Introduction

The Tornado II Portable Paint Shaker 51200 is an essential tool for professionals in painting and body shop work, designed to efficiently mix various paint types. Manufactured by Hougen Manufacturing, this electric shaker features a lightweight design, allowing for easy portability and operation without the need for bolting down. Launched in 2023, it is priced at approximately $595. Its three levels of motion ensure thorough blending of gallon-sized and smaller paint containers in just minutes, making it a reliable choice for high-quality results.

Parts List

Exploded View

Specifications 

The Tornado II Portable Paint Shaker 51200 boasts several key features that set it apart from other paint shakers on the market:

• Powerful Motor: Equipped with a high-torque motor that can handle thick paints and inks with ease.
• Portable Design: Lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry to any job site.
• Multiple Speed Settings: Adjustable speed settings to accommodate different types of paints and mixing requirements.
• Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials to ensure longevity and withstand heavy use.
• Easy Cleanup: Designed with easy-to-clean components to save time and effort.
• Battery Life: Long-lasting battery life with up to 4 hours of continuous operation on a single charge.

Portable Paint Shaker 51200 Description

Tornado II is engineered to provide efficient and thorough mixing of paints. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling, while the adjustable speed settings allow for precise control over the mixing process. The device is equipped with a secure clamping system to hold paint cans firmly in place, preventing spills and leaks. The paint shaker also features an LED indicator that signals when the mixing cycle is complete.

The Tornado II is versatile and can be used with a variety of paint can sizes, making it suitable for both small and large painting projects. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to store and transport, adding to its convenience.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECTANGULAR GALLONS

1. Remove the hold-down bar and clamping screw and set them aside.
2. Loosen both knobs (P/N 51032) and slide the right side of top bar toward the front of the machine (right end of the top bar is slotted).
3. Slide the can onto the platform with the top bar between the handle and the spout.
4. Center the can on the platform* and secure the cap by tightening both knobs evenly and firmly until the can is clamped securely.

*NOTE: FULL RECTANGULAR GALLONS OF PRIMER SHOULD NOT BE CENTERED, BUT PLACED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE PLATFORM.

INSTALLATION OF SPRINGS

TOOLS REQUIRED: Channel-Lock pliers, 3/16” hex key and 5/32” hex key.

GENERAL NOTES: Springs are sold in sets of (4) lower (P/N 51028) and (4) upper (P/N 51027). When a spring fails, the other springs in the set are fatigued also. The sets are factory matched, and the entire set should be replaced.

Do not scratch or gouge the working part of the spring wire during installation or adjustment. This would cause prema-ture failure.
The springs work in pairs. Two diametrically opposed springs are a pair, and each spring in a pair should be adjusted the same amount if adjustments are made.

LOWER SPRING SET (PIN 51028)

1. Installation:
   1. Attach the (2) springs with wide coil spacing to the frame on the right front and left rear, using (2) cap screws through the frame.
   2. Attach the (2) springs with narrower coil spacing to the frame on the left front and right rear, same as above. Be sure all (4) cap screws are tight.
2. Adjustment:
   Lower springs do not require adjustment. Upper springs may require adjustment if lower springs have been replaced. Refer to “CHECKING SPRING ADJUSTMENT” to determine this.

UPPER SPRING SET (P/N 51027)

1. Installation:
   1. A 3/16” hex key will fit through the threaded spring mount hole into the cap screw that’s assembled inside the spring. The cap screw fits through the mid-plate and threads into the lower spring’s top mount.
   2. Install the (2) shortest springs on the left front and right rear.
   3. Install the (2) longer springs on the right front and left rear. Be sure the (4) cap screws are tight.
   4. Install the can platform to the springs using (4) flat head cap screws. Be sure the (4) flat head cap screws are tight.
2. Adjustment:
   The upper springs are adjusted to obtain the proper shaking action. To do this, the springs are threaded onto the TOP spring mounts farther. This STIFFENS the spring and reduces movement. Springs as received from the factory may need to be adjusted stiffer. If your springs have already been adjusted and are too stiff (not enough shake) they must be backed off before proceeding.

BACKING OFF SPRINGS

The spring must be fully installed, including the can plat-form, to do this.

1. Taking care not to gouge the spring wire, grasp the top of the spring with a pair of Channel-Lock pliers so that the plier jaw catches on the end of the spring coil. This will open the spring slightly so that it can be backed off of the mount; otherwise, the spring will not move.
2. Back each spring off 1/4 turn. Loosen the (4) flat head cap screws on the platform, and the springs will snap back.
3. Retighten the (4) screws and repeat this procedure until the end of each spring is 1/4" away from the platform. DO NOT BACK THE SPRINGS ALL OF THE WAY OFF OF THE MOUNTS.

