Building Precious Plastics Shredder Out of Wood? Part 1: 027

I show how I plan to change Dave's shredder design (of Precious Plastics) to remove the need for welding and reduce the cost of fabrication. I also explain how linear actuators work.
My goals are simple
1. reduce the number of special order parts
2. power it with single phase power
3. Reduce the cost by lowing the amount of steel used
4. Minimize the amount of metal work in general, or tools specific to metal work.
Things I forgot to mention...
1. The case will be lined with sheet metal to reduce abrasion on the inside of the shredder.
2. I am using a double nut and a lock washer in the assemble as well to reduce the chance the blades will slip.
3. Even though it looks like the setup is for belts, I plan to use direct drive. from the gear box to the shredder. This was just a fast way to demonstrate the speed reduction. You can see what I have in mind better in the model I show at the end.
I tried several different temperatures and added weights while it was heating but I was never satisfied with the quality. HDPE just doesn't flow at any temperature. I think the only solution is smaller chips.
If you want to chip in a few bucks to support more content like this, please visit my patreon page.
/ jeremyfieldingsr
My website www.jeremyfielding.com
jeremy.fiel...
A link to Dave's video.
• Precious Plastic - Bui...
Final Note:
PLEASE UNDERSTAND...I receive hundreds of messages on all platforms (email, Facebook, Instagram, comments, etc) asking for advice, and help with projects. At this volume, I simply can't do one on one advice. I have tried to help enough times to know I should never assume I have all the relevant information in the message, and even basic questions can produce a lot of followup questions. I do read all the questions, and if I get the same ones over and over I make videos about it to help lots of people. Thanks for your understanding on this.

[@SpaceMarshalGyorni]

The more of your videos I watch, the more this becomes my favorite channel on all of youtube. Most makers are here to show off their skills, and make parts as shiny and professional-looking as possible. You, on the other hand, are trying to make stuff *accessible*, and while it took me a while to understand your angle on things, I now see SO MUCH MORE value in your videos. I might have to sign up for a patreon account after all, just because you deserve it so, so much.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

Thank you for the kind words. Accessible is a great description of what I want.

[@stevealdrich2472]

I subscribed as soon as I heard you say, "I managed to destroy all 3 of those appliances."

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

LOL... Yes indeed

[@stephh8186]

Brilliant...love your infectious enthusiasm! Keep going... precious plastic are almost as awesome as yourself. Can only but guess if you teamed up with Dave... you'll have your plastic in no time. .. the motor you need is the motor and gearbox from the winch mechanism which is used on a hoist also used on 4x4 if roders who need to winch themselves out of the muck. Using one myself the ratio is perfik

[@jstro-hobbytech]

​@@stephh8186 I feel like I'm watching full house

[@anzodefotouni5618]

@Jeremy Fielding, to be honest, I have never experience this amount of information delivered in more efficient manner than what I am experiencing since I discovered your channel, especially with this shredding project. Much appreciated fellow. keep it up.

[@seeingdragons4319]

Very nice. Good common sense to make this whole thing cheaper and more accessible to regular people.

[@edwinleach4013]

I did it the hard way. I cut up the plastic (Tide containers) with heavy scissors. Heated in an old toaster oven and when it got gooey I transferred it to molds that I made out of wood. I put in a spacer on top and used multiple clamps. When it cooled I trimmed into blanks that were 3/4 by 3/4 by 5 inches with my band saw. I used one of the blanks to make an ink pen for a friend on my lathe. The plastic turned like butter and was very smooth. Thanks for the videos.

[@YoDude874]

This is amazing! This week before I saw this video I decided to look into the precious plastics system. I was overwhelmed by the complexity of the project. Then this literally popped up. I wasn’t searching. So cool!

[@JDHood]

Man, oh man! The world needs a whole bunch of guys with your abilities for high school shop class!! Well, if they still have shop class these days... To mentor them through an inventive project starting with no plans - just a goal, getting them to visualize solutions, think it through and then apply a broad range of skill sets to solve a problem... I know you have a day job, but I'm just saying a guy like you could grow quite a little garden of engineers!! That is priceless!

[@jparabie]

How in the hell has google not recommended your videos to me until today?! Love this stuff... new sub immediately.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

Thanks... welcome to my neighborhood

[@andabien3]

I'm fascinated with the idea of using recycled plastic for projects. I'm eager to see what you come up with. I appreciate your clear and complete explanations.

