You dont need lime in the mix.
4/5 builders sand to 1 cement.
add some plasticer to mix as per instructions.
You wont have any problems with this.
Get yourself a decent spirit level and mark up a gauging rod. cant go wrong

HI, I wouldn't use lime in a barbecue, as you are not a bricklayer - you are making hard work for yourself. Lime is very hard to handle if you don't have the experience. I would use a 4 parts cement to 1 part sand mix.you can get a fire cement which helps with not cracking the mortar when the barbie gets hot. Take your time with setting out the first course first, as this is the most inportant course. Even do yourself a sketch first.

All the best,
Nick

It sounds like you're not getting enough air into the mortar to allow you to lay the brick correctly and also aid adhesion to the brick. You should also be using soft sand only.
If you are using a proper mixer, put some water (half a pail) in first. Then add the cement and lime, allow this to mix up, if it is very stiff at this stage add more water, then add your sand. Leave it to work and allow it to mix before adding any more water. You want it to be like a cake mix consistency with plenty of air in it. Be patient. If you add too much water too early it will just turn to soup!
If it just sticks to the mixer, turn it off, scrape off, add a bit more water and mix again.

forget the lime!. 4to1 sand+cement with a touch of feb (plasticiser). make it quite soft so you can move bricks gently into position. Once mortar starts going off use a fine water spray to stop it drying out too quickly.

Hi, I would suggest not using lime to improve workability, instead use a plasterciser (feb mix). Use this as directed on the manufactor's information. When mixing the mortar use a 4:1 ratio (sand to cement). When carrying out your work ensure the first course is correct as this is the most important course,if you find the motar is still going off to quickly try adding a retarder to the mix which will prevent the mortar going off to quickly.

Hope this helps.

definitely dont use lime. a 4sand and 1 cement is fine for most brickwork. some builders mix 5sand and 1 cement but the mortar has no workabilty and thats why you are struggling.also if your inexperienced use plastisicer and it will give you more time.

HI
I WOULD USE A MIX OF 4 PARTS SAND TO 1 PART CEMENT.TO STOP THE MORTAR FROM BECOMING UNWORKABLE IF YOU ADD A CAP FULL OF PLASTICISER TO A BUCKET OF WATER THIS SHOULD GIVE YOU TIME TO USE ALL THE MORTAR UP.
HOPE THIS HELPS YOU.

ANDY

A lime mortar is not really suitable for this type of work, as it slows down the hardening process I would use a sand and cement mix of 4:1 if the sand is very soft try replacing one part of the sand with a sharp sand or fine grit, this would give the mortar more body.

The use of a plastisicer, easy available from any diy store, screwfix etc, is a must, only use the correct amount stated.

Try and get the mortar well mixed first in small batches, then add small amounts of water at a time to get the right consistency, its a mistake to use too much water, the art is in the mixing !

forget the lime, use a 4:1 sand/cement mix and plastisizer (feb) or failing that a spot of washing up liquid let it mix, don't use too much water as the plastisizer/fairy will make the water wetter! if the bricks are dry and the weather hot it might be an idea to soak the bricks first but in this weather you should be ok. good luck

lime mortar does not set the same as sand and cement mortar.this is why you can still pull them of the next day.as you have a concrete base you should use a sand +cement mix with plastercier.mix should be like soft icecream.if you do wish to lay in lime mortar.if mixing by hand dry mix all components until one colour best on a board then take some of it ad water slowly .this way what you dont use can be put in a bag until you get chance to use it.if mortars drying out to quickly on the brick you can wet the bricks up before us so they dont suck out all the moistier.but let drip dry before use. hope this helped.

Ideal mix would be 6 parts soft (building sand) 1 part Portland cement 1 part hydrated lime and mix a mortar plasticiser with a bucket of water and use this to knock up a mix. Mortar plasticiser can be bought cheaply from Any diy store. This will stop the mortar drying out too easily and keep it workable for a longer period of time. Hope this was helpful.

4 to 1 sand and cement in a bucket with a guaging trowel , mix dry first, then add a bit of fairy liquid and be carefull to add water a bit at a time as you could easily make a sloppy mix ! disasterouse for diy brickies!.
mix it untill you break a sweat and it will be like angel delight!.
consider buying the brickie mate as your no brickie mate , all the best :)