Bains
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2004
Posts: 12
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Post by Bains on Mar 9, 2014 18:24:52 GMT -5
I am a rank newbie to this rock tumbling operation. I am blessed with two dual drum Chicago Electric tumblers plus other items of better quality.
It is my fault since I purchased the Chicago Electric tumblers without any research and little knowledge and zero experience.
In less than a month I have broken the OEM belt and two aftermarket belts. At this rate, the cost of rough will pale compared to the cost of belts.
Somebody suggested using rubber bands -- more forgiving and able to stretch some and not cause as much strain on the motor.
So I decided to install four rubber bands -- sort of a PITA but it does turn the two drums, has more give/forgiveness for the turning drums and at the cost per 500 items at Staples it sure beats the cost of belts.
One commentator said to not do it since if the rubber band breaks it could be sucked into the motor. That is why I installed four of them.
My notion is to replace the rubber bands every 30 days if they last that long.
I will report on the progress
************ PROGRESS REPORT ************** The four rubber bands have lasted for three weeks. I decided to replace them as a maintenance measure. The removed bands look good but then four new bands only cost about $ 0.03 based on the cost for 500 at Staples.
I am convinced that the 'secret' is to use four so no single item is over stretched or over used.
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Mar 9, 2014 18:33:25 GMT -5
Many headaches ago,I had probably 7 or 8 different CE's.The Lortone belt for the 33b will fit and solve the belt problem. Be sure the pulleys are lined up,about half of them were offset,had to adjust after buying.Generally a pain in the a%& they are.Rebuilt several with Lortone belts,motors,bearings,etc.The plastic pulleys will split,motors wont last! Can get them from therockshed.com snuffy
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Post by deb193redux on Mar 9, 2014 20:27:28 GMT -5
just order Lortone belts
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lennyb0b
off to a rocking start
Master Crafter of Homemade Lapidary equipment!
Member since March 2014
Posts: 17
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Post by lennyb0b on Mar 10, 2014 7:44:47 GMT -5
Listen to Snuffy, he's right. Mostly it's an alignment problem. Remember when you spend $50.00 on it, you're probably gonna have to modify it. I've got a bunch of CE equipment, Rotary Tumbler, Vibe Tumbler transforming into a flat lapping machine and "Specialty Tumbler", Various rotary tools, belt/disk sander and abrasives. I have gone thru them all and with minor tweaks, adjustments and taps with a mallet have made them very functional. I started his hobby with a small amount of capital and had to buy smart and cheap.. True, it may not be a Lortone or Covington and is DEFINITELY not pretty, it DID cost a lot less and with proper maintenance will serve you well for a long time.
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 10, 2014 10:32:20 GMT -5
The Thumler Model T belt fits exactly and much better quality.
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blessed
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by blessed on Mar 10, 2014 10:40:26 GMT -5
One of the first things I do with a CE tumbler is replace the belt then I loose the cover. This will let more air to the motor. A Lortone motor will fit with some modification. A 3/8 shim behind motor. I bought two of them also. When ordering 33B belts buy extra.
Have a blessed day James
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