[@jamescarlin569]

I wish I lived by you I would be bothering you everyday ...like hey man sup what we building today

[@SavedbyGraceCT]

James Carlin I'm a female and I would be like that too!

[@simoncameron4355]

Same.

[@hafunland894]

Jeremy you are a practical genius with a heart of gold!

[@crayonrocksusa9328]

Jeremy! You are brilliant!! I have been following you and WISHING and WAITING for you to build on your original shredder. I really want a shredder and I really want to work with recycled plastic. Thank you so much for this insight and keep at it!!!

[@theronwebber1024]

Your builds are extraordinarily inspiring man, I’m really happy I found your channel!

[@ajbh2o]

Thanks for helping more people see Dave's work!

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

+ajbh2o absolutely! I gave some money to his patreon as well. I appreciate the work he put in on this project.

[@tthinkbiz]

i really love your videos my man. I wanted to be you when I was a kid.

[@louisscott1063]

I have no call at the present time BUT I will remember your solution. good job

[@modsquad8u]

One thing you may consider to prevent blades from sliding out of alignment is to drill 2 smaller holes in all the blades and put a metal rod thru them to link them all up. You would have to array them properly to achieve the blade angle offset you desire and would also need to drill your spacing materials. Also, it would only require a drill press and some cutting oil. Then you would have the shear strength as well as clamping load to prevent blades from losing alignment. You could even use smaller all-thread and add more clamping force if you didn't use solid rod.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

This was another idea I was kicking around. I didn't want the extra work, but I agree this is a solid solution if the pressure from the nuts don't work alone.

[@CGSmithing]

Jeremy Fielding if i were you...go for some Teflon spacers. Teflon is cheap for the amount that you will need. super strong

[@boristhebilder7553]

My idea as well.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

Go to the about page on my channel and there is a button to send a private message. You must be on a computer, it doesn't show on mobile devices

[@simidhel]

In case it's relevant, the message button also seems to be browser specific. It shows up in Firefox for me, but not in Chrome. Great video. Really like your approach and delivery - subbed.

[@donfillenworth1721]

Fascinating! I love working with ideas like this. Thanks for sharing!

[@JeremyMcMahan]

I love this. I've wanted to create a milk-jug shredder for years just for recycling compaction. The bin gets so full sometimes and it's mostly air. I look forward to seeing your progress!

[@threeiem]

I love watching your videos. Please keep it up. Your positive attitude is contagious. Thanks!

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

+Phil C thanks for letting me know

[@Bags2723]

I just love the way you think. Great videos. Keep up the good work. Fantastic inventions, Excellent improvising.

[@d.barclay2305]

I'm REALLY enjoying your videos. Lot's of really neat stuff, ideas, and explanations of how thing work. Keep it up!

[@brianhaley4471]

very informative. I don't understand gear ratios etc, but the more I watch, the more it clicks with me. Thanks.

[@darkfalcon75]

love ppl who diy. see ppl builder build thing in a car garage. that how this country was builded. we forget this part and think only company's build things.. kool video. love that you teaching this.. if no one said this to you thank u.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

That is awesome thanks

[@BernhardHofmann]

Really enjoying your videos, especially how you explain your thoughts and why you like this or dislike that. Wonderful work.

[@primitivebob8781]

We live primitive and off grid and I want to learn how to use our plastic waste instead of spending $ to remove it. Thanks for sharing your fine efforts.

[@truegritbulldog]

Love your Videos. You are what makes KZbin great.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

+Truegrit Scott well that is great

[@tubularap]

Great idea !! I had watched David's videos and also thought that that hexa-shaped axle and cutter-holes were not so easy to do in a simple workshop. Your idea is super.

[@ripentheconclave]

Dude, I love your videos so much. Dave and PP is awesome but it definitely needed the Everyman treatment! Well done bro!

[@heloliil1279]

Thats awesome! As a big fan of the Precious Plastic project, I hope you share your toughts and ideas with them! Keep up the great work!

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

+helo liil I haven't tried to contact them yet but I will when it is finished if they don't see this first

[@larndavies6954]

Perfect timing, was looking into making my own hdpe parts and this invention certainly would make cutting up the old bottles easy.

[@danthemakerman]

I really enjoyed the way you talked about your prototyping and problem solving. Looking forward to you shredding some plastic.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

I am pretty excited myself. Many things have changed since I posted the first video. I am waiting on a few parts to come in then I will make the next video. I think it will work great.

