Small epoxy mixing pumps - Info needed.

[Mr. Demeanor]

I need a smallish epoxy mixing pump. I am currently using West Systems hand pumps to fill the bases of the flagpoles I manufacturer. I use a 1:1 mix epoxy resin. I add one equal pump of each part to the tube and then mix using a long mixer in a drill that reaches down into the tube. Its time consuming and given the fact that I have done about 3500 flagpoles this way I think its time to step up. I typically make 200 flagpoles at a time.

What I would like is a pump that would mix the two parts through a tip so I could just inject the needed amount into each tube and be done. No more pumping and blending and pumping and blending...
I probably use a gallon total of epoxy at a time.

I found this which is air powered and will have to contact them for a price.
http://www.michaelengineering.com/BenchTop/Pump-kin/

Any advice appreciated.
This is what I build. The base is PVC plastic. I fill it about half way with epoxy and then insert a 1/2" fiberglass rod that is the flag staff. The base fits in a fishing rod holder. The caps allow for adjustment for small or large diameter rod holders....Patent is Pending :cool:

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[slowaction420]

west make a product thats in a calk gun like tube its a litttle thick but works great and is very strong with a mixing tip that you can replace maybe you can make something out of it or use it if will work i cant think of the #
goodluck

[Mr. Demeanor]

Im looking for something I can pour my two parts into and pull a trigger. The west stuff is much too expensive for this application and the quantities I use.

[Mr. Demeanor]

Yikes! The in the link above is $2200!

This is looking like the most reasonable option. Stick Stuff hand pump with mixing manifold. About $800 with the B pump and mixing manifold
http://www.michaelengineering.com/Manual/StickyStuffDispenser/MixerManifold.shtml

[RobF]

you say you make 200 at one time, are they all set up at the same time or is it one by one x200?

why cant you just mix the epoxy in a container, maybe a quart and a quart or 2 qts/2qts at a time, and pour it?
Dont forget those mixing systems like you listed also require special tips, the materials really mix in the tip the rest of it is just a way to dispense it and you will have to clean those containers out. The tips are usually disposable.

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The west system 610 epoxy is thick but is great. I don't always use the tip, just squeeze some out mix and go.

[Mr. Demeanor]

you say you make 200 at one time, are they all set up at the same time or is it one by one x200?

why cant you just mix the epoxy in a container, maybe a quart and a quart or 2 qts/2qts at a time, and pour it?
Dont forget those mixing systems like you listed also require special tips, the materials really mix in the tip the rest of it is just a way to dispense it and you will have to clean those containers out. The tips are usually disposable.

I like the idea of dispensing through the mixing tip right into the tube just to keep things easy and clean. Its hard to pour into these 1" ID tubes and get the same amount in each tube. I need to fill them to a fairly close level so that when I insert the rod, the epoxy doesnt overflow but comes close to the top. The second one I post above dispenses 45cc per pump and I think two pumps would be almost perfect. If not, the stroke is adjustable.

If I make 100-200 at a time, I can leave the material in the machine and just replace the tip. I would be using it often enough that I would be moving fresh material through it enough to not be a problem. The only time I have an issue with this epoxy is if I let it sit in the plastic pump for a couple months, one of the parts will crystallize but it cleans up easy or a little heat liquefies it.

[Mr. Demeanor]

Found this that looks like what I need but would have to add a mixing port/tip

http://www.glenmarc.com/GLENMARCMETERMIXDISPENSEBROCHURE.pdf

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Found this that looks like what I need but would have to add a mixing port/tip

http://www.glenmarc.com/GLENMARCMETERMIXDISPENSEBROCHURE.pdfwest system has one like that with a crank on it, open valve crank out what you need done , still needs a little stir

[Mr. Demeanor]

Im down to the Micheals engineering pump and the Glenmarc pump. Best prices I have found is through Aircraft Spruce but the Micheals pump the carry has the "A" pump and I need the "B" pump (more volume).
I have talked to AirCraft Spruce twice to get prices for one set up how I need it and they say they will call back within the hour and dont...

Let me throw this out there...
Would anyone else be interested in these? I could talk to them about setting up as a dealer through my business.

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[OFFSHORE GINGER]

Actually Michael Enineering Ltd is located here in Mich , and makes the very same pump that West System sell's , and did you know that you could , and can purchase a pump directly from them avoiding the middle man . www.michaelengineering.com (http://www.michaelengineering.com) or info@michaelengineering.com

[Mr. Demeanor]

Actually Michael Enineering Ltd is located here in Mich , and makes the very same pump that West System sell's , and did you know that you could , and can purchase a pump directly from them avoiding the middle man . www.michaelengineering.com (http://www.michaelengineering.com) or info@michaelengineering.com

Yes I did and I get a better price from Aircraft Spruce.

[OFFSHORE GINGER]

Very cool .........and my suggestion to you is.................. Maybe just Maybe , you should order that pump , and quit farting around , and be done with it . LOL

[Mr. Demeanor]

Very cool .........and my suggestion to you is.................. Maybe just Maybe , you should order that pump , and quit farting around , and be done with it . LOL

Ive been trying. Still no call back on the pump with set up the way I need it. They are all built as ordered so its two weeks or so regardless.

[Mr. Demeanor]

Just an update in case anyone is looking.
I ended up with the pump from Michael Engineering and couldnt be happier. $850 with the bigger pumps, a mixing port and some mixing tubes. I am getting a perfect mix, perfect ratio after putting two gallons through it, and it has cut my build time by about 2 minutes. When you build over 1000 a year, that really adds up.
I knocked out 60 flagpoles last night while watching TV and never got a drop on me. It dispenses 1.5 ounces per stroke.

A few days before it arrived, I was contacted by a very well known marine manufacturing company about selling them my flagpole business so of course I have it just the way I want now.

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[roadkill636]

Its great to see a one man business getting started .

[Mr. Demeanor]

Its great to see a one man business getting started .

Im in my 3rd year and some days wondering why the hell I am doing it alone. I just had my 3500th sale through my website. Everyone wonders why Im not at the sandbar every weekend because I can make my own hours....right.

If I sell the flagpole side of the business, Im going to dump a bunch of money back into Cool Water Products including a new shop and complete website makeover.