Recycled material for your shop and bench

[Wildbirdcarver]

When I need to mix materials, such as 5 minute epoxy, I've found that using the slick heavy paper that comes in the junk mail is quite useful. I cut the paper into strips of about 2 X 4 inches, put them in a plastic box by my bench. Now they are ready to use to mix up the epoxy with a toothpick. When finished just toss the whole mess into a plastic bag that you have hanging on the bench. You do have recycle these plastic bags also don't you? LOL Happy carving, DM

[SeaLeveler]

Thanks for the tip.Tony

[Old Codger]

Thanks for the tip DM...will start saving and using the junk mail as you suggested... I currently save my old used paper plates and paper bowls that have the 'slick/plastic like finish' on them when they're clean for paint palletes (?) and for mixing epoxy on but sometimes run out... another great idea for recycling!!!
Kenn

[dnstehly]

This looks like a good thread to keep going. Thanks for starting it DM. I'll add a tip that I use quite often. Cut the bottoms out of 2 liter coke bottles about an inch and a half from the bottom. The five little dimples in the bottom make perfect receptacles for mixing small amounts of acrylic paints.

[Robert Cahill]

good idea thank you. I save the plactic tip from gallon milk containers for my acrylic paints.

[Wildbirdcarver]

Just got a tip from Workbench weekly eTip (Google Workbench). They recycled paint stirring sticks by leaving the paint on the stick and labeling it with room painted and date. How can we recycle paint sticks? Glue sandpaper on both sides...Make story sticks for future carvings. etc. What ideas do you have? DM

[Dileon]

I use old clothes that are not suitable for Goodwill for rags, I cut them up and put them in my rag hamper. You can use old mail and newspapers and compost it or make paper cement pots and statues. All wood chips and saw dust go into the gardens. I use old plastic food contains for mini buckets and water jars for my paint brushes. I use glass food containers for nails and seeds and matches for airtight containers.