Perfect Storage for DIY Mixers (IMHO)

[Dracconus]

That Caboodle case looks pretty cool, but I would be worried about storing my liquid bottles laying on their sides. I know they are supposed to be liquid-tight seals, but I'd worry about leakage.

Just the paranoid artist in me, who has seen too many bottles of ink or solvents with supposedly "liquid-tight caps" end up leaking a few ounces of India ink or turpentine all over the inside of too many artist's boxes over the years--mine and others--to be comfortable with laying liquid-filled bottles on their sides...

I feel that pain entirely. It was one of the largest issues I've had with Tattoo Ink for years now. I used to stack them on their sides on shelves like wine bottles...bad idea >.< I decided to combat that issue by wrapping each bottle with thread tape available at plumbing supply stores, and most hardware sections at local "AYCG (All You Can Grab)" Stores, such as walmart, target, etc. That way it's easy to remove, but makes an air tight seal just in case.
I was using Vinyl tape, but the adhesive they use is RIDICULOUSLY strong after a month of storage, and it makes it a pain to remove.

Also, there are larger train cases that are more for cosmetology professionals, and these will have base sections that could probably store a 500ml bottle and possibly a liter vertically without problems closing. It'd all depend on which one you get.

 

[Gr8Scott]

Sometime last month, my wife, and I went to WalMart to get a few childproofing things for the house since our baby's learning how to walk, and climb things (she's better at climbing.) Back to topic: We walked into the makeup aisle, and were getting a few things for her when we saw a "Caboodle" makeup case that was fairly large, and costs only 29.99. Hers has a very feminine design, and didn't really attract my attention until I was using the bathroom (which seems to be when I get all of my brilliant ideas TBH) when it struck me that with it's multiple pull out compartments, and large bottom storage area it would be PERFECT for all of my mixing utensils/tools provided my flavor bottles fit.

So I went to my desk area, pulled out my DIY box made of Cardboard, and zip ties (Yeah, awesome, right!) and started stacking stuff into her box...Lo and behold, everything fit JUST FINE! From 10ml syringes, to 30ml Bottles, even my 150ml PG/VG/Base bottles, AND my HUGE "King" butane bottle that I use for my torch lighter (that will be oxidizing the steel mesh I have coming in the mail.)

This thing is perfect in my honest opinion for most "simple" DIY mixers that need something fairly cheap, and with very good storage size.
For those that use 50ml bottles if you don't want to put them in the bottom, then you can put them on the two topmost L&R top drawers as the lid closes above them quite ab bit providing the room you'd need.

Below are a few pics with my current setup. I've got A LOT more coming in the mail within the next week so I'll put up pics after I get all the rest.

BTW, I coated my syringes in Superglue to keep them from fading while mixing, but I do NOT re-use them.
Anyone that wants to ask where I get my needles, I get them from the hospital my wife works at. Anytime they open something that hasn't been used in surgery they have to trash it, so I figure, hey, why not...I get free lap clots (like HUGE super absorbent paper towels) needles, syringes, and gloves, so it's pretty perfect xD Plus since it locks it's PERFECT for keeping my curious 1 year old out of my stuff.

Pics following, and yes, I know it's not very manly...YET...but wait till I get my camo paint on this bad boy, and powder coat the steel...or just chrome plate it at my Families Chrome Plating shop.


Sorry about my daughter being in the pic...she's VERY curious about all the stuff I block her off from in my desk area ^_^

The pics are actually larger than they're displaying in the thread. Just right click, and copy image url, then browse to it if you are concerned with seeing the edges of them.

OLD SETUP (Warning don't try making one of these if you're not crafty, and have a HELL of a lot of time...smaller areas require needlenose pliers, and a lot of patience to zip tie closed...

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New Storage Solution:

That box is the proverbial "poo".

Here's a link from Caboodle's website linking other stores carrying it. http://www.caboodles.com/#/where-to-buy

If I can find it hella cheap I'll post it.

Yeah man, I am with you on the customizing it man-style. I will probably come up with a bogus spiel about "getting it for my wife/girlfriend" at the checkstand.

 

[Dracconus]

That box is the proverbial "poo".

Here's a link from Caboodle's website linking other stores carrying it. Caboodles - a case of identity

If I can find it hella cheap I'll post it.

Yeah man, I am with you on the customizing it man-style. I will probably come up with a bogus spiel about "getting it for my wife/girlfriend" at the checkstand.

Yaknow, to be quite honest, I got checked out by a woman, and she didn't even look at me funny when I got checked out ^_^
I did find however that I'm going to need about three of these, BUT that's cool since they lock, and I can make one for finished recipes, and steeping, one for tools/materials, and one for ingredients ^_^

 

[glasseye]

I have that exact same thing for my DIY supplies and extra parts. It is the shizz. Cheapest price I could find is Walmart. In that same section of the store are smaller boxes, also locking, that I have for ready-made juice bought from vendors.

 

[StereoDreamer]

This one looks pretty "manly", and although probably not big enough to store tall bottles vertically, would be good for small bottles and spare parts. This one looks like it would be PERFECT for taking to vape-meets where you want to share some sample juices, or show off your new vape-gear. I will be checking out Target tomorrow on the way home from work for one of these, to be sure...

http://www.target.com/p/caboodles-p...061408#prodSlot=dlp_medium_1_1&term=caboodles

 

[Dracconus]

I just wanted to say thanks to all the people that have helped this thread grow in popularity, and assisted in spreading the word that this is a very acceptable method of storage for persons that have children, or pets, etc. that they're concerned with gaining contact with their materials.
Also a special thanks to the persons that have "liked" the thread, and / or it's contents. I actually didn't anticipate this gaining as much attention as it has; but I hope that it will continue to grow, and assist other members in finding storage solutions.

