This is probably a dumb question, but what are you guys using as the pot/container for resin infusion? I’m assuming everyone uses something disposible? Or is there a method to be able to reuse containers? I’m looking for something that can hold a little more then a quart without breaking the bank… any suggestions?
i was thinking maybe these?
85 oz popcorn buckets
http://www.amazon.com/VP85-00061-Paper-Popcorn-DoubleSided-150-Pack/dp/B004122WJA/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1393261837&sr=1-1&keywords=bucket++paper
size and price wise the 46oz seems perfect, only thing im worried about is being a smaller diameter cup, it might speed up the exotherm vs a larger diameter bucket… thoughts?
U can put anything really…any disposable container as long fits in to ur catch pot.
Pringle containers…
Buckets
Plastic bags
Sorry, let me clarify… I’m talking about what do you use to actually mix the resin in… most the videos i see, people are using the measuring containers that you can get at home depot but they are $1+ each (like this)
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Leaktite-1-qt-Multi-Mix-Pail-2M3/202264024
thats pretty expensive to use just to throw it away when youre done… So im looking for alternate options to save on consumables hence the links i posted of the popcorn buckets.
I usually used cut up 1 gallon water bottles but i ran out and i use a britta now -_- haha I know you can use pretty much anything, but what do you stock to mix your resin in?
Reject 2L plastic ice cream containers are great as they are pretty cheap (NZ$35 for 120) and you can get lids.
you can get 1 qt. paint mixing containers from auto paint supply stores (e.g. English Color here in Texas) for 20-50 cents. They are similar to the ones at home depot but they have way more markings on them and, of course, cost less.
Are those popcorn tubs waxed? I think that plays into the equation.
Lol, I was thinking “wow he has a lot of wasted resin!”
Paper cups, try to find some without high wax content or no wax content… measure your resin using a scale… I don’t trust the lines on some containers… especially using epoxy.
With epoxy, the mixing ratio per volume is at least 10% different from the mixing ratio by weight. Also, the mixing ratio is more critical than polyester or polyurethane.
So indeed, please use scales.
I use those homedepot mixing cups, but I get about 4 or 5 uses out of them. The leftover epoxy dries at the bottom of the cup forming a solid layer. So there is no need to throw them out after each infusion. I only throw them out if they get dirty.
You can buy 32oz Wax free solo cups by the case of 500 for about $0.25/each.
If you use plastic buckets, like you linked Bubbles, you can always let the resin cure, and then pull it out. PP or PE is a low surface energy plastic, so most things don’t stick to it.
Agree, that’s what we do. Let the epoxy cure inside but try to cover the top when you are done so dirt or dust doesn’t get into it and we use them at least 7-8 times until we forget to cover it and gets dirty 
Pop corn buckets fall apart with resin in them. We used to get cases of misprinted, overstock and discontinued cup sizes for mixing some resins but mostly for urethane foam mixing. Disposable and dirt cheap.
For small quantities of resin basic disposable drinking cups from a grocery store work well for simple jobs.
arent they plastic? and dont they melt with PE?
well then that makes it more worth it… maybe ill be switching to those tubs!
well thats not good. i just bought the 85oz popcorn buckets lol… i usually use paper cuts from the supermarket, 9oz. They work perfect for wet lay up and what not.
what do you mean the popcorn buckets fall apart? i hope lasts at least 5 min for my infusion lol
For small jobs, I go to the local grocery store and buy 8 ounce paper cups. MAKE SURE THEY DON"T HAVE WAS INSIDE!!!
They’re less than $3 for 60 cups.
For bigger jobs, we use plastic mixing buckets of the 2.5 quart variety. We get a few uses and toss them, but they’re under a dollar, so it’s all good if you get even two uses out of them.
For small batches (1 quart and 1/2 quart) we use deli containers, they can be found on line for very cheap. Also as mentioned scales are your friend, not only for proper mix ratios but to just for saving resin. For larger jobs we use cheap gallon buckets which @ $0.80-1.00 weren’t super cheap. Paper cups are hit or miss. Popcorn is much lighter than half a gallon of resin, I’d worry about the bottom falling out.
the clear plastic deli tubs is a good one! wish i thought of that…
i did a few infusions with the popcorn tubs. i ended up getting the 85oz version and use about 32-36 oz in them. at first i was a bit worried so i double layered them… After i was finish and the resin cured i separated the buckets and no leakage! so far, they work great:)
In our use the popcorn buckets ended up absorbing the urethane resin and eventually the glue line separates due to the weight… and you get the picture. Blobs of expanding foam on the floor! We did the double bucket method too but because we went through 55 gallon drums of foam the buckets became very expensive after awhile. Glad they work for you!
For epoxy we always used something non absorbant and as cheap as possible.
One thing we had great success with were the plastic containers used by restaurants for take-out. Very cheap, readily available and several sizes. And they come with lids!
There are several distributers for fiberglass supplies in New Jersey (USA) who carry extensive lines of paper cups for resin use. And, also many of the restaurant suppliers are there too.