I received this communication from Alan MacBride, a.k.a. "maddog" and thought the ideas he offered were very useful. I pass them along here. My comments are in red.
Hiya David,
Here's my solution to the pot problem. See photo #1 The best part is that the handle stays clean. Also, sometime ago, and after building PUFFIN, I realized that buying brushes that setup and got ruined almost immediately, was a quick road to the poorhouse. Here's my Epoxy Brush, in different widths of course. Photo #2 was the prototype, they're made 12"s long now, used about 2"s at a time, and as the epoxy sets up in them, I cut off the stiff part. I get about six 3" brushes for .80 cents worth of manila rope and a few strips of tape. Photo #3 is the 1.5" version.
Also, don't forget about Vinegar. I get about half-a-dozen uses out of an epoxy brush by keeping it in a can of vinegar. You must clean it well before use of course but it won't set up in the Vinegar as it does in the Acetone.
THE EPOXY POT
Since getting this from Maddog I've taken to doing the same with my empty milk jugs. But in addition to using them as epoxy mixing pots (I used to use dog food cans but my dog died and now I don't have any) I'm also using them for paint and even as a clip-on screw and fastener holder. The same benefits Maddog lists for epoxy are also true for paint; the handle stays clean and its easy to use. For nails and screws, you can use a simple toggle arrangement and fasten it to a belt loop by the handle. It hangs straight, keeps the screws readily available and you can mix up different sizes in the same jug and still see where they are, unlike a nail apron or something like that. Good on 'ya Maddog!
THE EPOXY BRUSH #1
THE EPOXY BRUSH #2
Maddog is currently building one of MacNaughton's Pennies. You can see his progress at the site below:
