Deez DIY Magnetic Stirrer

[Dietz]

So about a week ago I decided to make my own Stirrer as I am as tired of Shaking mixes as I am of my Tanks Leaking...

This was supposed to be quite simple...and easy, but so far its been a challenge of Note. This thread will serve as my log on the making of this mixer until I have one that works successfully.

I sat last night until about 12:55 before losing it with this thing that is still not working.

Things Used:
- PC case Fan
- Magnets (from old HDD and name badges)
- 12V power supply
- Stirrer Bar
- few screws and Nuts for spacing
- Tub to house it all in

This is what V1 Looks like:


And in action:


But the Victory was short lived, all my testing was done with Water or Clean PG only so as soon as I Added ANY mix with VG in it, this thing stopped working- The magnet shoots off, or the fan stops, Or the bar doesnt turn, or the fan doesnt turn or this or that, It all gave me the finger last night.

I also tried Various Glasses and Bottles as well as many different containers, cups, jars and so on, I think the shape of the base of these makes a Huge difference as the magnet jumps off due to an imbalance or imperfection on the base of the container/Jar used?

BUT I am determined to Make a successful one, So below are a few reasons why I think it didn't work, V2 will have all updates that I think is causing issues, So stay posted.

Possible Issues:
1. FAN might not be the best option as the Magnets seem to be pulling the Motors internal magnets and thus causing loss of torque on the fan.
2. Jar, Get a Mixing Beker with a FLAT, Thin Base to have the stirrer bar move more freely.
3. Speed/Switch needed, To Slowly ramp up the RPMs.
4. Different magnets needed as Im using 4 different sets from various things, this might be causing an imbalances magnetic field that throws off the balance of the stirrer bar.

I will tinker some more and update (hopefully before) this weekend.

Any suggestions from you guys who have done this before would be welcome!

 

[Steyn777]

So about a week ago I decided to make my own Stirrer as I am as tired of Shaking mixes as I am of my Tanks Leaking...

This was supposed to be quite simple...and easy, but so far its been a challenge of Note. This thread will serve as my log on the making of this mixer until I have one that works successfully.

I sat last night until about 12:55 before losing it with this thing that is still not working.

Things Used:
- PC case Fan
- Magnets (from old HDD and name badges)
- 12V power supply
- Stirrer Bar
- few screws and Nuts for spacing
- Tub to house it all in

This is what V1 Looks like:
View attachment 130854

And in action:
View attachment 130855

But the Victory was short lived, all my testing was done with Water or Clean PG only so as soon as I Added ANY mix with VG in it, this thing stopped working- The magnet shoots off, or the fan stops, Or the bar doesnt turn, or the fan doesnt turn or this or that, It all gave me the finger last night.

I also tried Various Glasses and Bottles as well as many different containers, cups, jars and so on, I think the shape of the base of these makes a Huge difference as the magnet jumps off due to an imbalance or imperfection on the base of the container/Jar used?

BUT I am determined to Make a successful one, So below are a few reasons why I think it didn't work, V2 will have all updates that I think is causing issues, So stay posted.

Possible Issues:
1. FAN might not be the best option as the Magnets seem to be pulling the Motors internal magnets and thus causing loss of torque on the fan.
2. Jar, Get a Mixing Beker with a FLAT, Thin Base to have the stirrer bar move more freely.
3. Speed/Switch needed, To Slowly ramp up the RPMs.
4. Different magnets needed as Im using 4 different sets from various things, this might be causing an imbalances magnetic field that throws off the balance of the stirrer bar.

I will tinker some more and update (hopefully before) this weekend.

Any suggestions from you guys who have done this before would be welcome!

Busy with a dual stirrer. Reostats is the holdup but found some on http://www.communica.co.za
If the fan starts up to fast the stirrer bar won't "grip". I use magnets salvaged from an old pc harddrive, strong like xxx mints. Glue them on to the fan so it won't move. Flat beaker absolutely a bonus. You can also heat up the vg a tad to change the viscocity and make it easier to stir. I am rethinking my fans though...might go for something with a higher speed

 

[Steyn777]

Also, how far is your fan from the topside of your container?

 

[vicTor]

So about a week ago I decided to make my own Stirrer as I am as tired of Shaking mixes as I am of my Tanks Leaking...

