rhardman

I mean it's the most technologically advanced mixing tool the world has ever seen! Utilizing high tech self lubricating plastic, it cleans in 10 - 15 seconds, mixes more thoroughly and faster than anything else in existance, is prettier than any paddle ever used and with optional blade sizes it will perfectly conform to the user's mixing methods and preferences. Since it's first conception in the early 90's, better and more simple solutions were investigated to make it as simply and inexpensively as possible with our final design brought to experts in the industry here on DrywallTalk for their review.

As a result of their suggestions, we found that there is an area for improvement in our yoke that we can implement that will allow those crevices to clean even faster. After we sell (not today as we're not selling anything yet) what we have already made, a new design will be offered that is better in every way.

Another DrywallTalk satisfied manufacturer asking for industry evaluations...

That is what I mean.

Rick

rhardman

When using the 2nd Raptor prototype between 1984 -1991 the steel paddles were banging the sides of the stainless steel hopper we had. We couldn't get everything off of the bottom since it was so large and flat and with periodic pulses of thick mud, the pump would slow down.

The idea of plastic came first, then the pivot.

Just an FYI as I think my response to the International Scout drill might have had an "edge" it didn't need.

HSI 1985 Power Unit #2.jpg

My wife at the time never understood why I was pooring (the spelling is accurate) all of my money into the thing. She would have rather I drop the project and put the money into a house so we could move out of the mobile home you'll see in the corner of the picture.

One day she said, "Rick, I don't want to hear about the tools because I don't want to get my hopes up and then be disappointed later if they don't happen."

That marriage didn't work out...

Rick
Yea, if you look close you'll see a 3 piston CAT pump. I redesigned the valves and seals so they would move thick drywall mud. It pumped 2000 psi mud a long way...just not for as long as I wanted. I spent about 2 years redesigning and trying new things on that particular pump. Then I tried all sorts of configurations with that same frame. It had the wrong center of gravity. It doesn't look anything like that any more.

FOR THOSE ABOUT

Didn't mean to strick a nerve there Rick with your "baby". Just finished doing a lift on one of my scouts just so happened I had that 'clutch linkage' in my hands the other day and they look identical. Coincidental that I saw your paddle after that. I know my linkage is bad a$$ whether or not your paddle is I'll never know. Never had a problem with a paddle yet. If it ain't broke don't fix it. 30 years hanging and taping. I'm 50, got into this after my formal education. When I was 6 I was in the first grade not cleaning buckets on a job site in my diapers as an infant. EASE ON DOWN DUDE.

Attached Images

bucket baby.jpg (91.6 KB, 2 views)

FOR THOSE ABOUT

see what i mean...many types this just happens to be one of them

Attached Images

clevis2.png (16.7 KB, 100 views)

Tim0282

You're really missing out if you don't try this mixer. There is no comparison... Throw out the mind set "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" Failure in store...
I've tried this mixer. No other mixer stands on the same playing field.

rhardman

There is a big difference in yokes. First it has to receive a machined shaft and be able to seal so water can't intrude into the threads and later rust, so this makes it a non standard (not off the traditional shelf) item. I suppose we could put something like that together but then you're just trying to sell something cheap and not make the best tool possible with a lifetime warrantee.

I would like to ask you to consider that the drywall industry cannot maintain it's current level of tool technology. Everyone is losing money, the distributors, the mfrs, even Ames is in the doghouse. All contractors are using the same tools and bleeding a slow death as "*hores" are coming into the field working illegally and for nothing.

In it's current state, and with the unknown governmental policies out in our future something has got to change.

I submit that it will come through a new drywall technology. Either today or at some time in the future, new tools will provide a method for higher profits and those guys not looking for a way to improve will sit alone in their garage, drunk on cheap beer and stare at their buggy whip wondering why they went broke.

Look at Marshalltowns new stilts and Full Circle Internationals' high tech sanding tools. I believe we are seeing a glimpse into this new future. Who knows what else is out there?

Rick
(Thank you Tim0282)

Tim0282

Well said, Mr Hardman!! And I agree, just couldn't put the words on paper so eloquently.

FOR THOSE ABOUT

Rick...I'm not against technological advancements in the drywall industry. You have totally blown what was initially meant as a "funny" comment out of proportion. I am not knocking your tool, but it will not be the end all save all of the labor issues you speak of. Furthermore as I have already stated I have never used my paddle and thought "wow this thing really sucks, I wish someone would...." Last year I purchased the Mark V, so I am not afraid to invest in what I believe will be a more efficeint way of producing my end result. Comparing your paddle to the Marshalltown stilts is like apples and oranges. I am quite anxious to try out a pair of Marshalltown's latest invention...they seem promising. All I am saying is that just because some guy is going to invent a 6 in 1 floor jack/rasp/drywall lift/bucket holder/scooper/bottle opener contraption, I am not going to waste my time with it and if someone shows up on my job with one I hope it can float or swim because its going in the ocean.

rhardman

Fair enough, but if you had read earlier posts in this thread I think you would understand what's going on here a little better.

