Universal Paint Shaker

prusaprinters

Description: This is a universal hobby paint shaker I designed to solve a simple problem. Shaking hobby paint.  It is designed to be used with a reciprocating saw.  It may also work with a jigsaw though I have not tested this and may require a slight redesign and will have some limitations in 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, which isn't exactly exciting and often requires a lot of shaking for stubborn paints. I've had a hobby paint shaker from Robart and here's the deal with it. First it's pretty expensive. Second it's cheaply made and didn't last. Mine failed after moderate use. The motor literally gave out and actually released it's magic smoke (video uploaded to Amazon reviews). It also suffers in that it's designed to only shake small paint bottles.  The issue with other designs is that they are designed for your a typical brand of hobby paints (Vallejo, Testors, etc.). I wanted one shaker to rule them all. 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 have 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. I have been using this model now for several years and have never had any bottles fly off.  Still I would recommend shaking over a trash bin, just in case or until you feel comfortable.It is important to note that shaking at the highest speed isn't very efficient and makes a lot of noise and unnecessary vibrations.  I've found that a moderate speed setting does the best and fastest job at mixing the paint.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, AMMO and MIG Washes, Flory Washes, Testors and Tamiya 3oz. Rattle CansHow to use:1. Attach the shaker holders to a reciprocating saw blade long enough and give enough clearance to ensure the bottom holder does not hit the shoe as the saw cycles the blade2. To fit a paint bottle to the holders adjust the shaker holders by loosening the screws on the top holder3. Slide the holder so the bottle fits snuggly between the holders.4. Fit bottle in the holders and press the holders tight to the bottle and tighten the screws5. Attach a Velcro strap around the bottle or 2 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 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 have 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.As far as getting paint shook up it excels at it and I really like adding an additional Velcro strap to hold down the saws trigger so I can set it down and just let it shake the paint at a moderate speed while I do other things.Parts and Accessories:1ea - Reciprocating Saw - I have an old Royobi 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw that I bought years ago refurbished. It was a great deal. Use whatever you have this is supposed to be cheap.1ea - Reciprocating Saw Blade: Preferably well worn as to avoid cuts. The one I am using is a DeWalt (DW4809) 14TPI Bi-Metal 8" Blade. I find this is a good length 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--