Mixer For Test Tubes

Here I show you how to make a mixer for test tubes. It is pretty easy and you can build it in less than 10 min.

Step 1 Get a e-Motor and Magnets

Almost every e-motor will work but I prefer this tiny ones out of a CD/DVD driver. They work at 1.5 Volts and the rotation speed is not to high. The magnet I use on the shaft of the Motor is also demounted from a CD/DVD-driver (you can find 2 of them close to the lens).

Comments

[uguy]

What about solutions harmful to the magnets, won't that have some effect on the chemistry in the tube?

[xemetrix]

I'll second that. Always read up on what you're mixing and be sure there are no hazardous interactions before you start mixing anything.

[canida]

You can buy small magnets coated in teflon and various non-reactive plastics.

[caseythr]

It's Neodymium (Nd), not Neodym.  You can buy ball bearingsized/shaped neodymium magnets online which might mix things better andbe less likely to scratch the test tubes.

[klod17]

smart!

[steed1172]

any problems with the test tube breaking?? too strong of magnets?..(yes I'm very optimistic....mostly) thanks

[iq_abyss]

where do you buy your glasswear?

[Pbyrd]

You can get glassware and stuff like that at United Nuclear.

[one-lightbulb]

Nowhere! I use the one out of a kids-chemical-lab.

[iq_abyss]

lol, but the one in your 'ible was glass (or so you said in step 4. What kind of kids set is it, I've never seen a set with real glass, allways just plastic?

[mfunk]

Wow that's simple! Good job.

[westfw]

This is a neat idea.
It's worth pointing out that this is a scaled-down version of a standard piece of lab equipment: The magnetic stirrer. Fancier versions have variable speed, timers, and heaters, and cost big bucks...

[Weissensteinburg]

Cool. Do you have a problem catching the magnet when you're pouring the solution out?

[canida]

That one's easy- you hold another magnet against the base or side to retain the magnet.

[one-lightbulb]

I just take another magnet and because of the magnetic attraction they stick together at the bottom. After that you can easily pouring the solution out.

[Weissensteinburg]

Makes sense.

[GorillazMiko]

Never knew it was this easy. Nice job. And the ink in water looks really cool!