Of particular importance to this discussion is my second post of 07-07-2009, 09:24 PM This is were I said, "The first few items won't change the world but will make your job a little easier. We have some real wild things down the pier but can't talk about those for a while."

This aint about paddles and I guess you touched off a real frustration I've had regarding some peoples lack of an inquisitive nature. I had to fire myself (in an earlier post) because of my attitude.

The hand tools have been in development for longer than 10 years and the Raptor and larger systems since 77. So when I see that I've invested my entire life into the trade (also cleaning buckets at age 6), thousands and thousands (and thousands) of dollars into an idea, and then find that the industry's established online distribution network not only isn't interested because of our higher retail prices, but several don't treat their customers with the respect they deserve, I'm left with a real fire to make the over all situation better for the guys on the street.

Then, I hear one of "my people" comparing my beautiful paddle (as you've seen, I could go on for hours about it) with truck parts that can be pulled from any junk yard, and I guess I take it kind of personal.


I know what our other tools are and since I can't talk about them until our Raptor pump is proven, it's driving me insane.

With respect,
Rick

FOR THOSE ABOUT

Rick...just so you know, I read ALL the posts prior to making my statement. I always do this in any thread because I hate it when people jump in and haven't caught up with the gist. You should have actually taken my comment as a compliment because I was comparing your paddle to a part off of an indestructable one of a kind vehicle! Which is a beast. Wasn't saying you were Sanford and Soning during the production phase of your paddle. I wish you the best of luck with your tools...I look forward to seeing what else you have up your sleeve. Let me know when you come up with a drywall robot donkey that carry's board and keeps it's mouth shut. Best of Luck. Rock On Bill

silverstilts

Just to set the record straight I think regarding the paddles, I perhaps was the biggest thorn in Ricks side, there was no telling me what a great paddle it would be he even offered to send me one then I did not even have the decency to reply back because of my pride. Finally Rick offered it once again and I accepted and I was glad I did. At first I wasn't to sure of it but gave it a try then let it sit for a few days still did not want to let my pride get in the way of accepting his concept that perhaps it was a great idea. I since then have picked it up and it has been put to use every day since that day I have retired the old paddles which have served me well. New and improved may not always be the greatest but in this case it was , it is a great mixing paddle something so simple but worked great. I thank Rick for putting up with my arrogant posts about his paddle. I tip my hat to Rick. Silver

__________________
aka the rock doctor

rhardman

As far as the FOR THOSE ABOUT'S earlier comment: "Let me know when you come up with a drywall robot donkey that carry's board and keeps it's mouth shut."

I can assure everyone there is no donkey involved. And later, if you choose the option, it will talk to you.

Rick

FOR THOSE ABOUT

Rick
FYI...There are two kinds in this trade "Sharpies" and "Donkees". You are either one or the other. Donkey is a term used towards fledgling know nothings and yes it is better when they don't talk...just nod. Wanted to clarify for anyone now so I'm not doing it three pages later.

rhardman

I'll be picking up the new cut off blades today and will provide an evaluation by the end of the week. If they look alright I'll be sending replacement blades to our two testers. I'll also have tapers sent out to Craig, Nate, Tony (across the pond) and Bazil (up north).

Since the site will feature the taper on the home page (other tools will also be added), we are going to hold off on launching the site until the taper evaluations come in.

Don't want to sell anything that isn't good. I mean, that's why I'm here right?

Rick
HSI Temp Site.JPG

rhardman

Upon inspection, the blades are exactly what the testers are asking for and what Kiwi sent me in his graphic. They are much safer than the 4 inch straight blades I originally used on the prototypes. I can easily hold the new blades between my fingers without any fear of being cut by them.

As we have a new forum friend discussing an improved mesh tape, I requested a sample for our taper testing too (self serving I admit).

The new mesh cuts like butter with the new blades but the traditional mesh requires a stronger pull to cut it. The new blades are serrated and I have differing tooth sizes to try. Seems like too much effort to me. I like the straight blade as the cutting process requires virtually no effort at all. And after hundreds (probably thousands) of hours of using it, I've learned to be aware of the sharpness and to operate the taper accordingly. However, that has nothing to do with the reality of the market and if the testers are concerned, so will several thousand other guys.

