Saw in recent thread building an epoxy mixer-Would like to see the how to on that one.

Rod Maker Volume 6 #4

Thanks, Lynn! I will subscribe so I can get that back issue.

Does someone have an explanation for those that do not have that back issue ............

I am a paying member/subscriber and I have some of the back issues but I am a beginner like many people on here and I would like to see some information about a requested subject in addition to the page and issue of the periodical. Many of us don't have the expertise of many on this board or the money to purchase every back issue but we are here because we have the desire to learn and to help continue the art of rod making so the information exchange is important to all of us ..........

That said ........ I too would like to know how the epoxy mixer works and why it is so good. It looks simple to make with just a simple dryer engine set on an angle ........ is there something special about the PAC Bay machine

Thanks in advance

The only thing different about the Pac Bay mixer is that you don't have to engineer any components and build it. It has an injection molded cup holder, but if you are handy you can easily rig something up yourself.


Walt

Richard,

I feel the same way every time my printer drops a bill in my lap for $35,000! I'm just trying to help the craft of custom rod building yet he keeps charging me regardless. Go figure.

Seriously, there is no way a simple message board post can convey what a 4 to 6 page article does with text, photos, sidebars, etc. Nobody is trying to withold information from you but the magazine is your very best bet if you want all the specifics. I know some folks that tried to make one and didn't have good results precisely because they didn't get those seemingly "little things" right. And sometimes the devil is in the details.

Now as far as a "nutshell" view, what you have is essentially a slow RPM (18RPM is the best speed for an epoxy mixer). You could even take a regular 18 RPM rod dryer and bend the upright to a position that allows you to use it as a mixer - it's pretty much the same thing.

The mixer gives you a bubble free mix because it does not introduce air into that mix as a hand stirring motion does. If the cup is positioned correctly and the mixing ball or shaft also correctly sized and positioned, you will have a perfectly mixed batch that is as bubble free as it can possibly be. In fact, comparing the best hand mixed batch to the average mechanical mixed batch reveals a great difference in clarity due to the absence of very miniscule micro bubbles that aren't easily seen by the naked eye.

If you attempt to make one without the full article, just get the cup back at from 35 to 45 degrees and the mixing ball should be large and heavy enough so that under rotation the ball stays close to the 6 O'clock to 8 O'clock postion. If it nears the 9 O'clock position, or moves past it, get a heavier ball or use 2 of what you presently have.

Always try a test batch for complete mixing and time to mix. The article has more specifics but generally a mix time at 18 RPM for about 4 minutes will do what you want.

.............

Chris,
You don't have to subscribe to get back issues. Just go to the RodMaker link on the left and click on "back issues" then select Volume 6 #4. There is an artilcle in the Library that lists all of the topics in all of the back issues should you be interested. Unfortunately the article in the Library states that the Epoxy Mixer Article is in Volume 6 #3 which seems to be incorrect.
I would still subscribe to the magazine though as there is always something new. Always something good cooking at RodMaker, past, present and future! I've placed a couple of orders for back issues myself, just got three back issues last week. I just had to find out all I need to know about making a surf rod.

Good Luck,
Lynn

Thanks a ton, Lynn&Tom-Plan to subscribe, but not in this weeks plan! Still stumbling through my 1st build-frustrating at times-not the most patient man in the world. I guess I will have to learn some or find a builder.LOL

Chris

I find the convenience of having the mixer do the mixing while I get the rods ready in the stands is very helpful to me timewise. I build mostly larger saltwater rods and having to hand mix 20cc batches of finish just wasted my time in addition to creating too many bubbles.

Tom

Thanks for the information .......... something like what you just said ( a synopsis) along with chapter and verse like this is real good. As I said I have suscribed and I have bought back issues whare I had a deeper interest in a certain subject but just chapter and verse is worthless unless you want to order and wait days or more to get tjhe answer to a simple question. Tom I appreciate what you do and have done for the industry. I know I have gained a wealth of information from the Rodmaker and this website.