Greetings,
Just wanted to thank all those who willingly share their information. I used my mixer for the first time last night. What a treat! Well mixed and no bubbles. Should have done this sooner.
What a great web site. This bucks the trend of corporate life. It's not who you know but what you know (or can learn). Thanks Tom!!!!

Can you post some pic's and or describe what and how it works?
I'm interested in building one myself and would be interested in what has worked and didn't work for others.
BjR

Sure. Until I can get the pictures posted, this is what I did. Ordered the following motor [www.herbach.com]. The wiring diagram calls for an optional SPDT switch. I used one but it truely is optional.
I ordered 1/2 inch stainless steel balls from [www.mcmaster.com].
I use flex coat mixing cups. Glue one cup to a cork ring with a 1/4 inch center hole. This will snug fit the output shaft of the motor. Mix your epoxy in another cup sitting in the one glued to the ring. I use 3 balls in the cup, 3 cc hardner, 3 cc resin (Flex Coat Lite). Worked great.
Mount the motor at a 45 degree angle. My pictures will show how I did it. I used what I had on hand. Nothing fancy but it works great.
I have about $40 into it. Well worth it.

RodMaker Volume 6 #4. There are some specifics you should be aware of.

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Tom
In the absence of having this particular issue of RM magazine could you offer the nickle version of what these specifics might be?
BjR

It's hard to put into a simple message board post what took 4 pages and several photos to put in the magazine. I would be sure to leave out something important.

I will just say this - before using the mixer for a finish batch on your rod, make up at least one if not two test batches. Then, let the finish set up in the mixing cup. When set, pop it out and check for clarity and test to see if the inside of the cup is at all sticky. You want a thorough mix and a good cure. If you're not getting that, you may have to alter the size/weight of the mixing ball, speed of rotation and/or angle of cup. You just don't want to assume that your first batch is going to set and then have a bad mix spoil a nice rod. The only complaints I've ever heard about finish mixers came from folks that hadn't gotten everything just quite right and their batches weren't fully setting or weren't totally clear.

I would mix for a full 4 minutes, regardless.

The mixer featured in the magazine was a commercial epoxy resin mixer purchased from a wooden boat building supply company back in the 1980s. I adapted it for smaller batches adding a smaller cup, removing the mixing arm and using a heavy steel ball. Also shown was a unit made from a Flex Coat by utlizing one of their rod dryers. The critical aspects are speed, cup angler, size/weight of mixing ball. You do have to get these right or your batches may be less than perfect. They are great tools and worth having in your shop.



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Posted some pictures.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

[www.rodbuilding.org]

NICE JOB. I guess you don't have to worry about the mounting plate breaking with the diamond plate as the bracket.
Again ...........NICE JOB.
Kevin did you see this article that Tom is talking about and / or did you experience any problems with how the expoy turned out?
BjR

I did read the article when it first came out. I was going by memory (a scary thing to do anymore!) but I made note of the important info. I tried a test sample but just spread it out on some foil to harden. I will try leaving it in the cup next time. The three batches I have run have cured great. No bubbles I have noticed yet. I tried two ball bearings but I think three works better. It raises the level of the mixture in the cup. It also offers 50% more stiring. Just my observations.
The diamond plate is overkill but it's what I had on hand. However, it's fast to make and it's simple. Plus, it will never rust. I love that stuff!!!

Enjoy...Kevin

You're probably okay. If the epoxy is setting you're fine. You might try just one much larger steel ball instead of three. It should do the same job and require less time to clean than having to deal with 3. Not really a big deal either way.


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