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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@stevealdrich2472]

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

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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.

[@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.

[@seeingdragons4319]

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

[@hafunland894]

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

[@ajbh2o]

Thanks for helping more people see Dave's work!

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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

[@jparabie]

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

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

Thanks... welcome to my neighborhood

[@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!!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@theronwebber1024]

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

[@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.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@danthemakerman]

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

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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.

[@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.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

That is awesome thanks

[@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!

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

+Phil C thanks for letting me know

[@brianhaley4471]

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

[@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

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@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.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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

[@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

[@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.😂

[@otuyelusoji]

You mentioned and showed Dave Shekken, great guy.

[@truegritbulldog]

Love your Videos. You are what makes KZbin great.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

+Truegrit Scott well that is great

[@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.

[@markyg1970]

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

[@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

[@ripentheconclave]

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

[@4D_Recovery]

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

[@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

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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

[@louisscott1063]

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

[@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!

[@BernhardHofmann]

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

[@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!

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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.

[@rrad8106]

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

[@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

[@crmusicproduction]

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

[@sgsax]

I watched the Precious Plastics series a while back. While I thought it was really cool that they were sharing all that information and build plans, I thought the price tag was a bit steep for your average DIYer in the garage. I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with for a viable solution.

[@rjaquaponics9266]

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

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

+Rj Aquaponics you bet it is!

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

+Rj Aquaponics you bet it is!

[@tthinkbiz]

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

[@paulandrulis4672]

Jeremy, good work. Another idea for cheap blades is just that, carbide tipped circular saw blades stacked. This can work easily in two ways: 1. a set stacked with washers in between and the teeth offset spaced, and 2. opposing stacks rotating in opposite directions, cutting towards each other. The particles would be much finer as well. Something to try. I am perusing youtube as I intend to make a filament extruder for molten plastic for 3d printing, which is fairly simple, but I either need to buy pellets, or recycle material. Recycled material has to be at least as small as pellets, so am looking at homemade grinders. Every design I look at has potential, but I keep going back to the saw blade design, as I essentially saw it first in something like a stump grinder, or a branch shredder one time. One thing that helps these designs is actually ancient tech., using rotating mass to prevent jamming, basically a heavy flywheel on the cutter shaft.

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi Jeremy,I use my paper shredder to make the pieces small enough, I just empty out the paper and then cut the bottles into rough sheets and pass them through. My shedder is of the cross cut type that produces pieces about 1/4 inch or 8mm square and this is perfect for my use.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

+John Fithian-Franks I am cutting HDPE and that plastic jammed my shredded on the first pass. A bigger paper shredder may work better

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Yes my shredder is an old work one that I picked up at an auction for £5:00. I was lucky and it works very well.

[@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.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

That is pretty funny. :)

[@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?

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

You are the first. :)

[@dannyd02]

One: I think all of that is pretty genius and will work actually, there will be no slipping in using that idea and two: thank you for explaining linear motion, I wondered that for a while.

[@BlueJeansGreenTee]

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

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

Thank you

[@Ampersful]

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

[@robertevans6481]

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

[@larndavies6954]

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

[@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.

[@boristhebilder7553]

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

[@Rolingmetal]

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

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

awesome... my work here is done

[@splinejunky]

The idea of a key way is a great one but it does not need to be square. You could drill a small hole in each blade near the shaft ,slide a steel rod thru and use the nuts at the end to capture it. It saves the fussy layout of the hexagonal cutting.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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

[@jamesmckissack5740]

splinejunky yes you're right it's a great one I didn't read it and I came up with the same idea because I've done it before in wood blocks for children's toys and it works it's like a shearing pin which a lot of shafts have that type of setup to but using a round pen and make it a slot put it in it you're right it's a great thought and it's cost-efficient he can do it himself

[@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

[@pedroluisprosperosanchez4353]

Amazing explanation. You really know how to teach.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

Thank you!

[@Asmodeous67]

So I read a ton of comments before posting as I figured people might have mentioned many of my ideas for fixing the blades in place on the shaft and people have. I didn't see this mentioned though. If you wanted to get the octagonal shape in the blades for them to ride on shaft or nut of that shape, you could broach the blades. I know not everyone has the tools to broach but I figured it was worth bringing up. Also, I see you are making the blades out of steel stock, why not aluminum? I would think aluminum would still be quite a bit harder than most plastics but would be much easier to broach/cut/shape than steel. Love the channel so far!

[@TainoHans]

You are a genius Jeremy!

[@sonicrocks2007]

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

[@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.

[@kellyvcraig]

Inspiring [understatement] and enjoyable. Thanks very much.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

thank you!

[@donfillenworth1721]

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

[@monteefrazee2301]

I am so inspired that we have intelligent people on this earth like you that has such passion for what he enjoys. Thanks again for sharing.. I am curious at what temperature milk cartons melt without burning?

[@hydrolisk1792]

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

[@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.

[@trackie1957]

You are clearly infatuated with kinematics! Have you ever seen or found a harmonic drive speed reducer? One of the coolest mechanisms I’ve ever seen!

[@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!

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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

[@timbylander7015]

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

[@matiasgoinheix366]

Jeremy your channel is awesome. Have you considered writing a book or online course with all this knowledge? I would sure buy it in a heartbeat.

[@howo357]

love your videos. you explain the mechanism well..

[@georgesikonomou3895]

If it's regular steel you can easily file the hex but I think square would work just as well, as you said " we just try to shred plastic here". Also you can buy a square rod, use the portion you like for maintaining the pieces and thread the rest.

