Epoxy mixing containers

D

Dixieblade57

Joined
Jun 20, 2007
Messages
1,361
I have discovered a great source for mixing containers for epoxy mixing, which are free or nearly free. In my quest for a clean mixing container each time I have to mix a batch of epoxy when I am working on a knife I have turned to my Grandkids.

There parents buy the vegetables and or fruit in these containers, making them free to me.
Click tumbnail for larger view:



Each one comes with a resealable lid which works great for small epoxy jobs and the lid has a recess on both sides so it can be used twice and then tossed.





I wash out the tubs and use them for larger jobs. Certain foods like sweet potatoes and peas will stain the tubs but once washed and dried they are clean for mixing containers. I put them in a big Ziploc bag and keep them in my shop ready for use!
So if you have small children or grandchildren or know someone who does that will save them for you, you are good to go1
 
Why do you need such large containers for mixing epoxy? I bought a 100 pack of medicine cups to use. Being pre-marked for 1-5 ml makes it easier to pour and mix. I rarely need more than 5ml of epoxy to glue up a handle. Do the mixing with a plastic fork. When the epoxy hardens you can remove it and reuse the cup.
 
I use the bathroom size dixie cups. 200 costs $4 and one can usually be reused 3 or 4 times. I can fill and pour if need be or just mix and spread with a plastic knife.
 
I usually just put two strips of duct tape on the bench and mix on this. When finished, just rip off and throw away. (I use the leftover epoxy to plug holes and dinks in my work benches)
It also make sit easier to measure the epoxy by eyeballing the round puddle it makes.
 
If all I need is a dab of epoxy junk mail makes a pretty good pallet. And we all get plenty of junk mail.
 
Dixieblade57 said:
I have discovered a great source for mixing containers for epoxy mixing, which are free or nearly free. In my quest for a clean mixing container each time I have to mix a batch of epoxy when I am working on a knife I have turned to my Grandkids.

There parents buy the vegetables and or fruit in these containers, making them free to me.
Click tumbnail for larger view:



Each one comes with a resealable lid which works great for small epoxy jobs and the lid has a recess on both sides so it can be used twice and then tossed.





I wash out the tubs and use them for larger jobs. Certain foods like sweet potatoes and peas will stain the tubs but once washed and dried they are clean for mixing containers. I put them in a big Ziploc bag and keep them in my shop ready for use!
So if you have small children or grandchildren or know someone who does that will save them for you, you are good to go1
Click to expand...
HA! Funny you posted that, I do the same thing. My son is 17 months now, so no more baby food but I made sure to save a bunch of them when he was devouring it.

I also use them for Tru-Oil as the lid is airtight enough to last a whole project, not for long term storage, but maybe a week or so.

I do like a little bit bigger mixing cup, or as Pat said just a flat surface, as to help extend the pot life as long as possible. And the fact that I don't have to buy more stuff for this hobby keeps the wife happy!



-Xander
 
Patrice Lemée;9322811 said:
I usually just put two strips of duct tape on the bench and mix on this. When finished, just rip off and throw away. (I use the leftover epoxy to plug holes and dinks in my work benches)
It also make sit easier to measure the epoxy by eyeballing the round puddle it makes.
Click to expand...

Pretty much my measuring style....I use laminated business cards I have left over from a company that fired my ass....:D
 
zaph1 said:
Why do you need such large containers for mixing epoxy? I bought a 100 pack of medicine cups to use. Being pre-marked for 1-5 ml makes it easier to pour and mix. I rarely need more than 5ml of epoxy to glue up a handle. Do the mixing with a plastic fork. When the epoxy hardens you can remove it and reuse the cup.
Click to expand...

I second the medicine cups. They are just the right size and while mixing the expoxy doesn't keep spreading out while mixing like on a flat surface. I use syringes to mix though. I don't trust just pouring.

Very cost efective. Also cost effective is borrowing the wood stirrers from starbucks :rolleyes:
 
Hey Dixieblade57, How are you enjoying this weather we are getting?
Good Idea on the cups. I sometimes use empty yogurt cups that I save.
 
See there you go I layed it out for you and you missed it. They are free!

I mostly use the little lids they are usable on two sides before you chunk it! The bigger container the food is in are great for tru-oil and such as well as a container for dycom, but the best thing is there FREE If your not to lazy to wash them out that is! :eek::):D
 
I use a piece of cardboard, but im looking at something I can heat to make it thinner
(thinking about a coke can and a candle)
 
Hengelo_77 said:
I use a piece of cardboard, but im looking at something I can heat to make it thinner
(thinking about a coke can and a candle)
Click to expand...

If you use a small container of some kind, you can put it into hot water to warm up e epoxy. Or put the epoxy tubes in warm water before mixing.
 
I just caught your location Railrider! I am loving this weather but I am afraid we are fixing to go straight from heating to AC. Oh well got to have something to complain about!:rolleyes::D
 
Dixieblade57 said:
I just caught your location Railrider! I am loving this weather but I am afraid we are fixing to go straight from heating to AC. Oh well got to have something to complain about!:rolleyes::D
Click to expand...
Yeah I'm afraid of that too, but I'm looking forward to doing some fishing. I don't know if you would be interested in it or not, but there is a meeting of the Gulf Coast Blacksmith Association in Covington La this sunday. Just outside of Slidell, maybe 4 hrs from Crestview area. They do have visitors from what I understand. I have to go out there on sunday anyway so I'm going to try to make it over there to check it out.
http://gulfcoastblacksmith.com/2009/02/16/gcba-monthly-meeting-schedule/


Hengelo_77 said:
Good one!
But if the whole tubes get heated won't it affect the epoxy that doesn't get used?
Click to expand...

I'm not a chemist by any means, but I'm fairly certain that it won't hurt it at all. I have some 2 part epoxy that I have had for a few years. The temp in my area can get to the occasional 20's or 30's F in winter up to steady 90's F and above in the summer. My epoxy has gotten a little thicker, but it still works well. When it's mixed and then heated, it will speed up the curing process, so work quick.
 
I use the small ketchup cups that are available on the counter at McDonalds or other restaurants.

As for "warming" the epoxy, I've built a heating box that warms via a light buld. Two holes bored into the top for each bottle to fit in. I also have it on a timer so I won't forget its on.
 
Damn, I have thrown tons of those things away...lol I will save the next few.

I usually just use whatever semi clean trash within a grabs reach to mix on...scrap kydex, plastic, wood, carboard...etc etc.

I am trying to find out if I mix a batch of 5 min epoxy can I store it in a tuper ware like container to use later. Sometimes I mix up a little too much and end up trashing it. Would be convenient to be able to just dip in when I need some...but I know...thats wishful thinking:rolleyes:
 
small paper plate, scrap of card board and a popsicle stick. No reason for anything more.
 
Good tip, Dixie.

For tiny to small amounts, I use an old phone book. . .rip off the cover (cut it into mixing paddles, works a little better than old business cards, but not as satisfying) mix on a page, then rip it out and toss into the trash.
 
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