Ready-mix or mortar?

[Myk Rian]

I want to make a base for a lighthouse that is over our well-head. I'll be using Petosky stones (State stone) on the outside of it. I have an 8 sided form already.
Will Ready-mix be OK to use for setting the stones into, and being the rest of the base, or should I use mortar?

http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad222/MykRian/misc/20130716_110538_zps1dc7eb4d.jpg

http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad222/MykRian/misc/20130716_110554_zps8a804bde.jpg

[Lee Schierer]

I would use a thinset mortar used for stone facings. Concrete will have stones in it that won't let you set your pieces of stone and then strike the joints between them.

[Kevin Bourque]

On big jobs it's more cost effective to mix up you own, but on a small job like that ready-mix is just fine.

[Myk Rian]

Mortar - 1
Ready-mix - 1

[Bob Rufener]

For a small project like this, mortar mix would be ok. As said before, concrete will have stones in it making it more difficult to apply your stone veneer. I would suggest putting something in the mortar mix to help strengthen it. Chicken wire, rebar, or something similar will give it more strength. By the way. Nice looking lighthouse!

[Myk Rian]

My intent was to fill the form and place the stones against the inside of the form as I did that. Guess I wasn't completely clear.
I went with the Ready-mix. After it set for a few hours, I removed the form and used a tool to scrape away excess concrete to soften the sharp edges.
This is the result. Thanks for the replies.

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