Starterkits are packages of information with everything you need to know to set up Precious Plastic recycling spaces and start tackling the plastic waste problem.
Yes agreed. Might try a community funded project to purchase one. That is what a local business here did. Or try hunting auctions for the correct motor and start building one? Or maybe a hybrid of both?
7:30 PM
We could chat more if you want.
7:32 PM
I’m only focusing on a collection point, which is difficult to know where to begin (non-profit/for profit/hybrid) even with all the literature PP has provided.
I just bought a used industrial shredder off of eBay. Needs some work, bad motor ect. It looks like a beast. Not sure how it will work for this application. It was in a Del Monte plant before it was retired.
My email is ryanda@earthlink.net
Russ
I’m in Milwaukee if anyone is interested in collaborating. I don’t have any machines yet but im starting an at home operation.
I currently have a panini press, Teflon sheets, silicone shapes, and a dremel tool for finishing. I hope to advance to starting a collection point and then progress to purchase a shredder and a press. I plan on starting a business called Designs by Lexi. It would incorporate the principles behind precious plastic and make art, home decor, wedding, & furniture products. I hope to produce plans for building wedding arbors & pedestals. It would also aim to bring jobs to underemployed people in Milwaukee. If that it successful I would also like to eventually hire architects to build housing out of plastic also.
As far as charitable part could provide housing and furniture to the poor for less than normal cost.
Cool Lexi! I’m in southern Chicagoland as well and have created some useful items with hdpe. Rethink, inc in Terra Haute is the closest place, I believe that has built the actual PP machines. I’ve taken a trip there and it is awesome
I’m mostly looking for building plans.
Eventually I think I want to get a laser printer. Perhaps a 3d printer. I’m also looking for more do it yourself stuff that doesn’t require a machine. So I can sell stuff until I can afford the machines.
I’m with ya on that. The PP machines are not super expensive but also not cheap. Rebecca from Rethink is amazing at getting a machine up and functional. What do u mean building plans?
Building plans for furniture I have a lot of ideas but not very many tools so I was thinking hand saw Chinese method of joining but I’m not overly skilled at it but I’m learning.
We have a shredder, it's the pretty standard design PP one, it's not super fast but it works as long as things are cut down. It won't shred straight bottles very well they typically have to be cut into ~1/4's
How many people near Milwaukee would be interested in coming to Milwaukee to use a shredder or vacuum former? I have a vacuum former available to me. I’m working on designing other equipment that would be useful as well still building as far as the shredding but the vacuum former is functional.
Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi)
How many people near Milwaukee would be interested in coming to Milwaukee to use a shredder or vacuum former? I have a vacuum former available to me. I’m working on designing other equipment that would be useful as well still building as far as the shredding but the vacuum former is functional.
A vacuum former is really only useful with new/virgin sheet product since it's super sensitive to extrusion thickness/material consistency so I don't know that you'll have a lot of overlap with the Precious Plastic community. We've been listed on Precious Plastic for 3+ years and have had one person come by to use our equipment in that time, I don't think there's a huge following. You could reach out to Milwaukee Makerspace and see if there's some members who might be interested in your equipment though.
I’m working on other equipment too. I just thought people who had industrial waste plastic might have use for it since it’s usually cleaner.
I plan on having a shredder, sheet press, my own version of a compression mould.
I’m not sure everything yet cuz I’m still currently building the shredder. But I’ve got my stand (just have to attach the wheels.) I’ve got a 3 phase motor and a power source. All I have left is the shredder box which I already have mostly done. I’m not going by the precious plastic plans though. I’m coming up with my own similar designs. I’m trying to simplify the process. My end goal is to build transportation/shelters for the poor.
I’m suggesting using the makerspace to build the machines instead of buying them for people who don’t have the start up money.
So far I’ve spent $20 on the plug
$120 on membership dues.
I’ve made $100 scrapping metal from items the makerspace throws away.
They have some good wood, pallets, shelving that is sometimes up for grabs that would be useful for someone just starting who doesn’t have investment money.
I didn’t pay anything for the stand or motor. Though I plan on making a Donation to the makerspace once I have all the parts and the shredder is complete.
Just saying not everyone has 10,000 to drop on a start up kit. Even if they do they might want to built instead of buy.
Oh and if anyone wants to join me keep in mind. Not all the machines there can be used for plastic. Due to some irresponsible people setting a bad example not using the right feeds and speeds for cutting on equipment that wasn’t theirs.
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