ADJUSTING SPRINGS

1. Load a full gallon of paint on the shaker and start the machine. If the shaker makes a clattering noise, the springs are too loose and will require adjustment. If not, proceed.
2. From the front of the machine, watch the mid-plate’s movement as the shaker operates. If the right side moves more than the left, the right front and left rear springs need to be stiffened. If the left moves more, the left front and right rear need to be stiffened. If both sides move the same, all four springs must be stiffened.
3. To stiffen springs, turn off the machine, grasp the spring with your hand, and screw the spring farther onto the end mount 1/4 turn. If you did this to the right front, you must also do this on the left rear. Remember, because the springs work in pairs, you must adjust them in pairs. Loosen the flat head cap screws on the springs that you stiffened, and the spring will snap back. Retighten the screws.
4. Start the machine again. Listen for clatter, and watch the mid-plate from the front to see which side moves the most. If necessary, stiffen the springs again 1/4 turn, loosen and retighten the screws to allow the springs to snap back. Repeat this procedure until the clatter disappears and the mid-plate moves uniformly.

CHECKING SPRING ADJUSTMENT

Start the shaker and check the following:

1. If there is clattering noise, return to adjustment instruc tions. If no noise, proceed to step 2.
2. Watch the mid-plate from the front. If one side moves substantially more than the other, the front spring that doesn’t move enough and its diametrically opposed spring need to be backed off, and the spring set that moves more may need to be stiffened. Refer to “BACKING OFF SPRINGS” and “ADJUSTING SPRINGS.” Adjust only one set at a time, then retest. Always be sure to allow springs to snap back by loosening and retightening the screws. When the mid-plate moves fairly uniformly, proceed to step 3.
3. Start the shaker and watch the can platform’s movement from side to side. It should move 3/4" on both sides. You can use a ruler near the platform if you’re not sure. If it moves more than 7/8" on both sides, stiffen all springs 1/8 turn each to reduce movement. If it moves less than 3/4", back off all springs 1/8 turn to increase movement. If it moves 3/4" or more, doesn’t clatter, and has fairly uniform mid-plate movement, your shaker is properly adjusted.

NEW MACHINE SETUP

1. Remove Shaker and parts from package. Place Shaker on a rigid, level surface, away from any edge, and well clear of obstructions.
2. Install bracket assembly to platform with side hole to the right.
3. Route power cord so that it will not be damaged and plug into grounded receptacle.
4. READ OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS and post it in a conspicuous place.

MAINTENANCE

NOTICE: FAILURE TO FOLLOW MAINTENANCE PROCE-DURES VOIDS WARRANTY.

1. Wipe paint spills immediately. Accumulations of paint may detract from your Shaker’s performance and reliability.
2. Check and tighten all fasteners periodically.
3. Periodically examine cords and wiring for damage. Damaged cords must be immediately replaced.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Operate only in a well-vented area.
2. Do not shake cans that leak or are deformed. Periodi-cally check for leakage during mix cycle.
3. Do not operate machine if electrical cords are cracked or frayed.
4. Disconnect from power source when working on machine.
5. The shaker must be placed on solid, level surface well clear of any obstructions.
6. Never leave any operating machine unattended.

GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Thread the clamping screw (P/N 00934) with the lock nut attached through the bar as shown. Install this into the hold-down bar (00876) by inserting it through the hole while simultaeously pushing in the locking pin (P/N 00878).
2. Insert the can as shown, then turn the clamping screw until the hold-down bar securely clamps the can, making sure the nut remains free on the screw.
3. After the can is clamped, then turn the lock nut down the screw until it tightens against the bar.
   HINT: To make sure that the nut is tight, simultaneously give both the nut and the screw an extra 1/4 turn.
4. The motor is started by rotating the timer switch. Turn past the desired time by 2 minutes, then set timer. Due to the varying states of unmixed paint, it is impossible for Blair to give specific mixing times for your paint, however, a little experience will soon show how quickly your particular paint can be mixed.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your Tornado II Portable Paint Shaker 51200, here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Device Not Turning On: Check the battery level and ensure it is fully charged. If the issue persists, contact customer support.
• Paint Can Not Securely Held: Ensure the clamping system is properly adjusted and aligned with the paint can.
• Motor Overheating: Allow the device to cool down before resuming use. Avoid continuous operation for extended periods.

Instructions and Warnings: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and maintenance. Avoid overloading the device, and keep it out of reach of children.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful and efficient mixing capabilities.
• Portable and lightweight design.
• Adjustable speed settings for various paint types.
• Durable construction and easy cleanup.
• Long-lasting battery life.

Cons

• Slightly higher price point compared to some competitors.
• Noisy operation during high-speed settings.
• Limited compatibility with very large paint cans.

Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the Tornado II Portable Paint Shaker 51200 for its efficiency and ease of use. Many have noted that it significantly reduces the time spent on mixing paints, allowing for more productive work sessions. However, some users have mentioned that the device can be quite loud during high-speed operations.

Common complaints 

Including the higher price and the noise level, but overall, the product has received positive feedback for its performance and durability.