[@Ampersful]

So glad I found your channel .I like your approach . Thanks

[@howo357]

love your videos. you explain the mechanism well..

[@boristhebilder7553]

Excellent work Jeremy. I'm excited to see where this ends up.

[@scrager4]

So glad to see this project. I've wanted to build the precious plastics suite for a while but not been able to justify the upfront costs to myself.

[@crmusicproduction]

this is brilliant. users of 3d printers would love this

[@danhobbs3746]

I'm not sure as to keying in the cutters, I agree with your theory of the pressure thought. Like the blade on a table saw, it doesn't slip even going through very hard woods. I enjoy watching your videos. Waiting for the next one.

[@BisonWorkshop]

that mind of yours will take you far in life. i agree with dave. keyway will be your best way to go. man, you need a milling machine. your ideas will be endless if you had that. i sure wish i lived near you. i would be right there helping you. good job man

[@BisonWorkshop]

and, whats up with the 6 thumbs down? who ever gave them must be so really stupid people

[@markgonzales1970]

Favorite build so far. I really want to build something like this one day.

[@jeffreyyeager1398]

I've been thinking about this same thing but coming up empty. I haven't been watching any more of his plastic molding machines I've been doing other things. No idea how I'm going to get to that point. But I like the idea you have there I think you're onto something. Cheaper is better but sometimes you have to pay the piper to get what you need. Keep up the good work jeromey you're an inspiration to us all

[@stephenm3874]

Love your videos man, you've inspired me to think along with you.

[@douglasmolik8069]

You are awesome, the fact you are a black dude makes it even better... You stereo type killer you. You are one of the KZbin treasures... Brains have no color... Love from Detroit

[@donovanlucibello6420]

Jeremy,Thank you for doing what you do - I used to tinker so much more in the past, but I may have to start up again with while following along with your channel! You truly to have a gift. Donovan

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

Thank you!

[@sugardaddyfarms3719]

It's funny, I was watching this series and told my wife that this may be my next project and she asked me what we would do with shredded up plastic. ... And yesterday i was offered a job at a plastic shredding plant. Made me chuckle.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

That is pretty funny. :)

[@intruderIG]

I enjoy watching your videos Man. Thanks

[@rickcoona]

it is great to see your passion for reusing other people's so called "Junk" and create something useful from them. Sibbed (again) keep up the fun work good Sir! --Rick

[@sparecrow]

I love listening to you think out loud, cause you're saying exactly what I'm thinking. Do people ever tell you that you remind them of Cleavon Little?

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

You are the first. :)

[@rrad8106]

I love how you think! You're BRILLIANT!!!!

[@pedrocavaleiro3688]

Just like David said! Cut a key way! AND idd really like to see it done with your angle-grinder-made blades... Think it'd work just fine and there's a huge reduction on price right there! And anyone could make it, even out of scrap metal! Thank you for sharing yet another awesome video and, moreover, for passing on the love you clearly nurture for these builds!

[@robertevans6481]

I am glad i came across your channel...so many awesome ideas....

[@cbart3634]

I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@MrCardeso]

Cool! I would consider using a keyway (or two, on either side of the shaft) to secure the blades.

[@maximusprimus2313]

Or key ways can be hard how about just drill holes and put a round long pin.

[@skandababy]

Thanks Jeremy, great video. I'm in a similar situation, and these ideas are great.

[@alane6555]

Jeremy, I like how you think outside the box. Keep it up and be safe.

[@davidredfearn664]

Think big like thinking outside the shipping container.😂

[@jimbaritone6429]

Jeremy, love your ideas for changing the design of this shredder. Re: cutting hex holes in the centers of your cutting blades, one old-school way (if you already have a round hole in the center) is to mark the outline of the hex hole on the blade, then drill a small-diameter hole at each angle point. From there, you can go a couple of different ways - you can chain-drill along the inside of the hex-shape lines with a small drill, then remove the waste piece and finish the hex shape up to the line by filing with a flat mill file. Another way to remove most of the excess material is to use a die grinder for most of it (you can rent one very inexpensively from many auto-parts stores if you don't have one. Don't use a Dremel - you'll just burn it out.), and then finish up with a file to get the straight edges. There are more methods,, but drilling the corner points and filing is a low-tech method that works. It's a bit slow and boring, but once you get going it really doesn't take that long to complete each hex hole. For securing your in-between washers, you might want to consider using LocTite - the medium grade would probably be the best, assuming you want to take it apart again. Very interesting project - it's revived my own interest in doing the same thing. I tried making cutters out of worn out 10" chop-saw blades - I went around to some building sites where carpenters were framing houses, and they were only too happy to donate the worn out ones - I got 12 within about a week I took the steel discs and used an angle grinder to profile the cutters, somewhat like yours are shaped. Good luck.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

thanks for posting. Putting a pin through all the blades is the most probable fall back plan if friction is not enough.