This was supposed to be quite simple...and easy, but so far its been a challenge of Note. This thread will serve as my log on the making of this mixer until I have one that works successfully.

I sat last night until about 12:55 before losing it with this thing that is still not working.

Things Used:
- PC case Fan
- Magnets (from old HDD and name badges)
- 12V power supply
- Stirrer Bar
- few screws and Nuts for spacing
- Tub to house it all in

This is what V1 Looks like:
View attachment 130854

And in action:
View attachment 130855

But the Victory was short lived, all my testing was done with Water or Clean PG only so as soon as I Added ANY mix with VG in it, this thing stopped working- The magnet shoots off, or the fan stops, Or the bar doesnt turn, or the fan doesnt turn or this or that, It all gave me the finger last night.

I also tried Various Glasses and Bottles as well as many different containers, cups, jars and so on, I think the shape of the base of these makes a Huge difference as the magnet jumps off due to an imbalance or imperfection on the base of the container/Jar used?

BUT I am determined to Make a successful one, So below are a few reasons why I think it didn't work, V2 will have all updates that I think is causing issues, So stay posted.

Possible Issues:
1. FAN might not be the best option as the Magnets seem to be pulling the Motors internal magnets and thus causing loss of torque on the fan.
2. Jar, Get a Mixing Beker with a FLAT, Thin Base to have the stirrer bar move more freely.
3. Speed/Switch needed, To Slowly ramp up the RPMs.
4. Different magnets needed as Im using 4 different sets from various things, this might be causing an imbalances magnetic field that throws off the balance of the stirrer bar.

I will tinker some more and update (hopefully before) this weekend.

Any suggestions from you guys who have done this before would be welcome!

nice one !

 

[SHiBBY]

Hey bud, good on ya for making an effort to klap ye olde DIY stirrer!

I've built one that works fairly well using basically the same principle and you've touched on some valid points for decreased performance. Here are some thoughts:

- Balance: The magnets used should be exactly the same size and weight and affixed to the fan at matching distances from the centre, i.e. it needs to be balanced with the magnets in place.
- Interference: The position of the affixed magnets should not interfere or alter the existing magnetic fields and/or poles of the fan, as this will negatively affect the effectiveness of the electric motor that drives it.
- Clearance: The magnets should be affixed as closely as possible to the underlying motor, and that motor as snugly as possible to the container whilst still ensuring that the magnets never touch the top during operation.
- Polarity: It's important to ensure that you first test the magnets' polarity prior to affixing it to the fan to ensure that you make the best possible use of the magnetic fields they provide. Opposing poles will be inefficient.
- Momentum: This part should be pretty self explanatory. If you use the smallest fan known to man that you dug off an old laptop CPU, it would have been designed to be energy-efficient and thus won't have amazing torque. The best fan would be an old server fan seeing as they are small in size, but pack a vicious punch in terms of wattage. Alternatively, a larger fan will give you some much needed momentum when the juice gets thick... Please do not get a PWM fan as you won't be able to regulate it's speed as nicely using a voltage drop.

Some extra tips...

- Visit a pet shop and grab yourself a heating pad that they use in snake cages. You get some lekker thin ones. Stick that sucker on top of your DIY stirrer to keep your juice warm and runny.
- A "speed switch" is called a potentiometer, or "pot" for short. The one you require will be based largely on your chosen fan and power source.
- You can opt for a 220V fan, in which case torque will become a moot point AND it will connect nicely in line with your heating pad

All of the best and good luck!

 

[Faiyaz Cheulkar]

Reostats ?? How about a traditional volume control. God I miss India, where I used to stay there was a "Electronics street" filled with shops of Electronics goods of all sorts. If u can't get what u want there, u won't get it elsewhere.

 

[Steyn777]

Reostats/

Reostats ?? How about a traditional volume control. God I miss India, where I used to stay there was a "Electronics street" filled with shops of Electronics goods of all sorts. If u can't get what u want there, u won't get it elsewhere.

Reostat/Potentiometer same thing and its also used in volume control I think.

