ckraus
starting to shine!
Member since January 2019
Posts: 49
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Post by ckraus on Jun 29, 2019 9:42:22 GMT -5
When I first got this tumbler I could tell it had been sitting a bit though still new. After a little trial and error I was able to get it running by tightening the belt. Ran for a few days before I couldn't get it tight enough so I bought new belts. Ran great, but I had to move the motor as far out as it could go to keep the belt tight enough to run. Now, after a month, that belt is too loose. I bought belts made for this particular machine but obviously they are just a bit too big. Other than finding a belt or o-ring, etc that fits better, is there anything I'm missing? Really, this shouldn't be rocket science here, just finding a smaller belt but I figured I would check with those who have more tumbler time than I do. 😁
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braat
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2016
Posts: 350
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Post by braat on Jun 29, 2019 10:24:06 GMT -5
I had nothing but belt problems on my Lortone 3A when I first got it...they were breaking all the time which gets costly at Lortone replacement prices so I went to my local industrial supply place and got a 10 pack of same size O-rings for 7 or 8 bucks. Finally figured out the pulleys were not aligned so that fixed the constant breakage. I know that's not your problem but just to say there's cheap sources for replacement belts. I had slippage problems same as you after that...I bought a spray can of belt dressing (makes the belts and pulleys sticky)...problem gone and belts last a whole lot longer..
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ckraus
starting to shine!
Member since January 2019
Posts: 49
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Post by ckraus on Jun 29, 2019 10:41:12 GMT -5
I had nothing but belt problems on my Lortone 3A when I first got it...they were breaking all the time which gets costly at Lortone replacement prices so I went to my local industrial supply place and got a 10 pack of same size O-rings for 7 or 8 bucks. Finally figured out the pulleys were not aligned so that fixed the constant breakage. I know that's not your problem but just to say there's cheap sources for replacement belts. I had slippage problems same as you after that...I bought a spray can of belt dressing (makes the belts and pulleys sticky)...problem gone and belts last a whole lot longer.. Where did you get the belt dressing? I've been able to lay hands on belts for cheap (aka FREE) providing they fit, will find out tonight. I have noticed a decent amount of wear on the belts in the form of black rubber dust under the machine. But if it's not tight the pulleys do not grab the belt....
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braat
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2016
Posts: 350
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Post by braat on Jun 29, 2019 10:47:38 GMT -5
Any auto supply store should have it. After you do the dressing (follow can directions) the belt doesn't need to be so tight...
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braat
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2016
Posts: 350
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Post by braat on Jun 29, 2019 11:07:59 GMT -5
This is the stuff I use...don't worry about brand name, there's lots of different brands making it but they all do the same thing I'm petty sure.
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braat
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2016
Posts: 350
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Post by braat on Jun 29, 2019 11:24:02 GMT -5
Also (forgot the obvious and just in case) make sure shafts are oiled at the bushings and shafts rotate freely. Make sure shaft and barrel surfaces are clean where they contact each other as well.
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ckraus
starting to shine!
Member since January 2019
Posts: 49
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Post by ckraus on Jun 29, 2019 11:42:17 GMT -5
Gotcha 👍 Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I will be checking the shafts just be sure they are positioned correctly as well.
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