Does anyone use that Robart paint shaker?

[Terry Sumner]

You know...the one that Micromark sells for about 48 bucks? The one that plugs into the a/c outlet...not the battery operated one. If so...do you like it? Does it work good? Is it robust enough to last years? Does it do a good job mixing the paint? etc etc.. Thinking of buying one and just wanted the experience of others who may already have used this product...

Thanks much,

Terry

[slantasaurus]

I use this :

[Mark]

It wasn't $48 when I bought it, but I bought the plug-in unit some years ago. Used it the first few times, seemed okay. Used it again a few months later, motor didn't work. Opened it up and found a bunch of junk attached to the power cord to convert the battery motor to plug-in operation. I found another, slightly larger motor and adapted it. That included some grinding on the inside of the case where the motor attaches, as well as enlarging the hole in the eccentric so it would fit the output shaft of the new motor. It has worked fine since then. The band for holding the paint container in place dried up and fell apart after a short time. I use a rubber band now, works okay. The shaker might work on paint that hasn't been sitting too long, but for settled paint you need to stir it, either manually or with a motorized stirrer. If I knew then what I know now, I'd get the motorized stirrer before spending money on the shaker.

[Wayne Buck]

I have one that I bought used at a swap meet. It definitely looks pretty old, but still does the job well, unless the paint is thick at the bottom of the jar.

Honestly though, I hardly use it. It's kinda noisy ( might be just due to it's age though ). I usually just give my paint a quick shake by hand and use those little wooden coffee stirrers if it needs more.

The little testors square bottles fit nicely in it, never tried a humbrol tin or anything in it though, so I couldn't tell you about that.

I don't think it's worth the price for "just shaking paint", but then again, I'm sure there are probably some people who have one and love it.

edit: I guess I was typing at the same time as Mark, but, like he mentioned, I had to replace the dry-rotted band as well and use a regular rubber band (forgot about that..).

Edited September 12, 2011 by Wayne Buck

[mr cheap]

i like it ..its fast works great ... but dam it cost to much and its nosiy.. mine is going strong for 2 years...if you want to go cheap.. pick up a jewelry cleaner fea market or what ever for .maybe $5.00..i can put 6 1/2 once jars in it takes 2 or 3 hours but it does realy good o put some bb sized platsic balls in it...if you are into cheap call me... ps use pantie hose to fillter

Edited September 13, 2011 by mr cheap