[@4D_Recovery]

Looking forward to final design 👌Im sure it will be great 👍

[@stroys7061]

Love the thought process.

[@re-thinkthis4880]

I learn so much from your videos. Thank you :)

[@TheWoodsman87]

you could grind a square keyway into the rod and disks, just an angle grinder for the all thread and a metal file for the disks

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

I love it... That is a great option

[@ldsisler]

I agree with David, I understand that "individualizes" each blade, but truly it is really only three different variations of where the keyway slot should be with respect to the shaft.

[@Ravedave5]

David Decker this is what I came to say. adding keyways is pretty easy with a grinder. grinders are only $25 for cheap ones also...

[@jonrogers1497]

totally agree with this. You could even just use a drill and put a hole in each blade. If you bolt all of them together, the clamping force of that fully torqued nut would keep all of the blades from spinning, not just one. You could also go so far as to locate the position of the rod nut, drill a set screw hole and hole and lock the nut in place. Farther still, make the blade-locating pin an eye bolt and run the set screw through both it and the rod nut. I imagine there's someone with a better grasp of this who could economize this build, but it'd only take a drill.

[@TheWoodsman87]

so many ideas were tossed in, can't wait to see what you do..and how this is going to turn into a single contained unit, though I love how you prototype by basically putting all the components near each other and adding some belts

[@pedroluisprosperosanchez4353]

Amazing explanation. You really know how to teach.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

Thank you!

[@TainoHans]

You are a genius Jeremy!

[@RadddahTat]

So clear and concise. Even when you make a side note like how they would have to make another blade because they can’t cut a hex in the one already made is something everyone else would over look and usually small things like that make a big difference and save a load of time

[@kellyvcraig]

Inspiring [understatement] and enjoyable. Thanks very much.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

thank you!

[@nathanmunro4042]

This is the second video I've watched of yours. Subbed. It normally takes me at least 5. Great stuff.

[@nathanmunro4042]

also can i suggest a change in momentum. top down shredders, largest at the top, smallest at the bottom. You can have a hopper to load at the top. also largest blade spins slowly, finest blade spins quickly. Conical surround would be easy to manufacture and takes care of your safety concerns (other the access and egress). just a thought. I could be way off.

[@nathanmunro4042]

also can i suggest a change in momentum. top down shredders, largest at the top, smallest at the bottom. You can have a hopper to load at the top. also largest blade spins slowly, finest blade spins quickly. Conical surround would be easy to manufacture and takes care of your safety concerns (other the access and egress). just a thought. I could be way off.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

Having multiple rows of shredder blades would be awesome. But, it would probably increase the cost quite a bit. I was thinking I might beef up the paper shredder to catch the pieces that fall from the main shredder. We shall see.

[@rudyserlet8959]

Looking forward for part 2 , i want to make one ... verry inspirational !!! Thanks

[@fullmetaljacket76]

you could file in a keyway slot in each tooth, and cut one in the threaded shaft with a grinder, then tap a key/pin through. would be easier than drilling holes and coming up with a way to lock it to the shaft

[@daquilema2011]

love Ur videos, I learn a lot THANKS :)

[@Gator141a]

A couple of ideas about diy plastic shredder 1.) how about using small circular saw blades, older ones had a diamond shaped knockout, might make it easier to reliably attach to shelf 3.) Speed reducer, slow geared motor, either use a bbq spit motor, bonus shaft included OR the transmission from a riding lawn mower, a pulley on one end and a gear on the other B). I passed my real estate license test and became a EE, my brother didn't and became a ME

[@BlueJeansGreenTee]

I love your video and your method of working and train of thought style, very interesting and entertaining!

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

Thank you

[@vagabondarcade7633]

Very cool! I've been thinking about recycling my own plastic for 3d printer stock. This is very helpful!

[@ibeattheleaves5005]

Thanks for keeping it on my level.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

thank you sir.

[@mikahandony1562]

Thank you SO much for this vid, i have minimal tools, (like no plasma cutter) but i do have a welder (homemade 10kw stick, variable of course) so i will weld my blades to my shaft, but you have given me a lot of good ideas. thanks.

