Hand Mixing Mortar

When doing small jobs.

Also see Machine mixing mortar glossary Mortar Colours

Hand mixing mortar with a shovel is the preferred method.

Start by measuring out 6 sand to 1 cement and some lime ( or multiples of that ratio ) onto a flat surface, or into a wheel barrow.
Mix all the ingredients together while dry.
When all the ingredients are well mixed add the water slowly.

It helps to make a hole in the dry mix before adding the water, once the water is added to the hole start by stirring the mix from the middle where the water is.
As the mix becomes dryer as you mix it add more water and keep mixing, if the mix becomes too wet add a little more sand (and Cement to if the mix is to wet) to maintain the correct ratio of 6:1:1.

Plasticizer

I always use plasticizer in the mortar.
Plasticizer aids in making the mortar more user friendly, it does this by aerating the mortar.
For small jobs where you dont want to buy 5 litres of plasticizer you can add a drop of detergent.

Mix it and use it

The rule for any mortar is "mix it and use it", dont leave it lying around for hours on end and hope to revive it by adding more water to "knock" it up.
Once the initial set has started to take place, which is around 45 minutes from mixing the mortar has hit its use by date and should be either used or discarded.

Dry mix all the ingredients.

Make a well for the water.

Add some water, not too much as its easier to add more later if needed.

Mix it all together.

Add some more water.