I had Amazon deliver two nail polish shakers, both were DOA. I paid the extra $15 for the vortex and it's awesome. From my experience - be patient with it, let it mix for 2-3 mins for brand new Army Painter paints or maybe 30s for speedpaint 2.0. This thing is great. Thanks for the video, Faux!
I ordered a VM-300 Mini Vortex mixer -far from the cheapest option, and guess what? Arrived DOA, or as good as. Unpacked, ran 5 bottles through it testing it out for a total running time of less than 90 seconds total before it stopped working completely. Checked the PSU with a mulltimeter and it's outputting spec. voltage. Looks well built on the outside, but insidewhether the switching or electric motor clearly isn't up to the job. Very disappointed. Are any of these worth buying? Not paying AUD$130-$156 for a vortex mixer (FOUR E'S) just for mixing model paints. Back to Trumpeter's rotary Badger style mixer for just $16.99!
great review....out of interest, i went onto aliexpress and got an intllab sample shaker....its exactly the same thing as the vortex shaker you review, only in plain basic grey / blue colours. It only cost $23 and ive had it for a couple of week now and its amazing. I see its now being advertised on aliexpress as lab equipment and also for tattoo artists and modellers for paint shaking, so they have cottoned on to the hpbby market quickly. I highly recommend it. Was very good that i knew what a vortex shaker was having watched your video, so great stuff thanks.
A simple trick to help improve the nail polish shakers is to tilt the shaker as it's running. Pick it out it on its side to why the bottle is standing straight up for a min or two and then flip to where it's upside down for a few min then set it back down, probably still not as good but it does help
Rechargeable double a's run at 1.2 volts whereas non-rechargeable double a is run at 1.5 volts so it could be that you've actually got a problem with undo voltage by using those rechargeable batteries.
From what I’ve heard, you should warm your hands before using it. But I don’t know if any issues. You should always follow all products safety guidelines
Thanks I have seen these on Amazon but wondered how they worked or if you could use then for model paint. Now I know thanks to you, I was in two minds weather to buy one or not.
The "poor man's" version, is a handheld jigsaw. They can be had for around $20-$30 for new (Harbor Freight is the cheapest), or used for around $10, at an estate/garage sale. Use painter's/masking tape to secure the bottle to the blade; increase the throttle, slowly. Some will accept a $4 clamp into their throat, but mine would not, so I used a cheap blade, with tape. Works A-M-A-Z-I-N-G-L-Y well! I paid $10 for my jigsaw, at an estate sale. I use it every time, with every paint bottle and pen. Superb results. Cheers!
Thanks for the review, it looks like it does quite a good job but one clear plus of the cheap nail varnish shaker thingo is that you can just strap it in and let it mix while you continue doing something else, ie you don't have to hold it and turn it and flip it as you do with the vortex mixer.
Hi, thanks for your comment. Unfortunately you can't do this. The info leaflet which domes with these nail varnish ones actually tells you not to leave it in for more than 90 seconds as it will burn out the motor. I should have said this in the guide
so i got one of these and was wondering about hand/nerve issues...i just started using it and saw a comment below about it being bad for your hands..was curious to how you have fared using yours for a few years now and anyone else...please respond to let me know how you if using the vortex shaker ....how else can you hold the bottles on it? i have 2 oz craft painnt bottles...also how long should u hold the bottle time wise on it? thanks..ps i also ordered the robart shaker to try that out and have a battery mixer stick to try also lol....i have a lot of old paints that i dont want to throw away if i can save them...:)
May I suggest adding some agitators into the bottles. People have been suggesting small ball bearings, but depending on the quality they might rust. Someone suggested hematite beads instead, but I have not looked into that yet.
If you want a cheap and easy solution buy a cheap aquarium air pump. Costs 2-3$ and when you plug it it non-stop shaking,stick the paint bottle with a tape and wait.
Think i will stick to the cheapo nail varnish one. 85 for the cyclone shaker is a bit much though. I could defo spend that on othe aspects of my hobby. Great little device though.
Yeah it's definately not for everyone. I think it's the sort of thing you have to either really want to justify the purchase. Or if someone bought it as a gift for you it would be amazing. It is so much better than the normal shakers that it justifies the cost difference. But as you say, there are so many other things in this hobby that you can spend that money on.
