I was given an aluminum 24" Baluster mold and would like to use the dry tamp method using Portland Cement..fine sand and water only. Could you possibly advice on the mixing ratio..cement : sand : water.Thanks.

A good mix is by volume, 30 gal sand to one 100# sack of cement. By weight that comes to a 300# sand to 100# concrete.
First mix the sand and cement dry getting an even mix. Then add the water cup at a time and mix until the mix is damp and will stay together when pressed together. If it acts like snow when making snowballs it is ready. When filling the mold use a wood dowel with a flat end to “Tamp” the cement as you put it in also cup at a time. Make sure the cement gets completely in the mold and all areas are tamped.
Jerry
www.flastatuary.com