NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Apr 26, 2019 8:36:32 GMT -5
Las Vegas hit 100 degrees in places, and just over that temperature in my garage where my rock tumbling operation is going on. And there are changes to be noted. My vibratory tumbler, when has a TBLS of Borax in it, was completely stable (day 2), needing very little attention, then all of a sudden is drying out now. Yesterday it was all but freezing up every 4 hours, and I woke up to a pretty frozen solid load this morning (Day 3.5). And that never happened before. 1 TSP Polish, 1 TBLS Borax. The Usual. Got me. I guess I need to babysit a bit more. The FASCO motor on one of my nearly brand new tumblers has been making the unmistakable sound of metal grinding on metal now. I realize tolerances change in the hot weather, and the 6 lb. tumbler is letting me know. I tried squirting a bit of oil in to both of the motor slots, and it made zero differece. Pull off the load, and the sound goes away mostly. Put the barrel back on, and the metal gnashing sound comes back. I didn't realize that the heat was going to make a large impact. And we've got 6 months of it coming. I am wondering if I need to bring them all indoors or not. Any Death Valley or Arizona tumblers out there, experience this?
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MommaGem
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2019
Posts: 312
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Post by MommaGem on Apr 26, 2019 9:46:41 GMT -5
Hi Bill!
I'm worried about the heat during the summer as well. In Houston, TX, the summers are often +100. I am hoping that the high humidity will help a little bit, and I do have an AC unit in the room where I keep my tumblers. Crossing my fingers and wishing you well during the summer!
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Post by arghvark on Apr 26, 2019 11:22:19 GMT -5
Is it possible the noise is coming from some other part of the tumbler than the motor? Just a thought. Check/lube bushings and any other pivot points?
I've run my two Lortones (33B and QT66) through two summers, with garage temps over 100 degrees without issue. I do take the motor cover off the 33B. Thought about setting up a fan but never did. I just make sure belt tensions are ok and keep bushings lubed.
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Post by taylor on Apr 26, 2019 13:43:48 GMT -5
We have installed a couple of repurposed computer fans over our two Lortone 33Bs. One year later, working great! Tumbler motors are running cool even with the covers installed. We had been running with the covers off and both motors were too hot too touch. Fans don't seem to be bothered by continuous use and the electric bill isn't scary. The shop area where these are located is not temperature controlled.
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MommaGem
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2019
Posts: 312
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Post by MommaGem on Apr 26, 2019 14:01:00 GMT -5
We have installed a couple of repurposed computer fans over our two Lortone 33Bs. One year later, working great! Tumbler motors are running cool even with the covers installed. We had been running with the covers off and both motors were too hot too touch. Fans don't seem to be bothered by continuous use and the electric bill isn't scary. The shop area where these are located is not temperature controlled. Excellent idea!
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Post by Rockindad on Apr 26, 2019 15:51:27 GMT -5
Las Vegas hit 100 degrees in places, and just over that temperature in my garage where my rock tumbling operation is going on. And there are changes to be noted. My vibratory tumbler, when has a TBLS of Borax in it, was completely stable (day 2), needing very little attention, then all of a sudden is drying out now. Yesterday it was all but freezing up every 4 hours, and I woke up to a pretty frozen solid load this morning (Day 3.5). And that never happened before. 1 TSP Polish, 1 TBLS Borax. The Usual. Got me. I guess I need to babysit a bit more. The FASCO motor on one of my nearly brand new tumblers has been making the unmistakable sound of metal grinding on metal now. I realize tolerances change in the hot weather, and the 6 lb. tumbler is letting me know. I tried squirting a bit of oil in to both of the motor slots, and it made zero differece. Pull off the load, and the sound goes away mostly. Put the barrel back on, and the metal gnashing sound comes back. I didn't realize that the heat was going to make a large impact. And we've got 6 months of it coming. I am wondering if I need to bring them all indoors or not. Any Death Valley or Arizona tumblers out there, experience this? I'd take some (ONLY SOME) of that heat from you- we are supposed to get some snow Sunday morning Al
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Post by Jugglerguy on Apr 26, 2019 17:30:57 GMT -5
I'd take some (ONLY SOME) of that heat from you- we are supposed to get some snow Sunday morning Al Same here, chance of snow tonight and a high of 44 tomorrow. I’m hoping to hit the beach in the morning. I can’t help with that tumbler problem. My tumblers are in the basement where it doesn’t get much over 60 at any time of the year.
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tomg
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2019
Posts: 103
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Post by tomg on Apr 26, 2019 22:56:57 GMT -5
NevadaBill, I cut up a freezer strength ZipLoc bag and put it on my vibe with a rubber band and it has all but eliminated the need to babysit the machine. Might help in your situation. I don't even put the red lid on any more.
