Bluebird Mixer. Help Please

C-119-007Does anyone out there have experince using a Bluebird mixer like the one pictured here?

I have used this sort of mixer a couple times years ago and I may be using it again.  I haven't had very good luck with the mixing process.

I can't remember exactly what went wrong when I used this mixer, maybe that the blades just pushed the clay up and didn't continue mixing. Resulting in my having to stop the mixer and push the clay back down a lot.  Or ?? Heck I can't remember.

Anyhow if anyone has a method of  using this thing, please advise.  I am pretty sure I was adding all my dry materials,  doing a quick dry mix and then adding water with a hose.  Then probably cursing a lot.

Thanks.