Universal Hobby Paint Shaker

myminifactory

Description: This is a universal hobby paint shaker that I designed to solve a simple problem. It's made to work with a reciprocating saw and might also work with a jigsaw, though I haven't tested it yet and it may require some adjustments and limitations on what you can shake due to the length of blades unless you rig something up. This idea came about because there aren't many options for shaking hobby paint bottles. I have a hobby paint shaker from Robart that has its own set of problems - it's pretty expensive, cheaply made, and didn't last. Mine failed after moderate use and the motor gave out, releasing its magic smoke (video uploaded to Amazon reviews). It also only works with small paint bottles. The issue with other designs is that they're made for a typical brand of hobby paints like Vallejo or Testors. I wanted one shaker that would work with all of them, so I set out to make something that would take advantage of a reciprocating or jigsaw and since I had a cordless reciprocating saw, I went that route. I've tested this shaker with every bottle and can of hobby paint, primer, wash, filler, etc. I own at various speeds from low to full speed and it works as expected. And though I've had no bottles fly, I would recommend shaking over a trash bin just in case. Paint Bottles/Cans Tested (both full and partials): Tamiya 23m and 10m, Vallejo 13m bottles, Mr. Metal and Mr. Hobby Color, Testors/Model Master, Mr. Hobby Surface Fillers (the big and heavy bottles), Vallejo Washes, Flory Washes, Testors and Tamiya 3oz. Rattle Cans How to use: 1. Attach the shaker holders to a reciprocating saw blade that's long enough and gives enough clearance so the bottom holder doesn't hit the shoe as the saw cycles the blade. 2. To fit a paint bottle to the holders, adjust the shaker holders by loosening the screws on the top holder. 3. Slide the holder so the bottle fits snuggly between the holders. 4. Fit the bottle in the holders and press the holders tight to the bottle and tighten the screws. 5. Attach a Velcro strap around the bottle or two rubber bands, one to each holder, so that they wrap around the paint bottle. The rubber bands are intended to be secured by the holder's base as shown in the picture. 6. With the reciprocating saw horizontal and the paint bottle facing up, shake away. As an extra precaution, you may want to start by shaking the paint over a trash can, but I've yet to have a bottle or can fly. It takes about 10 seconds to adjust for each bottle size and a few more to attach the Velcro strap or rubber bands. Parts and Accessories: 1ea - Reciprocating Saw. I used an old Royobi 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw that I bought years ago refurbished. It was a great deal. Use whatever you have, as this is supposed to be cheap. 1ea - Reciprocating Saw Blade. Preferably well-worn to avoid cuts. The one I'm using is a DeWalt (DW4809) 14TPI Bi-Metal 8" Blade. I find this length works for all paints tested (see above). Precise measurements of this blade are 205mm Long, 19mm Wide and 1mm Thick. Use what you have that's close. 4ea - M2.6x10mm Phillips Self-Tapping Screws. 2ea - Velcro Straps. --WARNING: Use this at your own risk. I claim no responsibility for your actions, damage, or injuries to self or others that may be caused through the use of this model, reciprocating saws, or any other part related to this design concept.