Universal Hobby Paint Shaker

thingiverse

Description: This is a universal hobby paint shaker I designed. It can be used with a reciprocating saw and possibly a jigsaw though I have not tested this and may require a slight redesign. This idea came about because there aren't many options for shaking hobby paint bottles. I have 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). The problem with other existing designs is that they are designed for a specific brand of paints (Vallejo, Testors, etc.). I wanted one shaker to rule them all. So I set out to make something that would take advantage of either a reciprocating saw or a jigsaw and since I had a cordless reciprocating saw I went that route, but the model can be modified to support standard jigsaw blades. I have tested this shaker with every bottle of hobby paint, primer, wash, filler, etc. I own at various speeds from low to full speed on the reciprocating saw and it works as expected. And though I had no bottles fly out of the holder I would recommend shaking over a trash bin, just in case. Paint bottles 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 (big and heavy), Vallejo Washes, Flory Washes. How 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 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 loosely fits 4. Fit 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 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. Shake away, with the bottle facing up. 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 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. Future Design Considerations: Create a desktop base to house a AC or DC motor and gear system to drive a shaft with these shaker holders attached to it. --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--