lexr
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2017
Posts: 1
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Post by lexr on Aug 8, 2017 23:10:01 GMT -5
I have a 3lb rotary rock tumbler from Harbor Freight; I believe it is the Chicago brand. There is a loud unnatural vibrating noise coming from the motor. I think it is the fan; I have determined this by turning it off and on again under careful observation and have noted that the sound corresponds with the movement of the fan. I have tried replacing the belt to no avail. The long stick-thing (the bearing?) wiggles back and forth as does the wheel that the belt goes on. This could be contributing to the issue. Is there a way to adjust the fan if it is causing the noise?
My tumbler is on its second batch of rocks but I should mention it has been two years since the first batch.
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Post by aDave on Aug 8, 2017 23:18:48 GMT -5
As harsh as it may sound, buy Lortone (or Thumlers) but I'm a Lortone fan. The HF tumblers are pretty much known to be problematic. The detailed person may choose to get it up and running in a sound fashion, but often it's throwing good money after bad. Sure, some have ultimately gotten the HF tumblers running properly, but they're the seeming minority.
Welcome to the forum.
Dave
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Post by manofglass on Aug 8, 2017 23:23:40 GMT -5
A lot of China made junk I have one of there tile saws Go to therockshed.com or www.kingsleynorth.comAnd buy a better tumbler Lortone is a good brand And you can get parts Walt
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Post by coloradocliff on Aug 9, 2017 1:37:14 GMT -5
Lex .. Welcome to the forum from Colorado. Sounds like it's not anything to do with the length of time the thing has been sitting but the thing sounds like someone who know machines should look at it.It may be a simple fix or it may turn out that the unit is junk. Take it to someone who knows small machinery like a local repair for small engines and have a mechanic look at it. You would probably get a good answer from a person actually seeing it instead of my guesses. Bet that they wouldn't charge you. Don't give up.. its a wonderfully relaxing and enriching pastime.
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Post by MrMike on Aug 9, 2017 5:32:26 GMT -5
I have a 3lb rotary rock tumbler from Harbor Freight; I believe it is the Chicago brand. There is a loud unnatural vibrating noise coming from the motor. I think it is the fan; I have determined this by turning it off and on again under careful observation and have noted that the sound corresponds with the movement of the fan. I have tried replacing the belt to no avail. The long stick-thing (the bearing?) wiggles back and forth as does the wheel that the belt goes on. This could be contributing to the issue. Is there a way to adjust the fan if it is causing the noise? My tumbler is on its second batch of rocks but I should mention it has been two years since the first batch. The fan is probably hitting the inside of the frame. The motor is mounted with a few bolts to the frame so that you can loosen them to adjust belt tension. I tried one of these HF tumblers for a while & trust me they aren't worth the hassle. Check Craigslist for used tumblers.
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Post by manofglass on Aug 9, 2017 13:38:57 GMT -5
Hit it with a hammer the nose will stop
Walt
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Post by aDave on Aug 9, 2017 14:04:18 GMT -5
Hit it with a hammer the nose will stop Walt I actually laughed out loud when I read that. Dave
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lookatthat
Cave Dweller
Whatever there is to be found.
Member since May 2017
Posts: 1,360
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Post by lookatthat on Aug 9, 2017 14:24:04 GMT -5
Did something fall into the fan?
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Post by MrP on Aug 9, 2017 15:13:04 GMT -5
Did something fall into the fan? Maybe it was the Harbor Freight quality, S**t, that hit the fan........................MrP
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Wooferhound
Cave Dweller
Lortone QT66 and 3A
Member since December 2016
Posts: 1,423
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Post by Wooferhound on Aug 9, 2017 15:28:01 GMT -5
Always keep your fans happy
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amerwine
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2017
Posts: 3
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Post by amerwine on Aug 11, 2017 6:34:01 GMT -5
LEXR, I've been dealing with my pain in the butt chicago tumblers for the past 2 years. I'm thinking that the motor need to be adjusted to get the belt tension just right. ALSO check the set screw for the fan it needs to be turned down really tight because it might be moving and hitting the motor while turning. IF the plastic fan breaks, there are some replacements on ebay for around 12 bucks. You would have to take out the motor to put the new fan on. Take off the belt and clean off the big pulley of any burrs. Don't forget the oil.
In the meantime, shop for a new tumbler before the you want to hit it with a hammer!
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Post by gmitch067 on Aug 11, 2017 10:12:28 GMT -5
I had this happen to me on a Lorton 33B... Not sure how the Harbor Freight will differ, but...
First see if opening it up to do any "adjustments" will void any warranty. If in doubt, call their Customer Services for further actions. If that is a futile endeavor...
Unplug the tumbler. Open the housing cover, and with the tip of your finger rotate the fan blade to see where it is hitting the walls to the sides and in front (don't forget the housing cover plate you removed). Sometimes bending a single fan blade in a little is all it takes to prevent the noise. See if the motor shaft itself has any movement in-n-out (the fans air motion might be pulling the shaft enough to cause it to move closer to the housing).
(this one needs tools) The fan can be mounted to the motor shaft directly or is driven by a pulley arrangement. Consider loosening the mounting screw, which holds the fan to the shaft, and moving the fan away from the housing walls. MAKE SURE that any moving of the fan on the shaft does not affect the alignment of the fan belt (Keep all "moves" as small as possible).
Spin the fan with your finger to see if it is clear of obstruction.
Replace the housing cover plate, plug it in, and see if the noise is gone.
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Post by fantastic5 on Aug 11, 2017 10:30:24 GMT -5
lexr from Tennessee. I'm a penny pincher by nature. Really hate to spend money and do a lot of shopping at Harbor Freight. BUT, there tumblers really are problematic. Fiddle with the one you have and watch Craiglist, Facebook market place, Letgo, things like that . I actually check Craigslist every day looking at 'lapidary' and 'rock tumbler'. Every once in awhile you will find a killer deal. Gotten a few over the years. If you enjoy this hobby, splurge on a good tumbler, its worth it.
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