 

[Faiyaz Cheulkar]

This is my plan, got this cooling pad for my laptop at a local China mall for r70. U get ones with dual fans too. I get a ready made table, may be I will have to change the fan to a more powerful one. But Comes with usb ports so my plan is to power it using mobile chargers or a power bank. To achieve speed control I am looking for a volume control.

 

[Steyn777]

Hey bud, good on ya for making an effort to klap ye olde DIY stirrer!

I've built one that works fairly well using basically the same principle and you've touched on some valid points for decreased performance. Here are some thoughts:

- Balance: The magnets used should be exactly the same size and weight and affixed to the fan at matching distances from the centre, i.e. it needs to be balanced with the magnets in place.
- Interference: The position of the affixed magnets should not interfere or alter the existing magnetic fields and/or poles of the fan, as this will negatively affect the effectiveness of the electric motor that drives it.
- Clearance: The magnets should be affixed as closely as possible to the underlying motor, and that motor as snugly as possible to the container whilst still ensuring that the magnets never touch the top during operation.
- Polarity: It's important to ensure that you first test the magnets' polarity prior to affixing it to the fan to ensure that you make the best possible use of the magnetic fields they provide. Opposing poles will be inefficient.
- Momentum: This part should be pretty self explanatory. If you use the smallest fan known to man that you dug off an old laptop CPU, it would have been designed to be energy-efficient and thus won't have amazing torque. The best fan would be an old server fan seeing as they are small in size, but pack a vicious punch in terms of wattage. Alternatively, a larger fan will give you some much needed momentum when the juice gets thick... Please do not get a PWM fan as you won't be able to regulate it's speed as nicely using a voltage drop.

Some extra tips...

- Visit a pet shop and grab yourself a heating pad that they use in snake cages. You get some lekker thin ones. Stick that sucker on top of your DIY stirrer to keep your juice warm and runny.
- A "speed switch" is called a potentiometer, or "pot" for short. The one you require will be based largely on your chosen fan and power source.
- You can opt for a 220V fan, in which case torque will become a moot point AND it will connect nicely in line with your heating pad

All of the best and good luck!

@SHiBBY I am concerned about the fans I chose. Its normal PC fans 12v. Should I rather go bigger and get it over with?

 

[Humbolt]

I think I've just found my new project!
I plan to go with a 24VDC Fan, though. Already have a power supply and potentiometer. Just need to find a suitable enclosure and some really powerful magnets. Any idea where I can source these?

 

[SHiBBY]

This is my plan, got this cooling pad for my laptop at a local China mall for r70. U get ones with dual fans too. I get a ready made table, may be I will have to change the fan to a more powerful one. But Comes with usb ports so my plan is to power it using mobile chargers or a power bank. To achieve speed control I am looking for a volume control.
View attachment 130865

I trust that that mesh is not metal... Because it goes without saying that if that's the case, magnets on the fan are not going to work.

 

[Dietz]

Hey bud, good on ya for making an effort to klap ye olde DIY stirrer!

I've built one that works fairly well using basically the same principle and you've touched on some valid points for decreased performance. Here are some thoughts:

- Balance: The magnets used should be exactly the same size and weight and affixed to the fan at matching distances from the centre, i.e. it needs to be balanced with the magnets in place.
- Interference: The position of the affixed magnets should not interfere or alter the existing magnetic fields and/or poles of the fan, as this will negatively affect the effectiveness of the electric motor that drives it.
- Clearance: The magnets should be affixed as closely as possible to the underlying motor, and that motor as snugly as possible to the container whilst still ensuring that the magnets never touch the top during operation.
- Polarity: It's important to ensure that you first test the magnets' polarity prior to affixing it to the fan to ensure that you make the best possible use of the magnetic fields they provide. Opposing poles will be inefficient.
- Momentum: This part should be pretty self explanatory. If you use the smallest fan known to man that you dug off an old laptop CPU, it would have been designed to be energy-efficient and thus won't have amazing torque. The best fan would be an old server fan seeing as they are small in size, but pack a vicious punch in terms of wattage. Alternatively, a larger fan will give you some much needed momentum when the juice gets thick... Please do not get a PWM fan as you won't be able to regulate it's speed as nicely using a voltage drop.

Some extra tips...