[@hydrolisk1792]

I can't wait to watch you build your own welder!

[@otuyelusoji]

You mentioned and showed Dave Shekken, great guy.

[@thaliahelene]

I love the way your mind works. I don't understand you half the time, because machines aren't my thing, but I love to watch anyway, so creative!

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

Well... that is awesome... thanks for making my day

[@thaliahelene]

Also just wanted to link this if you hadn't seen it... maybe some ideas for you. He ends up with pellets, not sure how. www.ted.com/talks/mike_biddle

[@paulreader1777]

I had a short text conversation with Mike Biddle during the OpenIDEO e-waste recycling challenge challenges.openideo.com/challenge/e-waste/inspiration/responsible-recycling-of-the-difficult-material-to-recycle-from-e-waste-plastics/comments#!comments-section - his company recycles on a huge scale (www.mbapolymers.com/home/) and produces chemically clean product rivalling OEM. Although they were looking at some downscaling of the process it is unlikely to reach 'Precious Plastics' scale. This is unfortunate as the 'Precious Plastics' approach is small volumes processed by many individual consumers compared to huge volumes on industrial scale.

[@thaliahelene]

Well... I realize Biddle is working on the macro scale... but I think his process is similar in starting with shredding, eventually melting. It would be cool if the methodology to mechanically sort plastics were available on the micro scale, but that's surely proprietary at the moment. Still, with inspiration and ingenuity, it may become possible, now that we know it can be done. I like Jeremy's approach to making things cheaper all around. I think Biddle's work is very exciting as well. To think about this contemporary focus on the huge plastic waste stream burden on the ecology and the market, and yet the seeds for handling it were already in development a decade and more ago... Biddle was visionary.

[@traceyosterlind14]

So glad you are working on this. I have tried a paper shredder too, using the CD slot. It gets hot and just makes a mess of the milk bottles. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

I am pretty excited myself. Many things have changed since I posted the first video. I am waiting on a few parts to come in then I will make the next video. I think it will work great.

[@martiensbekker]

Great video and thanks for sharing!

[@sonicrocks2007]

This guy is a genius. Thanks. I was curious if saw blades would work.

[@rjaquaponics9266]

Isn't the process of design fun? Great video!

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

+Rj Aquaponics you bet it is!

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

+Rj Aquaponics you bet it is!

[@laserfalcon]

Very good presentation.

[@AfgunPride786]

love your videos Jeremy . thanks so much .

[@Rolingmetal]

Great, now I want to build a plastic shredder. Like I don't have enough to do. THANKS FOR THAT!!!

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

awesome... my work here is done

[@timbylander7015]

good luck. I'm anxious to see how it turns out.

[@tomellsworth2726]

Awesome !!! I like the way you think

[@ThePwcj]

I like it a lot. Thank you. Take care.

[@downhill240]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[@MarkMcCluney]

fascinating vid mate, thanks for sharing.

[@StripeyType]

I've been SUPER PSYCHED about this since you teased it a while ago. I've been saving up HDPE vinegar, bleach, and milk jugs for a good long while which I eventually want to recycle to use as stock in my own lathe. ALSO! I haven't forgotten that I owe you a DC motor speed control. It has been tough to make the time to build the thing, but I don't want to make excuses - I want to make a speed control. Anyhow, I haven't forgotten, and I'm still going to get it done.

[@markharmon4963]

Looks great!

[@ytSuns26]

Well done !

[@davidwoolsey2300]

I just signed up...hope you do well in your endeavors! My mind doesn't work like yours so I really appreciate those gears in your head!

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

+David Woolsey Thank you... and Welcome to my neighborhood!

[@joepuhel2428]

you're awesome dude!! sux I just now found your channel... always glad I did!!!!

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

+Joe Puhel thank you! Welcome to my neighborhood :)

[@davefolwell956]

Great job mate greetings from Australia.

[@JeremyFieldingSr]

+Dave Folwell Australia! That is awesome

[@thomasdickson35]

After your comment in the clock video about engineers designing things for easy fabrication, I am now here and realized my 'to do' list is now shot.

[@tedrobinson5743]

Great Stuff keep up your good Work! Sir

[@Deon0026yickadee]

Wow awesome dude!

[@VLS-Why]

Great video!

[@IAMElectric369]

I love this guy.

[@robertmanly7230]

Inspirational Mate.. just cool as. well done thanks for sharing. Author.