@@FauxHammer I agree... I someone bought if for me as a gift then it would be awesome. I have no doubt it works a lot better than the cheapos but my hobby budget has been seriously reduced due to small spawn. It definitely is a really want item. They seem to work great and quieter too. But just something I personally would not get unless bought for me. Lol
Vormvood13 I talked my son into getting it for my birthday :) he wants me to get beck into my painting. one thing is when you hold the bottle on it. dam it vibrates your hand/ arm so much can't do to many in a row.. makes me a little dizzy lol. hand falls asleep. :)
FauxHammer yeah I was trying it quick when I first got it on some old bottles when I first opened it... I figured I'll just have to do short sessions :) .. my bottles are the 2 oz craft paint like delta ceramcoat..a little bigger then those model paints but I did read on amazon under comments someone used them with my type also... I didnt get same brand but looks exactly the same.. of course haven't really had a chance to test more but seems good so far..
How did you get Citadel paint in dropper bottles??? I'm in the States, we only have the crappy pot. Also, great work - I often consult you lists and they never steered my wrong.
Lots of tutorials on here for transferring them mate. I’ve just ordered empty droppers, agitators and some matte medium to do this with all of my citadel paints!
@@MrTpimms err I mean 15ml, typo. I'm mostly airbrushing with these so I went to my go to Creatix reducer, its what I have available to me at the local craft store. For that reason I picked up some Cidadel Air Cast medium - way too expensive and not that great. So, I ordered some Vallejo matt medium because I trust the name.
Very good and informative video. I was curious whether the 17 ml dropper bottle fits inside the blue cap. It does not. I will probably make my own shaker I just checked out the price is around 120 eur, that is a lot of money for a shaker where I have to hold the bottle in my hands. I would make one with 3D printed parts where there is a cylinder being moved that can accommodate a 17 ml dropper bottle securely without me having to hold it on top of it.
i just found a similar mixer online after some research into mixers and have tons of old craft paints, mostly 2 oz bottles but also a few taller 8 oz bottles..i was wondering before i make the purchase, if this mixer will also mix the larger bottles..they seem to have the same size bottom as your shorter wide bottles in the video but wondered if mine are going to be too tall to get mixed thoroughly...any response will help before i order this mixer...thanks :)
You can mix those larger bottles, I use that size for primer, but it's not as good with the mini vortex mixer. If you are mixing mostly that size. You will want the larger mixer, found here (at the bottom). www.fauxhammer.com/featured/best-paint-mixers-shakers-for-miniatures-and-wargames-model-paints-2019/
FauxHammer thanks.. most are 2oz, only a few bigger . also have some old sealer bottles.. I figure I'll give it a short but can always just buy new for those..
That's what I thought, right up until I got it out of the box and felt the weight of it. I don't know why, but heavier tech always seems to last longer for me. This thing is made of ABS plastic and steel, and you could beat someone to death with it. Were you so inclined of course. I do not advocate murder by lab equipment. But you know, you could...
@@FauxHammer Me neither. I got one today, and you could murder someone with it. I'll just use it for shaking the paints though, unless I have to fight someone in a duel to the death and the weapon specifications are limited to things the size of a Christmas pudding.
Thanks for the review. Convinced to me to get one after looking around. Now off to decant my GW pots.
I had Amazon deliver two nail polish shakers, both were DOA. I paid the extra $15 for the vortex and it's awesome. From my experience - be patient with it, let it mix for 2-3 mins for brand new Army Painter paints or maybe 30s for speedpaint 2.0. This thing is great. Thanks for the video, Faux!
I ordered a VM-300 Mini Vortex mixer -far from the cheapest option, and guess what? Arrived DOA, or as good as. Unpacked, ran 5 bottles through it testing it out for a total running time of less than 90 seconds total before it stopped working completely. Checked the PSU with a mulltimeter and it's outputting spec. voltage. Looks well built on the outside, but insidewhether the switching or electric motor clearly isn't up to the job. Very disappointed. Are any of these worth buying? Not paying AUD$130-$156 for a vortex mixer (FOUR E'S) just for mixing model paints. Back to Trumpeter's rotary Badger style mixer for just $16.99!
great review....out of interest, i went onto aliexpress and got an intllab sample shaker....its exactly the same thing as the vortex shaker you review, only in plain basic grey / blue colours. It only cost $23 and ive had it for a couple of week now and its amazing. I see its now being advertised on aliexpress as lab equipment and also for tattoo artists and modellers for paint shaking, so they have cottoned on to the hpbby market quickly. I highly recommend it. Was very good that i knew what a vortex shaker was having watched your video, so great stuff thanks.
Thanks so much for the review, was hoping there was something better than a nail polish shaker. Thank you for sharing this information!
I've been using the Robart Paint Shaker for 7 years now. No problems and hands free.
Do you find the high frequency vibrations make your hands numb?