[@kellyroup4262]

That is a great idea and I would like to thank you for it! On the cutters and the hex cut hole; just shaft all your cutters and clamp them in a vice then pull the shaft and use something to cut a keyway in them and one in your shaft and viola! It's gonna be a pain but you can do it with a file and make sure to buy a keyway that's narrow for less work or since you're cutting plastic just make one out of steel and heat and harden it in oil. By the time they wear out you can make another set and still have plenty of time. You could also cut a keyway in each piece which would make it even easier and sorry! I'm thinking it as I type but smart as you are you get it. Also you could make your own spacers from the plastic.

[@charlesroberson3761]

Small high end shredder made to shop cd's will work for years . Many offices dispose of them and can be found at used office equipment suppliers.

[@rudyserlet8959]

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

[@ExStaticBass]

For the spacers I'd use Delron. It's a polymer plastic used by machinists to prototype parts that has decent rigidity and resists compression quite well too. As for the blades, I'd cut the leading edge like an ice skate with a concave surface. What comes to mind is the term "multi-bladed scissors." It might make chewing through old milk jugs a little easier. Most of the work I do is in small robotics and radio controlled models. I'm pretty familiar with how small gearboxes work. Because of this I know that the less torque that's required to get through the work, the longer the gearbox will last. As for the plastic, there are filament extruders for 3D printers now that make the filament. I'd like to see how this kind of plastic would work through one of those and this video gave me a lot of interesting things to try when I have the time. I may even try to get another video uploaded if I can find the bandwidth to do it in a reasonable amount of time. Livin out in the sticks kind of limits the ways in which one can connect to the internet and aiming satellite dishes is not one of my specialties.

[@ChirpysTinkerings]

Another gearbox that is easier to find is a self propelled lawnmower gearbox. Everyone around here tends to throw broken self propelled push mowers out every other day. The gearboxes are small, but work off of a worm gear setup and I used one along with the gear setup in the wheel to add gear reduction and convert a 1750rpm clothes dryer motor to around 30-40rpm for my foundry sand muller. The best part is, the gears are all made of metal, so no need about stripping them out.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

I just picked up a washing machine about 5 minutes ago... I think I have a new and better option on hand... Now I need to get inside and make sure the gear box wasn't the problem!

[@ibeattheleaves5005]

Thanks for keeping it on my level.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

thank you sir.

[@stephenm3874]

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

[@kennethkustren9381]

Tis all about the auger.... the volume of plastic displaced as it enters the mold is the key. The auger screw web and shank size changes as it enters the mold.... .....the end result being CRAZY LEVELS of PRESSURE.

[@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.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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.

[@sirwoofsalot]

Great video Jeremy! You got some brains and you're doing some great thinking! Idea; cut a nut to fit your shaft the thickness of your spacers, weld one to each of your blades. They would serve two purposes. One, the spacer of course, but would lock against the next blade. It wouldn't take much of a weld, in fact, you could probably silver solder it with a map burner bottle found at about any hardware store. But you're doing a great job. Just think. Eventually you can just use plastic instead of wood!. Keep it up my friend!

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

Interesting... I was trying to avoid welding, but I agree this would work. This project has grown quite a bit. I show a more developed design in the next video. here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKO9hqOaZruaiJY And Now I have changed it all together into something I think will be pretty impressive and easy to make/copy. The combination I love the most! I can't wait for my parts to arrive!

[@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

[@intruderIG]

I enjoy watching your videos Man. Thanks

[@vagabondarcade7633]

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

[@paulreader1777]

Great video! Looking forward to further developments. I am particularly interested in both Dave Hakkens ideas and any simplifications we can come up with to make his devices suitable for building and using in schools. At the primary level recycling HDPE into things like home made kitchen cutting boards and fruit bowls would give the kids both a sense of achievement and some understanding of value in recycling. High school kids could gain further insight by participating in making the machines and more ambitious recycling.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

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.

[@ryanedison5709]

You should arrange your blades so that there are always two on opposite ends hitting the material at the same time. That way you have a even distribution of force on your crankshaft, and reduce wear from uneven pressure a little. A chevron would work well. I'm not sure if this was already suggested to you or not, I really didn't have the time to peruse all the comments. Staggering chevrons will allow you to reduce the torque required, but your limited to a minimum of two contact points to maintain the benefit, staggering only helps if you start off with more than two points of contact.

[@3d-explorer]

Great project. It's great that you're experimenting with ways to make a shredder cheaper and more easily built from simpler tools. Once you're successful, I suspect it will make shredders much more likely to be made and used around the world. I'm completing a 3D printer and filament extruder, built using as many salvaged parts as possible, but haven't even started on the shredder due to the whole plasma/laser cutter and welding requirements. It seems overly expensive, from the perspective of most people on the planet, and requires special knowledge and equipment. I've been looking for an alternative design that will simply, safely, and properly shred plastic for reuse, it doesn't have to "perfect". Evolution doesn't produce perfection, it produces "good enough". ;-) I wish you success [and I just subscribed].

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

+3D Explorer that is awesome thanks!

[@gwenrichard7507]

Drill a horizontal hole in the blade disks and fit a metal rod slightly longer then the blade's thickens. Try freezing or heating the plastic before shredding.

[@davefolwell956]

Great job mate greetings from Australia.

[@Jeremy_Fielding]

+Dave Folwell Australia! That is awesome