Rainshaker
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2020
Posts: 8
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Post by Rainshaker on Mar 6, 2020 11:05:46 GMT -5
So the wife and I have been using 3 of the 3lb Chicago Electric tumblers for the last 2 years. Anyway we decided that this was the year to step our game up. Have 2 Thumlers Model B on the way that should be here by the 10th at the latest.
Was just curious if anyone had any recommendations on improving these before using. Also should I oil the motor right away or wait till after the first load?
Just want to get these started right and make sure to do whatever I can to extend the life of them. Any input is greatly appreciated.
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Post by knave on Mar 6, 2020 11:57:32 GMT -5
I’m in the process of upgrading mine to 8mm shafts and ball bearings.
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Wooferhound
Cave Dweller
Lortone QT66 and 3A
Member since December 2016
Posts: 1,425
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Post by Wooferhound on Mar 6, 2020 12:14:50 GMT -5
im In the process of upgrading mine to 8mm shafts and ball bearings. Too Cool Real Ball bearings
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Post by knave on Mar 6, 2020 12:19:39 GMT -5
3D printers use 8mm stuff, the parts were about $25
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Post by HankRocks on Mar 6, 2020 13:00:59 GMT -5
Just curious how you are going to finish the shafts; sleeves and Barrel Stops.
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Post by knave on Mar 6, 2020 13:04:11 GMT -5
Tight fitting rubber hose over the shafts I bought a 10 pack of roller bearings for barrel guides. ($6)
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Post by knave on Mar 6, 2020 13:13:18 GMT -5
Just curious how you are going to finish the shafts; sleeves and Barrel Stops. HankRocks , My buddy who frequents this site did it first, here is his handiwork
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Mar 6, 2020 13:25:32 GMT -5
Just curious how you are going to finish the shafts; sleeves and Barrel Stops. HankRocks , My buddy who frequents this site did it first, here is his handiwork OMG this is genius. I can't stand the cheap plastic "bearings" on my thumler.
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Rainshaker
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2020
Posts: 8
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Post by Rainshaker on Mar 6, 2020 22:07:57 GMT -5
Damn that's a good idea, might be bugging you down the road for help doing the same to mine. I've read somewhere that slapping a nylon washer over the shaft against the barrel stops will keep your barrel stops from wearing down. My biggest question is does this motor come pre-oiled or should I add a drop of oil to each of the 2 motor ports before using?
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Post by knave on Mar 6, 2020 22:19:01 GMT -5
Damn that's a good idea, might be bugging you down the road for help doing the same to mine. I've read somewhere that slapping a nylon washer over the shaft against the barrel stops will keep your barrel stops from wearing down. My biggest question is does this motor come pre-oiled or should I add a drop of oil to each of the 2 motor ports before using? A drop of oil won’t hurt anything but it will be just fine until your first belt change. After that maybe a drop of oil every 4 months... that will be more than most get.
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Mar 7, 2020 21:52:38 GMT -5
I’m in the process of upgrading mine to 8mm shafts and ball bearings. are the original rods not long enough to work with this bearing mod?
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Post by knave on Mar 7, 2020 22:10:22 GMT -5
I just ordered the 8mm shafts with the bearings. I didn’t check what diameter the stock ones are, but they would be long enough.
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Mar 8, 2020 0:02:17 GMT -5
They are 8mm
Edit: They are usually too worn by the abrasives that get into the stock "bearings" to be reliable in a bearing situation.
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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 Mar 8, 2020 8:05:08 GMT -5
Hi Rain - I'm running two TT B's almost 24 hours a day. I use these for stage 1 and 2 rock tumbling. For the polishing stages I use a TT UV18. It really speeds up the polishing process. rocktumbler.com/thumlers/model-uv18.shtmlI put just one drop of 3-in-1 oil on the motor bearings about once a month. This drop goes on each side on the top of the motor into the small hole cutouts. Every time I empty the barrel I wipe down and clean the machine. I pull the shafts off the machine and clean off any buildup of sludge/gunk from the shafts and bearings and occasionally give the bearings a drop of oil. Lastly, I remove the drive belt and clean it and the pully groves real well so there is no slippage. These should be dry with no oil, etc, I'm of the opinion that a machine kept clean and lightly lubed works better and lasts longer than one that is just plugged in and run to destruction. I can't afford to be replacing them because they fail because of a little, easy to do maintenance. Here is good video from a guy who tumbles cartridge brass for reloading.
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