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Dra-gun uses a power drill to mix and apply two-part liquids

Dra-gun uses a power drill to mix and apply two-part liquids
The Dra-gun is a drill-powered device for mixing and applying two-part liquids such as resin
The Dra-gun is a drill-powered device for mixing and applying two-part liquids such as resin
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The Dra-gun can draw liquids from external containers, or from quick-release onboard bottles
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The Dra-gun can draw liquids from external containers, or from quick-release onboard bottles
The Dra-gun fits on a standard half-inch drill
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The Dra-gun fits on a standard half-inch drill
The Dra-gun is a drill-powered device for mixing and applying two-part liquids such as resin
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The Dra-gun is a drill-powered device for mixing and applying two-part liquids such as resin
The Dra-gun weighs three pounds, and produces almost no waste
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The Dra-gun weighs three pounds, and produces almost no waste
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Inventor William Mace used to live aboard a small boat, where he tried his best to cast and mold custom parts. If you’ve ever worked with resins or other two-part materials, however, you’ll know just how messy and involved the process can be – the two component liquids have to be poured in a precise ratio into a mixing cup, stirred thoroughly together, poured, and then the left-over mixture, cup and stir stick have to be disposed of. Instead, Mace created the Dra-gun – a power drill-mounted system that automatically mixes the liquids in the desired ratio, and that produces virtually no waste.

The three-pound (1.4 kg) system reportedly mounts on almost any half-inch corded or cordless drill. It features two variable-displacement pumps, both of which are powered by the continuous spinning of the drill mechanism. These pumps each draw one of the two required liquids, either from external containers via attached hoses, or from quick-release onboard bottles ranging in size from 16 to 32 ounces (0.5 to 1 liter).

The liquids stay separated until they meet in the Dra-gun’s mix nozzle. Because the draw rates of the pumps can be independently adjusted, the mix ratio can be set as needed.

The Dra-gun weighs three pounds, and produces almost no waste
The Dra-gun weighs three pounds, and produces almost no waste

After the liquids are mixed in the nozzle, they can then be squirted into a mold, sprayed (via a built-in air valve) onto a surface, or otherwise applied. Once the job is finished, users flush the system with a biodegradable, reusable bio-diesel-based liquid. Any casting liquids not used are still left unmixed in separate containers for future use, and no cups partially filled with toxic goo need to be thrown away.

Chances are that if you’re the type of person who would have a use for the device, you’ll already have some ideas for it. Nonetheless, Mace suggests that it could be used for things such as small parts fabrication, truck bed lining, spray foam insulation application, plus hobbies and artwork.

Although William has already been making Dra-guns on a small scale, he is currently raising finds on Kickstarter for larger-scale production. A pledge of at least US$992 will get you one (drill and accessories not included), when and if that stage is reached.

More information is available in his pitch video.

Source: Dra-gun

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2 comments
2 comments
Kris Lee
I think that the idea is good but the price does not feel right.
Scion
This is a great idea. You can of course get dedicated sprayers / injectors for most applications but they aren't suitable for hobby use or small scale home projects (or on a boat). The $992 is if you pledge to kickstarter which I assume is much higher than the final price since he probably has to hand build the model being shipped to supporters and take enough money out to fund the large scale production. I certainly think of getting this when I make my next fibreglass mold.