Suggestions for a good portable mixer

BlueRidgeWoodworksLLC

BlueRidgeWoodworksLLC

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Feb 26, 2012
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I'm really getting excited to try the Planex and I've justified it with a couple of interior remodeling jobs that I've recently signed.  I'm also thinking of purchasing a stand alone mixer.  Currently I use a Bosch 1/2" electric drill and it does fine with the batch sizes I need but really like the 2 handed bar style that these stand alone mixers offer.  I need it for mixing durabond, premixed mud, grout and mortar mostly.  I've been looking at Perles and Eibenstock models which both seem pretty reliable and long lasting but would like to hear from anyone willing to donate 2 cents.

Thanks, Sorek
 
cs unitec is whats on my list. Flex also makes a very affordable version. unitec offers some "stand alone" options i believe. not something i'd pay so much extra for.
 
I have a Refina which I believe is made by Eibenstock . had it 7/8 years no problems . mixes well and is easy to control  speed.
 
I was looking at Refina but seems to only be in Europe, but I think you're right about Eibenstock.  I'm thinking that's the way I'll go.  Just have to see how the connection to paddles works, I think you have to buy ones that'll fit the tool specifically.

Sean, I've looked into that trim tex mixer and thought it may be awkward trying to use it to mix smaller batches of grout or even thinset or durabond where you're adding powder and water.  It would be a no brainer if it was just used for stirring premixed compound.
On another note, when I was looking into the planex, I noticed one of your posts about sanding textured ceiling.  I got the planex a couple days ago and I was surprised to find out how much I didn't like it.  I really wanted to, the thing is beautiful to look at and it's well engineered of course, but it's still heavy and it didn't really do all that well with the texture.  The suction feature that helps alleviate some of the weight during use just digs in too much to the surface of final coat.  Much like with the sanders, you turn down the suction to eliminate swirls and doing that with the planex voids the help on the weight.

I'd be interested what your thoughts are on it if you try one out.
 
BlueRidgeWoodworksLLC said:
Sean, I've looked into that trim tex mixer and thought it may be awkward trying to use it to mix smaller batches of grout or even thinset or durabond where you're adding powder and water.  It would be a no brainer if it was just used for stirring premixed compound.
On another note, when I was looking into the planex, I noticed one of your posts about sanding textured ceiling.  I got the planex a couple days ago and I was surprised to find out how much I didn't like it.  I really wanted to, the thing is beautiful to look at and it's well engineered of course, but it's still heavy and it didn't really do all that well with the texture.  The suction feature that helps alleviate some of the weight during use just digs in too much to the surface of final coat.  Much like with the sanders, you turn down the suction to eliminate swirls and doing that with the planex voids the help on the weight.

I'd be interested what your thoughts are on it if you try one out.
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I looked into the Trim-tex as well and was considering them, spoke on the phone to a Trim-tex big wig about them and questioned them quite a bit on the quality of the drill that they used. I was primarily looking into it for drywall compound and for paint. In the end I decided I was not really needing to spend 250.00 on a mixer. I just keep plugging away with the drywall paddle on the drill. Here is what I am using http://bloggingpainters.com/cyclone-mixing-paddles/ a product review I did on it.

Interesting about the Planex. In my mind I figured it would be great for the task. Right now I am doing it with a ETS 125 and RTS 400 which works well but I thought the Planex would be faster and eliminate most of the ladder work. I only played with the Planex last year in Indiana so not much time with it or any real work experience with it. I figured this season I may pull the trigger on one. I would want it to be multipurpose for doing drywall, sanding painted walls, texture removal and whatever else I can throw at it. I will be sure to share my thoughts on it though when I do pull the trigger, I figured with all the preorders I would get some idea how it performs before going for it so I appreciate your evaluation.  Out of curiosity what grits were you using? Were you trying to remove all the texture? Did the nubs of the popcorn fall to the ground or did the Planex bristles keep that from happening?
 
I looked into the Trim-tex as well and was considering them, spoke on the phone to a Trim-tex big wig about them and questioned them quite a bit on the quality of the drill that they used. I was primarily looking into it for drywall compound and for paint. In the end I decided I was not really needing to spend 250.00 on a mixer. I just keep plugging away with the drywall paddle on the drill. Here is what I am using http://bloggingpainters.com/cyclone-mixing-paddles/ a product review I did on it.

Interesting about the Planex. In my mind I figured it would be great for the task. Right now I am doing it with a ETS 125 and RTS 400 which works well but I thought the Planex would be faster and eliminate most of the ladder work. I only played with the Planex last year in Indiana so not much time with it or any real work experience with it. I figured this season I may pull the trigger on one. I would want it to be multipurpose for doing drywall, sanding painted walls, texture removal and whatever else I can throw at it. I will be sure to share my thoughts on it though when I do pull the trigger, I figured with all the preorders I would get some idea how it performs before going for it so I appreciate your evaluation.  Out of curiosity what grits were you using? Were you trying to remove all the texture? Did the nubs of the popcorn fall to the ground or did the Planex bristles keep that from happening?
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It worked great for prepping walls for paint using 180 and 220 between coats.  I used 180 after skim coat on the ceiling and with the texture I used 80.  It just took the nubs off, very little fell to the ground.  A light vacuum after was all I needed for clean up, but it didn't take it down to drywall.  I like to get all the texture off and then with 2 skim coats it's done.  I find leaving as much texture behind as the Planex did I need to do 3 coats and the first one is pretty thick.  For small repairs I found the ets 125 my weapon of choice as well.  I'm going to the Festool connect in RI next week and I'll see what they have to say about the planex.  There's sanding speed, vac suction with inside the pad and outside and grit selection that will all effect the outcome.  I spent a decent amount of time playing around with all of that and even though another couple of days would have got me past the learning curve, I didn't feel it would make the job any faster or easier. 
 
i have an Imer mini mix that I sometimes use for mortar  If i am doing LARGE (over 2000 SF) jobs i may get it out but for the most part it is my DW 400 Rpm drill and a Rubbermaid 18 Gal roughneck.  the rought tote is the best choice for a professional tile man as; loaded with tile tearout it is all you want to carry down stairs, can mix 2 bags and load the trowel directly from it, you can let the mortar dry and break it out clean, 7-8 used this way each will last you over a year of daily use. 

MIX60.JPG
 
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