Also, I've not found any besides the rolling cosmetology cases, that will be able to hold 120ml+ bottles vertically. So if vertical storage is an issue, you'd definitely want to look at the larger ones, but for their price point you'd be better off looking at some sort of cabinet storage, as 100+ is a bit steep, although they're portable, which is their primary price point.

 

[Aurora-Oblivion]

Yeah, people can alternatively search for Cosmetology Case, and similar terms. Airbush makeup carriers are also good ones.
Also...I LOVE your name! I named my Daughter Aurora due to my fascination with the Aurora Borealis! (OT, I know.)

Thanks for the additional search ideas! Cool you like the name Aurora, and that's such a cool girls name too I bet she loves it! Aurora Borealis is awesome, hope to see it in person someday!

This one looks pretty "manly", and although probably not big enough to store tall bottles vertically, would be good for small bottles and spare parts. This one looks like it would be PERFECT for taking to vape-meets where you want to share some sample juices, or show off your new vape-gear. I will be checking out Target tomorrow on the way home from work for one of these, to be sure...

http://www.target.com/p/caboodles-p...061408#prodSlot=dlp_medium_1_1&term=caboodles

Thanks for the link, decent price too!

 

[Azyre]

Great idea. The train case I have wouldn't work for my vape and DIY supplies, but this one on ebay for $41 sure would! It's a monster!
Makeup-Artist-Beauty-Case-Rolling-Lockable-Aluminum-Cosmetic-Train-Box-Black

You could also try a vintage sewing box- some are quite lovely, made of wood that also fold out in a similar way. Plenty on ebay for under $30

 

[Lavaca5]

Great idea. The train case I have wouldn't work for my vape and DIY supplies, but this one on ebay for $41 sure would! It's a monster!
Makeup-Artist-Beauty-Case-Rolling-Lockable-Aluminum-Cosmetic-Train-Box-Black

You could also try a vintage sewing box- some are quite lovely, made of wood that also fold out in a similar way. Plenty on ebay for under $30

Off topic, but I LOVE that guy's ebay store. Once you've found your perfect storage case, you can conveniently pick up the foot detoxer, the chicken plucker and the stripper pole you've always wanted

 

[Dracconus]

Off topic, but I LOVE that guy's ebay store. Once you've found your perfect storage case, you can conveniently pick up the foot detoxer, the chicken plucker and the stripper pole you've always wanted

OMFG, I just laughed and choked on my vape...Thanks Lavaca5! If I wake up my baby, I'm TOTALLY coming to get you, and let you deal with her!

But that is some pretty funny s**t...I think I may order one of those stripper poles. Always wanted to practice the air walk ^_^

 

[john333]

i'm having success with fishing tackle boxes.

 

[subversive]

What did your wife think of what you did with her makeup case?

 

[Merlin21]

Hey guys.... Here is a great deal if you have a Lowes close to you....$2.00 yes that is 8 quarters

Shop Stack-On 13-Compartment Storage Box at Lowes.com

 

[mainevaper]

I use an old plano boat tackle box that I've had sitting around for years. Think I paid $20 for it when I got it. It is lockable.
I'll post a couple pix later on as well

 

[nightfell]

Hey guys.... Here is a great deal if you have a Lowes close to you....$2.00 yes that is 8 quarters

Shop Stack-On 13-Compartment Storage Box at Lowes.com

The lowes says the store near me has it for almost 14 quarters but 3.48 is still a great deal.

 

[hammerfly]

Here's a drawing of the desk I'm planning on building. It hangs on the back of a closet door so when you are through, you fold the desktop up, lock it and close the closet door so everything is out of sight. This sketch isn't complete yet, there are still more shelves and swing out shelving to put in.

 

[Dracconus]

Here's a drawing of the desk I'm planning on building. It hangs on the back of a closet door so when you are through, you fold the desktop up, lock it and close the closet door so everything is out of sight. This sketch isn't complete yet, there are still more shelves and swing out shelving to put in.

Looks good, A few suggestions if I may:

1. Make sure that your shelves are going to be slim enough to where shutting the door won't launch the fluid off of it.
2. Put dividers on the shelves themselves, either using a router / slot method and a piece of balsa wood (customizable sizes with that method) or standard dow rods, slats, or ...really any method you can think of. This way they won't slide from side to side, and push stuff around unnecessarily when closing the closet door.
3. Add a few small closing compartments on the sides - This would make separating the "steeping" fluids, and keep them darkened while you work.
4. Use router slats, or dow and shelf systems to make the height adjustable for each shelf.

If you can get something built, and have the suggestions I added, I'd buy it from you!
I'm not sure what you'd charge, but I'm sure it'd be less than what I'd need to go make my own, as I have none of the equipment besides a dremel.

It's a GREAT Idea, and I am sure I'm not alone when I say it'd be a good way to have some cash flow coming your way!

 

[hammerfly]

The latest iteration,,,, so far at least. Top and bottom sections, as well as desk top, are all lockable. I don't know if I mentioned it or not, but the desktop is hinged and folds upward to close off the whole top section. The flavor rack that looks like it's sitting on the work top is also hinged and swings back in against the back of the whole thing. This desk is meant to be hung on the back of a door, like a closet door so when you aren't working, it all stays out of sight.

 

[Iffy]

The latest iteration,,,, so far at least.

Now that one I'd buy!!! Great design...

 

[Lavaca5]

View attachment 169220

i'm having success with fishing tackle boxes.

Got one just like that for Christmas. It's stuffed to the gils already (pardon the pun). I'm gonna need a separate one for hardware. And a dolly to haul them both around.