- Visit a pet shop and grab yourself a heating pad that they use in snake cages. You get some lekker thin ones. Stick that sucker on top of your DIY stirrer to keep your juice warm and runny.
- A "speed switch" is called a potentiometer, or "pot" for short. The one you require will be based largely on your chosen fan and power source.
- You can opt for a 220V fan, in which case torque will become a moot point AND it will connect nicely in line with your heating pad

All of the best and good luck!

Thanks for the usefull tips!!!
Lol I had to remove one side's magnets after Super gluing it on with the polarity the wrong way , Broke the fan and tried again.
I still have a heating pad from when i had snakes, so that will go into the final version.

 

[SHiBBY]

I think I've just found my new project!
I plan to go with a 24VDC Fan, though. Already have a power supply and potentiometer. Just need to find a suitable enclosure and some really powerful magnets. Any idea where I can source these?

I see that you're also in Cape Town. Check out Communica or Yebo Electronics.

 

[Dietz]

I think I've just found my new project!
I plan to go with a 24VDC Fan, though. Already have a power supply and potentiometer. Just need to find a suitable enclosure and some really powerful magnets. Any idea where I can source these?

http://www.magnetstore.co.za/

here in CT

The rest I can find http://www.communica.co.za/ , but I want to try and make it without purchasing too much or minimal.

 

[SHiBBY]

@SHiBBY I am concerned about the fans I chose. Its normal PC fans 12v. Should I rather go bigger and get it over with?

You see, 12V is not the issue. Your car's starter motor is also 12V and it turns your engine over with relative ease. The catch is the wattage of said motor, and conventional PC fans are designed to be quiet ergo they are as efficient as possible. A larger fan will no doubt have a bigger motor because there's more real estate to churn.

 

[Faiyaz Cheulkar]

I trust that that mesh is not metal... Because it goes without saying that if that's the case, magnets on the fan are not going to work.

Ohhh!! It is. Will see if I get a plastic one, this one is for my laptop anyway.
I am still looking for a more a powerful fan too. @Humbolt where did u find urs ?? May be we can get together and build two ??

 

[Humbolt]

I see that you're also in Cape Town. Check out Communica or Yebo Electronics.

They were on my list yes. Also Mantech should have too. Thanks!

http://www.magnetstore.co.za/

here in CT

The rest I can find http://www.communica.co.za/ , but I want to try and make it without purchasing too much or minimal.

Cool, thank you!

 

[SHiBBY]

http://www.magnetstore.co.za/

here in CT

The rest I can find http://www.communica.co.za/ , but I want to try and make it without purchasing too much or minimal.

Anyone buying magnets for these stirrers, PLEASE insist on neodymium magnets and NOT ferrite or strontium. They aren't strong enough for what you're looking to do.

 

[Steyn777]

You see, 12V is not the issue. Your car's starter motor is also 12V and it turns your engine over with relative ease. The catch is the wattage of said motor, and conventional PC fans are designed to be quiet ergo they are as efficient as possible. A larger fan will no doubt have a bigger motor because there's more real estate to churn.

Lol, I see. You should've seen me trying to explain to shop owners that I need a potentiometer (before I knew what it was called). Thanks, and please feel free to share any and all tips should you have more.

 

[Humbolt]

Ohhh!! It is. Will see if I get a plastic one, this one is for my laptop anyway.
I am still looking for a more a powerful fan too. @Humbolt where did u find urs ?? May be we can get together and build two ??

Haven't bought it yet, but I'll be getting it at AC/DC Dynamics in Paarden Eiland.

 

[Dietz]

Seems Like Ive found everything I need from Mantech thats 6Km from my work, Feel some motivation brewing up again.

 

[Humbolt]

Seems Like Ive found everything I need from Mantech thats 6Km from my work, Feel some motivation brewing up again.

Including magnets? The magnet store is in Somerset West which is quite a distance away

 

[Dietz]

Including magnets? The magnet store is in Somerset West which is quite a distance away

Yes, the magnet store was the 1st place I looked, but R95 postage for a R30 order is crazy...

So I found it all at Mantech!

 

[Dietz]

And the excitement is back!!
I now have all I need to make V2!

 

[Faiyaz Cheulkar]

And the Enthusiasm is back!!
I now have all I need to make V2!

View attachment 130874

Where is mantech ?? Also can u tell what parts is what