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Post by toiv0 on May 19, 2019 11:11:37 GMT -5
I want to put a tumbler on my mobile machine at work. It runs about 5 hrs a day. What happens if it shuts down for the other 19 hrs or over the week end for that matter. will the mud solidify? How long can it sit safely?
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Post by rmf on May 19, 2019 12:00:02 GMT -5
I have purchased tumblers that had a load in them for years. Sometimes you have to pry them loose (completely dried out) then add water and they will start tumbling again. However in your situation you would only be letting it set for 3/4 of a day it will not solidify in that time. It will settle out and you will loose some time getting things all mixed up again. Some things like glass grindings (rock snot) may solidify sooner also maybe some softer rocks. The grit size will probably make a difference as well. You should experiment and report back to the forum. It would be interesting to know if/how the grit size and rock composition effects the results.
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Post by manofglass on May 19, 2019 15:54:13 GMT -5
I have let mine set for weeks it never Sat up in the can my cans are made of PVC pipe I have 1 loaded and setting on the floor Ready to go on the tumbler next week pull one off The tumbler and put another one on the tumbler After I do clean out I reload the can and set it on the floor Tell I do clean out again
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Post by pauls on May 19, 2019 17:03:25 GMT -5
My tumbler needed some serious work, bearings and shafts worn. It sat for five months with rocks in mud and sludge unopened before I got around to rebuilding the tumbler. I opened the barrel yesterday added a bit of water and set it rolling on my rebuilt machine, It took about 10 minutes for everything inside to get rolling properly again, I checked it this morning and there's nothing at all clumped up.
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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 May 20, 2019 22:11:24 GMT -5
Just curious, Why can't you leave it running?
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Post by toiv0 on May 21, 2019 5:00:30 GMT -5
Just curious, Why can't you leave it running? Powered by a gen set.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,676
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Post by Fossilman on May 21, 2019 10:17:07 GMT -5
Just add a few days to the cycle, should be fine!
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gatorflash1
spending too much on rocks
Active in Delaware Mineralogical Society, Cabchon Grinding and Polishing, 2 Thumlers B's and a UV-18
Member since October 2018
Posts: 375
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Post by gatorflash1 on May 21, 2019 10:22:16 GMT -5
You might want to add a little more water than usual if you are going to let it sit. This will keep the slurry from getting hard.
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Post by greig on May 21, 2019 11:08:22 GMT -5
I agree with the comments. You should be fine. Good luck!
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Post by Rockindad on May 21, 2019 19:22:52 GMT -5
Have had to stop barrels on occasion while rearranging work space etc. Usually just overnight. Never had an issue if the barrel was left horizontal (as it would sit on a tumbler) as it would get back to normal pretty quickly once running again. I have however had barrels stand on end (lid side up) for only an hour or so where the grit completely settled out and was packed solid on the bottom of the barrel. This never broke free after hours of running and had to be opened up and stirred up to get it to run right.
Al
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