Ode To The Dixie Cup

[Tom Geiger]

I've meant to do this post for awhile, and today I was reading a post regarding spraying a bit of spray paint to brush. Everyone recommended spraying a bit into the can cap.  Here’s my alternative.

I use these little Dixie brand paper cups extensively in the model room. As for spraying that bit of paint, I use a cup. I also have a previously used one cut down as a base so the paint pools down in the bottom edge. 

Here’s the cups, straight from the grocery store. I used to pinch a few from the bathroom but then splurged and bought the box of 200 for maybe $3 for the model room.  Be sure to get these plain paper ones. The wax coated ones will melt wax into your paint and the plastic cups will melt with hobby paints. 
 

They also make great little paint stands. You can tape parts to them or poke holes in them for parts that are mounted in toothpicks or pins. 
 

If a part is heavy just stack cups into the base as ballast.
 

Ive used cups to hold parts in place while drying.

And to hold things while I’m working. And of course I keep small parts in cups to keep them from going astray.  

While this post is pretty much elementary, I’m sure someone will benefit. Nobody can say they can’t afford it!

Edited October 10, 2020 by Tom Geiger

[Chariots of Fire]

On a similar theme I use throw away plastic communion cups to mix the casting resin when I'm doing small parts.  Got a box of 500 for about $12.  I mark one for part A and then slip it into the second cup, accounting for the depth of the bottom of the cup and mark the second one for part B.  That gives a pretty even 50/50 measure for mixing.

[Danno]

5 hours ago, Chariots of Fire said:

On a similar theme I use throw away plastic communion cups to mix the casting resin when I'm doing small parts.  Got a box of 500 for about $12.  I mark one for part A and then slip it into the second cup, accounting for the depth of the bottom of the cup and mark the second one for part B.  That gives a pretty even 50/50 measure for mixing.

Me, too, Charlie. But, I’m not so elegant as you. I bring them home and wash out the residual and the pocket lint.  Never thought of buying them!

☺️

 

 

 

[OldNYJim]

6 hours ago, Chariots of Fire said:

On a similar theme I use throw away plastic communion cups to mix the casting resin when I'm doing small parts.  Got a box of 500 for about $12.  I mark one for part A and then slip it into the second cup, accounting for the depth of the bottom of the cup and mark the second one for part B.  That gives a pretty even 50/50 measure for mixing.

I do something similar but with 1 cup...assuming a 50/50 mix for the resin I’ll put the cup on a digital scale, a 1oz or whatever of resin A and then add resin B until I get to 2oz.

This way, ol’ cheapskate me gets to only use half the amount of cups ??‍♂️

[R. Thorne]

Thank you mr. Geiger for taking the time and effort to help others.  Great idea.

[Chariots of Fire]

10 hours ago, Danno said:

Me, too, Charlie. But, I’m not so elegant as you. I bring them home and wash out the residual and the pocket lint.  Never thought of buying them!

☺️

 

 

 

When I'm doing resin I use too many to wait that long!?

[peteski]

Jello (or pudding)  shots cups are usually available in supermarkets  are also nice small plastic cups (with snap-on lids) that can be used as parts storage, or to hold paint or resin.  These cups and lids are usually made from PET or Polypropylene, so they are resistant to solvents.

Similar containers are also provided with condiments with Chinese food take-out orders.

Edited October 13, 2020 by peteski

[slusher]

Tom, I have been using them to spray paint in from touch ups now I have more uses for them..