During a recent project for a client, I had to prepare a fluorescent bead slide for imaging. Beads require dilution, and a vortex mixer is recommended in order to provide ample separation of the individual beads. Not having one on hand, I figured there must be a way to achieve similar results, and found this used by a homebrewer for yeast prep. It was close for my needs, but I didn’t want to use wood due to the fabrication time and difficulty of install / removal. So I measured the screw hole spacing on the sander pad, and sketched one up in Fusion. A PLA print was made, and the result has been great for simple use.
One additional trick I use for mods like this, is a router speed control, available form Harbor freight or Amazon. It allows the motor speed to be adjusted. The little Ryobi is super fast, so I ended up suing the speed control on it’s lowest setting. These controls work well for most motors – some using “soft start” motors may not work, but it did great in this case!
If you would like to print your own (assuming the hole spacing is compatible), the STL file and STEP for modification are available on my Github page here.
- Austin