Guys I was just wondering If there is anyone out there that makes food grade plastic muddlers? And if so what plastic do you use and how do you get on with the mold making?
Im really intrested in making a couple of idea's that will benefit all bartending kind!
Hayds
http://thepoetryofbartending.blogspot.com/- check it out :)
Hayds,
Before you star thinking about the molds make sure you to a machined (by turning) prototype.
Casting molds usually is VERY VERY expensive, but once you have the mold, producing the muddler won’t be that expensive. I recommend a market research before you put molded pieces on production.
If you are thinking about a small production (let’s say less than a few hundred muddlers) machined processes is probably the way to go.
For the prototype you could use nylon or another polyamide (in general they are not food safe, but not very expensive and easy to find for testing), test the shape, grip and functionality of the muddler, before defining the final shape and size.
At hardware stores you can buy the rods for production by turning. A Sales person might be able to help you with the “FDA/food safe” issue too.
The plastic used for the final product could be many: Acetal, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), PET-P and many others. I´m not sure that all of them can be machined, double check that.
The company that will make the mold and produce the muddlers for you will be able to advise you on the economically viability of the production based on the size of the muddles, size of the production and on the plastics that they recommend (and sell) for that specific product (been food safe and economical).
I know this info is not very deep, but I hope it helps a bit!
Cheers!
Tony
I second machineing. a simple little little lathe and some material stock from McMaster-carr will get you started.
http://randallpmcmurphy.blogspot.com - I cook a lot and take a rediculous amount of pictures...
Guys thank for the feedback! Sounds like you boys are hobbist of all types. :)
Bargreen Ellingson sells a really cheap crappy plastic muddler for $1.91 - I derive little joy when using this substandard piece of crap.
A friend with a lathe is going to help me turn a couple out of a chunk of sugar maple I've got stashed. I hope to be in a Happy Place soon.
I stumbled across a higher class Plastic Muddler for $21
I make my own muddler and the next version will be coming soon. Here is a pic of the new one. Should be available worldwide in about 6-8 weeks. It will retail for about $12USD.
Oh and a piece of advice, moulds are expensive and usually after you get the mould done you need to order a minimum of a few thousand. Its an expensive and fristrating business to be in.