A simple trick to help improve the nail polish shakers is to tilt the shaker as it's running. Pick it out it on its side to why the bottle is standing straight up for a min or two and then flip to where it's upside down for a few min then set it back down, probably still not as good but it does help
I was THIS close to buying the cheap nail polish shaker. Vortex mixer is going in my cart now! Thank you for this video; lab equipment is no joke!
The best explanation on RUclips, thanks 🌹🌹
Thanks so much
Rechargeable double a's run at 1.2 volts whereas non-rechargeable double a is run at 1.5 volts so it could be that you've actually got a problem with undo voltage by using those rechargeable batteries.
Isn't hand physical contact with a vortex mixer like this really bad for cartilage and can cause damage?
From what I’ve heard, you should warm your hands before using it. But I don’t know if any issues. You should always follow all products safety guidelines
Thanks I have seen these on Amazon but wondered how they worked or if you could use then for model paint. Now I know thanks to you, I was in two minds weather to buy one or not.
Great review, it cleared the various doubts I had about purchasing this style of mixer for my paints.
Great video, I have a few army painter paints which are unusable at the moment, cant wait to see if this fixes them!
I hope you've seen our updated version of this video? ruclips.net/video/HJ-cYKVjOac/видео.html&ab_channel=FauxHammer
This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you
The "poor man's" version, is a handheld jigsaw. They can be had for around $20-$30 for new (Harbor Freight is the cheapest), or used for around $10, at an estate/garage sale. Use painter's/masking tape to secure the bottle to the blade; increase the throttle, slowly. Some will accept a $4 clamp into their throat, but mine would not, so I used a cheap blade, with tape. Works A-M-A-Z-I-N-G-L-Y well! I paid $10 for my jigsaw, at an estate sale. I use it every time, with every paint bottle and pen. Superb results. Cheers!
Thanks for the review, it looks like it does quite a good job but one clear plus of the cheap nail varnish shaker thingo is that you can just strap it in and let it mix while you continue doing something else, ie you don't have to hold it and turn it and flip it as you do with the vortex mixer.
Hi, thanks for your comment. Unfortunately you can't do this. The info leaflet which domes with these nail varnish ones actually tells you not to leave it in for more than 90 seconds as it will burn out the motor.
I should have said this in the guide
Thank you! This is exactly the information I was after.
Awesome review. I didn't even think about this. Have to invest in one now. :)
so i got one of these and was wondering about hand/nerve issues...i just started using it and saw a comment below about it being bad for your hands..was curious to how you have fared using yours for a few years now and anyone else...please respond to let me know how you if using the vortex shaker ....how else can you hold the bottles on it? i have 2 oz craft painnt bottles...also how long should u hold the bottle time wise on it? thanks..ps i also ordered the robart shaker to try that out and have a battery mixer stick to try also lol....i have a lot of old paints that i dont want to throw away if i can save them...:)
Very helpful
May I suggest adding some agitators into the bottles. People have been suggesting small ball bearings, but depending on the quality they might rust. Someone suggested hematite beads instead, but I have not looked into that yet.
good idea
I want to see it fix Ceramite White before I'm convinced ;)
Hold my pint
Just subbed nice video
Thanks UD. I follow you with my personal account already so will follow with my channel too.
ah, was already subscribed with my channel lol
Thanks for the review. Ordered one :)
awsome, let me know what you think? I still love mine!
I got it today. Works like a charm! I tried it on a couple of Army painter bottles that I hadn’t used for over a year and it mixed them really nicely.
Just bought one from Amazon for £40, they are TWICE that or even more normally, June 2020
nice!
If you want a cheap and easy solution buy a cheap aquarium air pump.
Costs 2-3$ and when you plug it it non-stop shaking,stick the paint bottle with a tape and wait.
Will you be reviewing the announced Artis Opus paint mixer, and carry out a comparison to the vortex?
Yep. Directly
Would this work for Humbrol enamel paint?
Think i will stick to the cheapo nail varnish one. 85 for the cyclone shaker is a bit much though. I could defo spend that on othe aspects of my hobby. Great little device though.
Yeah it's definately not for everyone. I think it's the sort of thing you have to either really want to justify the purchase. Or if someone bought it as a gift for you it would be amazing.
It is so much better than the normal shakers that it justifies the cost difference. But as you say, there are so many other things in this hobby that you can spend that money on.