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Apr 27, 2019 9:27:05 GMT -5
Is it possible the noise is coming from some other part of the tumbler than the motor? Just a thought. Check/lube bushings and any other pivot points? I've run my two Lortones (33B and QT66) through two summers, with garage temps over 100 degrees without issue. I do take the motor cover off the 33B. Thought about setting up a fan but never did. I just make sure belt tensions are ok and keep bushings lubed. Yep, it is the internals Eric. I actually over-lubricate the rollers, about every other week, instead of once a month. Thanks for the suggestion though. Strange, I came home yesterday afternoon and the Lortone wasn't making a chirp! It was doing it for almost a whole day prior. It was 110 in the garage. I don't know. Maybe some of the oil I dropped in to those 2 holes after all, and made it's way to the bearing on both sides? If you put too much oil in, the motor will start to spit a bit of oil out the side some. Appreciate the suggestion though. Thank you!
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Post by arghvark on Apr 27, 2019 9:28:10 GMT -5
NevadaBill, I cut up a freezer strength ZipLoc bag and put it on my vibe with a rubber band and it has all but eliminated the need to babysit the machine. Might help in your situation. I don't even put the red lid on any more. Like this idea. It's one of those "of course!" moments. I live in a very dry climate where babysitting is a thing even when it's cold, and gets pretty intense in the summer.
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Post by arghvark on Apr 27, 2019 9:29:05 GMT -5
Is it possible the noise is coming from some other part of the tumbler than the motor? Just a thought. Check/lube bushings and any other pivot points? I've run my two Lortones (33B and QT66) through two summers, with garage temps over 100 degrees without issue. I do take the motor cover off the 33B. Thought about setting up a fan but never did. I just make sure belt tensions are ok and keep bushings lubed. Yep, it is the internals Eric. I actually over-lubricate the rollers, about every other week, instead of once a month. Thanks for the suggestion though. Strange, I came home yesterday afternoon and the Lortone wasn't making a chirp! It was doing it for almost a whole day prior. It was 110 in the garage. I don't know. Maybe some of the oil I dropped in to those 2 holes after all, and made it's way to the bearing on both sides? If you put too much oil in, the motor will start to spit a bit of oil out the side some.  Appreciate the suggestion though. Thank you! good news!
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Apr 27, 2019 9:33:34 GMT -5
We have installed a couple of repurposed computer fans over our two Lortone 33Bs. One year later, working great! Tumbler motors are running cool even with the covers installed. We had been running with the covers off and both motors were too hot too touch. Fans don't seem to be bothered by continuous use and the electric bill isn't scary. The shop area where these are located is not temperature controlled. Hi Taylor. That is a pretty "cool" setup you have there! looks like you might be running those off of the step down from a computer power supply. Neat idea. I find it interesting to note that your 33's run cool at any time. The motors might be under less stress, perhaps? But I cannot hold my hand on the side of my FASCO units on any given day, Summer or Winter. They've all (4) been hot, hot, hot to the touch, since day 1. Thank you for the idea though. I might try to make room to park one of my Vornado units next to the tumblers.
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Apr 27, 2019 9:39:18 GMT -5
NevadaBill, I cut up a freezer strength ZipLoc bag and put it on my vibe with a rubber band and it has all but eliminated the need to babysit the machine. Might help in your situation. I don't even put the red lid on any more. Thanks for the idea Tom. I use exactly that solution on my Vibratory tumbler. Only no rubber band. It works as a good gasket. But I could always take a closer look to see if moisture is somehow getting out. I appreciate the suggestion very much. Those with the Lott-O need to use the rubber band. I don't own one, but I understand it is pretty much a requirement since the lid is kind of on there lose to begin with. Not sure.
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Apr 27, 2019 9:44:21 GMT -5
Yep, it is the internals Eric. I actually over-lubricate the rollers, about every other week, instead of once a month. Thanks for the suggestion though. Strange, I came home yesterday afternoon and the Lortone wasn't making a chirp! It was doing it for almost a whole day prior. It was 110 in the garage. I don't know. Maybe some of the oil I dropped in to those 2 holes after all, and made it's way to the bearing on both sides? If you put too much oil in, the motor will start to spit a bit of oil out the side some. Appreciate the suggestion though. Thank you! good news! Hehe, yep, this is the 2nd time one of my Lortone units have given me a scare. Once, 2 months ago, the motor would not turn the 12 lb. load without a push start. And that has never happened even once since. And now this. Maybe the sound will never return. But I thought the little guy was a goner. I bet they are just messing with me.
