Paint Pot Shaker for Vallejo-Type Bottles

Here is a shaker designed for Vallejo-type paint bottles (Army Painter and others) measuring 25mm in diameter and 78mm in height. It is meant to be mounted onto the blade of a standard jigsaw.

WARNING: This use is not in line with the standard purpose of a jigsaw. It’s a hack ; you’re doing it knowingly and entirely at your own risk. Under no circumstances can I be held responsible for any damage caused to others or yourself.

That being said, if you print this part in a strong material, with a high-level infill, and follow my recommendations, everything should go smoothly. And you’ll have a very inexpensive yet highly effective paint mixer!

Printing Recommendations:

Material: The strongest filament you have (personally, I used PLA and it turned out very strong).

Infill: At least 35% (triangular, gyroid, or similar).

Wall thickness: 3 (instead of the usual 2).

Supports: Yes (tree type recommended).
 

Assembly Instructions:

Preferably choose a wood jigsaw blade you no longer use—but not a dull one (the teeth will help hold it securely).

Mark on the blade where it passes under the jigsaw’s base plate (inside the tool) and add 5–10 mm toward the tip of the blade. (Make a mark with a pen).

At this stage, if you try to insert the blade from the bottom into the shaker, it should only go in about 10–15 mm. That’s normal—the hole is intentionally tight! Don’t force it yet.

Prepare a hammer, a lighter, and a solid surface to press the base of the blade against.

Grip the blade at its base with pliers and heat the marked portion—up to the tip—with a lighter. Heat it enough to get it very hot, almost glowing.

Quickly insert the blade from the bottom of the shaker while holding it with pliers. Without delay, hold the shaker with one hand and place the base of the blade against a solid surface, then hit the square part of the shaker firmly with the hammer to drive the blade in. Be careful not to go past your marking!

Once the blade is in place and cooled down, wrap tape around the remaining teeth so you don’t cut yourself when handling it. If you want extra safety, you can secure it with one or two screws in the pre-made holes.

Usage:

Your shaker is now ready! Just insert a paint bottle and attach the blade to your jigsaw.
To place the bottle in the shaker: insert the bottle cap-first at an angle and then press the base in until it reaches the bottom. It’s normal to use a bit of force. The bottles are flexible and sturdy enough to handle this—it ensures they stay firmly in place.

Notes:

Do not use the shaker at maximum jigsaw speed!

Keep an eye on the shaking motion; the oscillation of the bottle is completely normal.

If you add a steel mixing ball inside your paint bottle, mixing will be faster and more efficient.