@@FauxHammer I agree... I someone bought if for me as a gift then it would be awesome. I have no doubt it works a lot better than the cheapos but my hobby budget has been seriously reduced due to small spawn. It definitely is a really want item. They seem to work great and quieter too. But just something I personally would not get unless bought for me. Lol
Vormvood13 I talked my son into getting it for my birthday :) he wants me to get beck into my painting. one thing is when you hold the bottle on it. dam it vibrates your hand/ arm so much can't do to many in a row.. makes me a little dizzy lol. hand falls asleep. :)
@@judithwilber2540 how long are you holding them on for. I tend to do 10-20 second bursts
FauxHammer yeah I was trying it quick when I first got it on some old bottles when I first opened it... I figured I'll just have to do short sessions :) .. my bottles are the 2 oz craft paint like delta ceramcoat..a little bigger then those model paints but I did read on amazon under comments someone used them with my type also... I didnt get same brand but looks exactly the same.. of course haven't really had a chance to test more but seems good so far..
How did you get Citadel paint in dropper bottles??? I'm in the States, we only have the crappy pot. Also, great work - I often consult you lists and they never steered my wrong.
Lots of tutorials on here for transferring them mate. I’ve just ordered empty droppers, agitators and some matte medium to do this with all of my citadel paints!
@@MrTpimms Thanks! my shipment of 50 5ml bottles just arrived - They poor into the small opening direct from the pot easier than expected.
Cameron Schooley 5ml? Glad it’s working out for you, what thinner did you use?
@@MrTpimms err I mean 15ml, typo. I'm mostly airbrushing with these so I went to my go to Creatix reducer, its what I have available to me at the local craft store. For that reason I picked up some Cidadel Air Cast medium - way too expensive and not that great. So, I ordered some Vallejo matt medium because I trust the name.
Cameron Schooley good shout! I’ve gone W&N for the same reason! Let me know how you get on, I’m still waiting for my bottles!
Hi. Is it still kicking? Found one at tattoo supply 50euro more. Im getting two.
still going strong
Very good and informative video. I was curious whether the 17 ml dropper bottle fits inside the blue cap.
It does not. I will probably make my own shaker I just checked out the price is around 120 eur,
that is a lot of money for a shaker where I have to hold the bottle in my hands. I would make one with 3D printed parts where there is a
cylinder being moved that can accommodate a 17 ml dropper bottle securely without me having to hold it on top of it.
i just found a similar mixer online after some research into mixers and have tons of old craft paints, mostly 2 oz bottles but also a few taller 8 oz bottles..i was wondering before i make the purchase, if this mixer will also mix the larger bottles..they seem to have the same size bottom as your shorter wide bottles in the video but wondered if mine are going to be too tall to get mixed thoroughly...any response will help before i order this mixer...thanks :)
You can mix those larger bottles, I use that size for primer, but it's not as good with the mini vortex mixer. If you are mixing mostly that size. You will want the larger mixer, found here (at the bottom).
www.fauxhammer.com/featured/best-paint-mixers-shakers-for-miniatures-and-wargames-model-paints-2019/
FauxHammer thanks.. most are 2oz, only a few bigger . also have some old sealer bottles.. I figure I'll give it a short but can always just buy new for those..
Lovely video. I might buy one. Can I ask what background music you used?
Hi, thanks so much. I'm really sorry. I don't know. it was a stock one from somewhere i just pulled in to hide as much fuzz as I could.
Vortex mixer - 119.00 euros, Nail varnish mixer that does the job perfectly - 22.00 euros! NO CONTEST.
I agree with your comment, but probably not the intent
Trust me on this one: those 22€ cheaper mixers will only last 4 months, with worse results.
@@VanHorstmann1990 mine literally just died. Had it for about a year. Cheap rubbish but I knew that going in
I've seen these at over £100 for the proper lab quality models. Seem like a nice thing to have but far too expensive.
is it quiet?
About comparable to the volume of a car ticking over - I can't think of a better analogy
Be wary of vibration white finger.
Whoa these are wicked expensive for what they do
That's what I thought, right up until I got it out of the box and felt the weight of it. I don't know why, but heavier tech always seems to last longer for me. This thing is made of ABS plastic and steel, and you could beat someone to death with it.
Were you so inclined of course. I do not advocate murder by lab equipment.
But you know, you could...
I went with the duct tape to a jigsaw route. Can't afford these prices.
Nothing to sniff at, if it works for you, do it
@@FauxHammer I wish there were more "poor man's" guides. Might be something to look into.
@@MrNovaStreams that's a good idea. Don't tell any other channels yeah? Lol.
heavy little thing
yeah, i didn't expect it either
@@FauxHammer Me neither. I got one today, and you could murder someone with it.
I'll just use it for shaking the paints though, unless I have to fight someone in a duel to the death and the weapon specifications are limited to things the size of a Christmas pudding.
@@TitusVarus that escalated quickly!
I just ordered the el-cheapo shaker. If the batteries don’t work it’s a simple open-it-up-and -solder-some-loose-wires scenario for me.
fair enough, it burned the motor out in mine