. That would be awesome if it would work on these thin panels.

[@warmacht]

Have you tried adding a retarder to the mix to slow the curing process and maybe lessen the heat issue?

[@MrGilcano]

Where I can get these molds to create garden beds?

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Here: manabouttools.com/store-plastic-concrete-molds/

[@borisbritva6616]

привет. тоже лью такие формы, но есть проблема, платиковые трубки все труднее вытаскиваются с каждой заливкой.

[@rrb79]

Wrap in aluminum foil?

[@noeleclarino6532]

Is your mould casting available worldwide? I want to acquire this.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Yes, we have been shipping everywhere.

[@justinrisley5734]

Try iceing your water!

[@perniciousprogressive8333]

Been great watching this concept evolve over the years. So what are your thoughts on adding strength by coating both sides of each cast panel with a surface bonding concrete like QwikWall?

[@hpw59]

👍❤

[@OutDoorAdventures_1907]

Wow - I tried to buy your $99.00 product. But, your $55 delivery fee for a light weight plastic product made me say "Man about Tools" is screwing me over fees.Thanks for the idea, I'll build my own. EZPZ

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Shipping to where? Also, the true cost of shipping oversized boxes (like most of ours) is high. Only way around that is to hide the cost in the product price.

[@bloodlove93]

unfortunately sometimes shipping cost is about size as much if not more so than weight...because it means the delivery and shipping people have less space to put things,they lose the ability to deliver more by giving you a big package so it costs more.

[@dogrudiyosun]

Stop using PFAS including products!

[@mrpush2532]

Like em..but way overpriced plastic! Rather make from wood.

[@brianboot8623]

They are a bit pricey I’ll give you that but they work great and easy to use. Have you thought about making some extras to sell, I’m sure you could sell enough in your neighborhood to recoup the cost of the molds. It’s less than $10 for each one you make and I’m sure you could get $20 to $25 each. I’m making them for my garden and two of my neighbors have already asked to purchase some for there gardens and I haven’t done any social media posting. My goal is not to start a business but I do want to make enough to recoup the cost of the molds. I also like, is they are very light, and they nest together which makes them easy to store, unlike the wooden ones.

[@bloodlove93]

i like the idea,and hey congratulations on profitting from it...but for that price i can't justify it unless i either had dozens to hundreds of variable size bed to make, or was starting a business selling the put together pieces in whatever quantity people wanted but god damn that's concrets fuck my ass seven ways to sunday before i pay shipping or get anyone to volunteer.

[@abobvegas]

Dang, definitely overpriced.

[@Casmige]

Now? Do “AirCrete” (I posted a link to another KZbin video and my comment was deleted by the way I don’t really like that - It’s a bit of a major turn off to me like a slap in the face.)

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

I did an Aircrete video in the past: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGqofIuKiaZqrJIsi=M_ECB4I2gkd4qXVi Also, I have no record of you leaving any comments that were deleted. ??

[@Casmige]

@@MANaboutTOOLSnot you, It’s KZbin that deletes them automatically. Usually around 22 second mark if the comment doesn’t “stick” then KZbin has deleted it & you won’t be notified about it. It’s not a @YOU” issue, it’s a fascist KZbin issue

[@sirmichael9044]

Thanks for the video

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

You are very welcome!