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So I've been looking at buying one of these than ran into this on google, thoughts?
submitted over 11 years ago by jackster1232002Mixologist
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6 points
 
by fl0wover 11 years ago

I homebrew beer, so a stirrer like this is pretty standard and perfect for yeast starters. My only concern is the thickness of eliquid may be to much get get any real spinning going

2 points
 
by jackster1232002over 11 years agoMixologist

I'm actually looking at applying heat somehow. Trying to find the safest way to do so. Perhaps something with a ceramic plate too. Problem is I don't want to spend too much on this considering moving to DIY is to save money in the first place.

2 points
 
by gonzolifeover 11 years ago

you can buy a sitrring hot plate on ebay for less than 50 bux. A stirrer with a fan like this will need a potentiometer wired in to adjust the speed, you cant just have the thing blast off real fast or the bar wont catch with the magnets, plus an adjustment of speed is very handy. Also, a real stir bar would be much better and only cost about $4 on ebay.

1 points
 
by dksfpensmover 11 years ago

You don't need a potentiometer, though one would be nice to adjust the speed. It'll catch just fine.

1 points
 
by fl0wover 11 years ago

A warm water bath for an hour or so with some shakes in between have been all I've really needed. I have a stirplate and I honestly don't think its necessary

1 points
 
by gonzolifeover 11 years ago

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Magnetic-Stirrer-Hot-Plate-VWR-DYLA-DUAL-/221471862636?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3390c06f6c

1 points
 
by jackster1232002over 11 years agoMixologist

thanks!

3 points
 
by vaparagnoover 11 years ago

Dude .... this is the DIY subreddit. Build....don't buy. Have an old computer fan laying around. Here's the instructions for the build https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKTXeJlJRfo

1 points
 
by BuryMeInSmokeover 11 years ago

I used to use a DIY stirplate for growing yeast for brewing.

Make sure whatever container you put on it has a really flat bottom otherwise you will have problems with the stirrer being thrown off.

I'd also suggest putting a potentiometer in there so you can control the speed. I found I rarely needed it going full speed and it was more likely to lose the stirrer.

Buy a selection of stirrers too - the come in different lengths, diameters, center rings, shapes etc. They're pretty cheap, $1-2 each, and some work much better than others.

1 points
 
by jackster1232002over 11 years agoMixologist

I saw those on amazon. And yeah I'll definitely be looking at beakers.

1 points
 
by megaproxyover 11 years ago

I made one, and bought a usb one. It doesn't really work.

The VG is too thick for it to spin properly.

1 points
 
by jackster1232002over 11 years agoMixologist

even if you apply heat?

1 points
 
by megaproxyover 11 years ago

Never really figured out a way to apply constant heat. I guess i could try heating it a while then putting it on the stirrer. I will try this tonight!

2 points
 
by jackster1232002over 11 years agoMixologist

Report back!!!

1 points
 
by defnot_hedonismbotover 11 years ago

You can buy heat tape and wrap it around your container

1 points
 
by calibosover 11 years ago

It looks like they spent $25 to make a fugly, finicky, non-adjustable stirrer that won't last rather than spending $30 on the right tool. How long is that computer fan going to last with 2 heavy magnets unbalancing it and interfering with its own motor and even more drag added on from the stir bar? I'd be surprised if the bearings lasted more than a few hours even if the motor keeps trucking.

1 points
 
by QMakerover 11 years ago

Doesn't work to well with fluids that are as viscous as PG and VG.

1 points
 
by SumDudeYouKnowover 11 years ago

I have 2 different magnetic stirrers. One was $79, the other $150. Neither have enough speed to mix more than 50ml of 50/50 liquid. If you are mixing small batches this should work. If you want to mix anything in quantity, you would be better off shaking the crap out of it or spending $$$ on a real nice stirrer.

1 points
 
by defnot_hedonismbotover 11 years ago

It'll add to the cost but wouldn't some heat tape make the process a whole lot more efficient?

http://m.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=30411686

1 points
 
by Beastaclesover 11 years agoFrugivore

I don't make batches larger than 30ml and this just seems too large. Then having to dig a magnet/stir bar out seems messy. I am thinking ultrasonic cleaner is better option.

2 points
 
by defnot_hedonismbotover 11 years ago

It would probably be if you're making 30ml max. Wit this you could make a batch that's 300ml and then distribute the beaker among 10 bottles. Then you won't have to mix again for a while

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