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tomg
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2019
Posts: 103
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Post by tomg on Apr 27, 2019 12:52:34 GMT -5
NevadaBill, I cut up a freezer strength ZipLoc bag and put it on my vibe with a rubber band and it has all but eliminated the need to babysit the machine. Might help in your situation. I don't even put the red lid on any more. Thanks for the idea Tom. I use exactly that solution on my Vibratory tumbler. Only no rubber band. It works as a good gasket. But I could always take a closer look to see if moisture is somehow getting out. I appreciate the suggestion very much. Those with the Lott-O need to use the rubber band. I don't own one, but I understand it is pretty much a requirement since the lid is kind of on there lose to begin with. Not sure. Bill, I have a MT-4 like yours and I tried the plastic wrap under the lid without much success keeping the moisture in. With the heavier material of the Ziploc and a rubber band the problem is solved.
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Post by taylor on Apr 27, 2019 16:26:21 GMT -5
We have installed a couple of repurposed computer fans over our two Lortone 33Bs. One year later, working great! Tumbler motors are running cool even with the covers installed. We had been running with the covers off and both motors were too hot too touch. Fans don't seem to be bothered by continuous use and the electric bill isn't scary. The shop area where these are located is not temperature controlled. Hi Taylor. That is a pretty "cool" setup you have there! looks like you might be running those off of the step down from a computer power supply. Neat idea. I find it interesting to note that your 33's run cool at any time. The motors might be under less stress, perhaps? But I cannot hold my hand on the side of my FASCO units on any given day, Summer or Winter. They've all (4) been hot, hot, hot to the touch, since day 1. Thank you for the idea though. I might try to make room to park one of my Vornado units next to the tumblers. Thank you, I hope it is helpful to others. The fans are 24VDV, 0.3A wired into a computer AC adapter that conveniently plugs into the AC outlet. All repurposed, so low cost. And not space hogs! I suppose "cool" is subjective. They run at a temperature that I consider normal; warm, but not hot to the touch.
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Apr 29, 2019 9:47:33 GMT -5
Thanks for the idea Tom. I use exactly that solution on my Vibratory tumbler. Only no rubber band. It works as a good gasket. But I could always take a closer look to see if moisture is somehow getting out. I appreciate the suggestion very much. Those with the Lott-O need to use the rubber band. I don't own one, but I understand it is pretty much a requirement since the lid is kind of on there lose to begin with. Not sure. Bill, I have a MT-4 like yours and I tried the plastic wrap under the lid without much success keeping the moisture in. With the heavier material of the Ziploc and a rubber band the problem is solved. Hi tomg. Can you somehow post a picture of how you are attaching a rubber band? I would like to get an idea, as it does not seem straightforward to me. The tolerances at the bottom of the barrel are zero (tight), and the violent action at that point would seamingly break a rubber band. I am not having any troubles with moisture getting out of the barrel, when using a plain old sealable sandwich bag under the lid. I abandoned plastic wrap a long time ago. But I would like to try out your suggestion.
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tomg
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2019
Posts: 103
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Post by tomg on Apr 29, 2019 15:11:23 GMT -5
Bill, I have a MT-4 like yours and I tried the plastic wrap under the lid without much success keeping the moisture in. With the heavier material of the Ziploc and a rubber band the problem is solved. Hi tomg . Can you somehow post a picture of how you are attaching a rubber band? I would like to get an idea, as it does not seem straightforward to me. The tolerances at the bottom of the barrel are zero (tight), and the violent action at that point would seamingly break a rubber band. I am not having any troubles with moisture getting out of the barrel, when using a plain old sealable sandwich bag under the lid. I abandoned plastic wrap a long time ago. But I would like to try out your suggestion. Bill, I'm not set up to post pictures here but I'll try to explain it better. My rubber band is around the mouth horizontally, not around the barrel vertically . Think of a little shower cap.
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Apr 29, 2019 15:37:27 GMT -5
Hi tomg. I think I see what you are saying. - Cover the top with the gasket, over the sides. - Slide a rubber band, down, over the whole top. - Place the lid on top of that (optional I guess). I will give it a try. Right now I have family staying at the house, and in close proximity to the garage too. First evening I got an inquiry about "what is that noise I am always hearing??" My answer, "what noise? I don't hear anything! You need your ears checked!" J/K, I told the truth. But I left them all on. I knew how much work it would be to clean everything out. But I was dumb for not thinking of this beforehand. Around 2am I walked around by the garage, and it was really loud and obvious that I had a rock tumbling factory going on. I felt bad, and pulled the plug on all of them. Then opened all, and topped off with water, so nothing would dry out.
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on May 1, 2019 9:37:26 GMT -5
Hi tomg , here is what I envisioned as the solution which you suggested: I implemented it and tested it out for a full day. I was not able to reproduce the results you are getting with your MT-4. I suggest holding on to yours for as long as possible, as it is quite likely very special. Mine appears to be a regular one. I have a tough summer ahead of me with my Vibe. I do appreciate the suggestion. On a positive note, temperatures are back up to normal (80's). I have bought a Vornado fan though, taken from the great suggestions above. i will probably put the yellow guy in front of the group of 3 pictured behind him, especially the one that made noises. Thank you all for your input.
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