With all the research I did into different blades, I'm convinced that these are the best serrated blades available. They are very good in regard to their specifications and they fit our taper perfectly. I'm just having a mental issue with the extra effort they require to cut the old style mesh tape.

I'll get back with a more comprehensive review after I try them out on a jobsite.

I'll also talk to my attorney about the liability involved with offering the straight blades. My first impulse is to offer both types of blades as accessories.

Maybe I'll take another look at designing a guard...

RAPTOR UPDATE:
We're running the test at 4 times the recommended pump speed with thin mud and increasing seal friction temperatures beyond traditional working conditions. The pumping material is comprised of drywall mud and crushed rock ranging from small minute particles to odd shapes in excess of 1/4 inch. The larger pieces are preventing the valves from closing completely which is causing heat build up (and a lack of lubrication) between the cooling that results in the 2nd or 3rd mud cycle (after the valves clear the larger pebbles). I chose this sand composition in lieu of the more common 20 or 30 mesh silica as this is far more destructive. We are way beyond the normal conditions of a day to day work environment.

168 hours and pressure is holding...

Rick

As a point of interest, the graphic below shows a typical configuration the paint sprayers (that also pump drywall mud) use for their seals.

Cyclical Seal Material Research 2172002.JPG

Kiwiman

Rick - glad I can help. One thing to note with the serrated blade is you must cut square on with the tape, if you skew the tape at all it will tear rather than cut.
I know I might be one sandwich short of a picnic but what do you mean by old style mesh tape? I'm only familiar with sheetrock brand.

rhardman

See: Hello from FibaFuse Paperless Drywall Tape

In our opinion the Fibafuse is an interim step toward what could be an incredible new (and easy to market) fiberglass tape. When I said "old style" I should have said "established mesh."

The material is fiberous which may pull apart when an adhesive is factory applied (depending on the strength of the adhesive). But for it to be widely accepted for production work it must have adhesive. Otherwise, it's doomed to hand taping.

Either way, it's encouraging to see St. Gobain trying new ideas. They are HUGE and have the resources to do great things.

Rick

rhardman

I asked the patent attorney for some pictures I could share...

Jakes sand casting roller.JPG

I'll reveal the others later...

Note from patent attorney.JPG


Rick

rhardman

The serrated blades don't work very well for the Mesh Taper. They just pull too hard to get the tape to cut properly. What I'm going to do is have some spring steel shaved to an edge sharp enough to cut easily but not so sharp as to cut your fingers. This way, if you want you can file them periodically to keep them sharp or you can buy new ones to save the hassle. I tried some of these fabricated blades and they work fine.

On the distributor front...we're still having fun there. After negotiating a price level, I received a note from them this morning saying that they want a price of $40.00 so they can sell it for $79.00. Probably a simple minded negotiating tactic but it torqued me so I told Randy (the guy I hired to take my place) to take care of it. Sheesh!!!! Remember, the mfr's rep get's another share beyond what the distributor wants.

The Raptor pump is crazy good. Solid so far at the equivalent of 6 weeks of heavy use. We've increased the speed to between 6 and 7 times the recommended rpm of the thing and it's getting real hot...under full pressure!

Seals are holding.

I have an electronics degree* (after falling off the stilts) but am having a buddy build the circuitry for me. We're setting it up so it's a convenience thing, monitoring pump speed and the wearing of the seals so as they become worn, you will get a yellow flashing light so you know it's getting close to rebuild time. Then at our recommended change time a yellow and red LED will flash together.


Rick
*Ever hear about my calculus tutor that tried to convince me to get into demon worship to help pass my (calculus) test??? True story...I ran like a rabbit!

rhardman

We had the pump running yesterday and when I went in to check on it nothing was coming out and the thing was terribly hot.

I shut it down and and tore it apart.

It appears that the different sizes of sand/pebbles settled to the bottom of the hopper and "garbaged up" the system. Raw sand was pumped into the valves and totally encrusted everything. Looks like one of the larger rocks (about 3/16 inch oval) jammed (on both ends) in the secondary valves preventing them from closing. It's amazing how much force must have been in there. I'll drop the system off to Cory today so he can see what happened.

The good thing is that 1. Nobody would ever use such inconsistent aggregate sizes and even if they did, we will machine some passages so it can't happen again. 2. We found a potential problem. 3. The seals still look good and all wear surfaces show no sign of damage at all.

As long as the seals are holding we have the variables under control. If we encounter a failure in the seals before our 400+ hour test is complete, we'll need to come up with a better solution. Which will take more time.

So far...we're stylin!

Rick

Oh...in my previous post, the picture is of a spring loaded corner roller. Great idea and worked well in tight areas. It got a little tweaky though after about 2 months.