Badger paint mixer review

I've got a Robart paint mixer--think a smaller paint-store paint shaker. A little bigger than the Badger, but it works on different types of paint jars--I've got everything from Alclad to Vallejo. It has a v-channel that the jar fits into, then a rubberband secures it. Flip the switch, and then by the time I get the rest of my airbrush setup going, it's shaken...I like it because there is no mess possible--it shakes it in the bottle with a glass bead as an agitator.

Dan

Ya know a toothpick to break up and stir the settled pigemtn a little than a healthy application of teenaged boy wrist action usually works well enough to mix any hobby paint........

Ok, now this just popped into my head, so its a rough idea, but instead of using your finger, how about a small disc, say off of an RC car, and a lever controlled brake? Something simple that you could vary the speed with that would be cheap and effective, and save the tip of your finger??? What do you guys thinK?

I had an old "Betty Crocker" drink mixer I got years ago. It had a pressure type switch where I could control the speed. The bad thing is it gave up the spirit 2-3 weeks ago (sniff, sniff). I just about bought the Badger mixer but found a cuppacino (sp?) mixer. It spins too fast. Good idea about using finger pressure for control. I miss my BC mixer.

I have one too and like it.. I put my finger against the spindle as mentioned, mainly to curb any vibration.. once done I have a 4 ounce bottle full of mineral spirits.. I just stick it in and turn in on again and it comes out clean!

I had the milk frother before, I just cut off the two "paddles" at the end and let the rotation of the shaft do the trick.  it was a bit neater in that it never got the paint up over the rim.  I'll probably go back to one when the batteries on the Badger go out.

DrMemory1701 wrote:

Maybe Badger could use some of our suggestions in future iterations of the device.

Dr.Memory;

How would we all split the royalties for our ideas. It would have to be paid out in the form of gift certificates for more kits and equipment. hmmmm I like the sounds of that. As a Paralegal I will start drafting the contracts and negotiation agreements. For my services I will require a retainer of course. Please mail all your kits to my address and I will begin work once received. lol

Cheers;

Gregory

I have one myself. It does move rather quickly. I found out that if you rest your index finger on the mixing part just slightly and slowly move the switch foward you can actually control the speed of the spinner. By applying or releasing pressure on the collar of the spinner.  

So far no explosions of paint causing a redecoration of the workbench, but now that I have said that who knows what could happen

 

I have the item you mentioned. It is really great for mixinng paint in larger containers (greater than one ounce), but stirring small quantities of paint in a one ounce jar can be hazzardous to clothing and scenery. I was thinking of installing a small variable potentiometer (reostat) in series with the battery pack and the motor to try and vary the speed. Or possibly fabricate a smaller wheel (about 50% of the factory one) out of some spare aluminum plate.

I have used a variable speed Dremel tool with a modified swizzle stick as the stirring tool with great success. But again, care and protection are in order. I do like the gentleman's suggestion of using an inverted paper cup (with a hole in the bottom) as a splatter guard. Maybe Badger could use some of our suggestions in future iterations of the device.

I put a toothpick in my variable speed dremel and it works real good

Most Dremels go to fast to stir paint, but if you have got a slow one (wich is best for plastic) then you can just use a piece of scrap sprue a stirrer.

I also use a milk frotter/cappocino mixer. They are cheap and very simple to use. If it go to fast just use one dead battery and one new battery, works like a charm

I keep seeing these at the store.  I think.."hmmmm $15 to not stir my paint by hand.....nah, I'll get more paint instead."

 

Thanks for the tips on its use.  Doesn't sound trouble free.  Would it be better to use the tip in a variable speed dremel?

QT

Scott;

I have one of these as well. What I have done to eliminate the problem of flying paint. Take a Dixie cup or similar paper cup and poke the stirrer through the bottom. Place the cup over the paintjar to be stirred and  turn the unit on. The cup will contain any of the overspill if there is any.

To prevent the jar from tipping over either place it in a piece of plasticene or clamp it in a vice while stirring.

I also picked up a couple milk frothing stirrers for $2.00 a piece and they work really well too. I like having a couple of these on the bench for stirring multiple paints at the same time without having to cleanup in between colours.

As well I use a quick spray of Oven Cleaner to strip paint that dries on the stir stem before I get it all wiped off.

Hope this helps

Cheers;

Gregory