canispetris
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2020
Posts: 3
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Post by canispetris on Sept 21, 2020 16:54:56 GMT -5
Hi, I recently acquired a large rock tumbler my grandfather left behind and would like to start using it. It's old, I can't find a make or model number on it other than the name on the motor (Baldor Electric Co.). It has two four-gallon barrels and a 1/2 hp motor. I plan on tumbling some agates, jasper, chalcedony, etc. that I've collected from around Southern California for the first batch, but I have never used a rock a rock tumbler before and I have a couple questions. Any help would be much appreciated: 1. What would be the weight capacity of a four-gallon barrel? I did some research and it looks like it might be 40 lbs. Is this correct?
2. Does the weight capacity include the weight of the barrel (each barrel is 27 lbs)? I put all the rocks I wanted tumble into one of the barrels and it isn't quite 1/2 full, but weighs 41 lbs (27 lb barrel and 14 lb of rocks). If a 40 lb capacity is correct, would I be able to subtract the weight of the barrel and add up to 26 lbs of rocks, grit, and water to achieve a fuller barrel for proper tumbling action? 3. It looks like the cost of grit could start to add up, depending on the source. The best price I have been able to find is johnsonbrotherslapidary.com with 5 lb of 60/90 silicon carbide for $9 and a little, but not much more for finer grits and polish. Does anyone have experience with the quality of material from this vendor? They are close enough for local pick up. tumbler1 by carachama, on Flickr tumbler2 by carachama, on Flickr
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Post by captbob on Sept 21, 2020 17:21:06 GMT -5
I might suggest putting a load of rocks & water in each barrel and run 'em to check for leaks and make sure everything is in working order before buying a ton of grit.
Kingsley North has been my go to grit in bulk, but they don't seem any GOOD sales on right now. Somewhere you can pick up & save shipping sounds advantageous.
I don't add the weight of the barrel to my calculations, but I've never had a barrel that weighed 27 pounds (times 2) running on one tumbler.
Welcome to the forum. Awesome first post! I'm sure others that use those big honkin' barrels will chime in.
PS ... that's one nice looking tumbler!!
color me green
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Post by HankRocks on Sept 21, 2020 17:21:35 GMT -5
Generally, a 40 pound rated barrel would have a capacity of 40 pounds of rock if filled properly. Proper level is about 3/4 full. The weight of the barrel adds to that plus the weight of water and grit. If the fill is much less than 3/4 then rocks can be damaged by too much force falling through the empty space.
Your looking at 60 to 70 pounds of total weight. Hope you are prepared for the body building sessions!!
A 40 pound barrel will take between 2 and 3 cups of grit. Everyone uses a different formula so that may vary a bit. I would suggest not buying in 5 pound increments. More economical to buy in larger lots, a lot cheaper. I have used Johnson brothers, and Kingsley North. Not seen any variation is quality. Shop around for a local source, it ould be cheaper if you could pick it up yourself.
The bigger issue, do you have the rocks to tumble.
I would also be curious as to how the barrel opening seals. You don't need leaks.
Henry
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Post by captbob on Sept 21, 2020 17:24:17 GMT -5
neener neener I'm sure I don't type faster, so I must have started sooner!
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Post by parfive on Sept 21, 2020 20:20:54 GMT -5
I put all the rocks I wanted tumble into one of the barrels and it isn't quite 1/2 full . . . Welcome. You might wanna start your tumbling career w/some smaller barrels. : )
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Post by Mel on Sept 21, 2020 20:27:53 GMT -5
Well first off all, as a beginner, you don't want something that big right? Just send me your address and I'll take care of that terrible problem.... Joking aside, welcome to the forum! It might be a bit excessive for a first timer, but nobody ever wants a smaller tumbler (maybe that's just me?). If you're not sure you're going to like it, you could buy yourself a smaller barrel and use the same chassis/motor to spin it. Give the poor thing a break and all . I have heard that Baldor makes some very good quality machines and as long as you can fill it, and keep it maintained (minimal), I'm sure you're going to have a heck of a time. I'm seriously envious of the flexibility it gives you. I mean, you could tumble some BIG rocks in that bad boy! Bob could help you put it to work pretty quick I think. Also a good point about you getting a workout unloading it; you might legitimately want help with that part, or risk tweaking your back something awful. I'm sure there's a home-brew solution for a dumping station of sorts. Washington Mills is a good source for grit (or so I hear) as long as you're buying a lot (you will). Also, a lot of sandblasting places can get grit if you don't have any lapidary shops near you. Let us know how it goes!
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Post by Bob on Sept 21, 2020 21:09:27 GMT -5
In my 40 lb barrel I never weigh anything. Since I lift weights and have a feel for what a 45 lb plate is like, I estimate that most loads incl barrel are 50 to 65 lbs. With lots of hematite a lot more.
Johnson Bros is one I've used, among others. Local usually mean sales tax but no shipping. Non local usually means just the opposite.
Heavy weight puts quite a strain on roller covers. Old ones may fall apart. Be prepared to have to rebuild those. I build from heavy duty steel reinforced hydraulic hose that I Permetex into shafts.
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Post by Bob on Sept 21, 2020 21:10:17 GMT -5
That motor is worth some money. Probably no better brand.
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,341
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Post by quartz on Sept 21, 2020 22:10:45 GMT -5
Nice machine you have there. I run a homemade double 5-gallon set, it's nearing 20 years old now. A cup of grit per gallon of capacity works well here. I get my grit in 50 pound bags from Kleen-Blast, they have best price I can find and have several stores located along the West coast. You will find roughing grit goes especially fast. I agree with the pre-run and maintenance advice given above, something that hasn't run for a long time may need a little tinkering. Good luck with the tumbler.
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canispetris
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2020
Posts: 3
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Post by canispetris on Sept 22, 2020 0:02:43 GMT -5
I would also be curious as to how the barrel opening seals. You don't need leaks. Henry Thanks for the tips. A 3/8" steel bar with threads in the middle fits under flanges at the ends of the barrel. The lid is pressed into the opening as the bolt is tightened. It feels pretty solid and the rubber on the lid and inside of the barrel feel pretty pliable and in good shape, but I will certainly keep an eye out for leaks. Untitled by carachama, on Flickr
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canispetris
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2020
Posts: 3
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Post by canispetris on Sept 22, 2020 0:05:36 GMT -5
I put all the rocks I wanted tumble into one of the barrels and it isn't quite 1/2 full . . . Welcome. You might wanna start your tumbling career w/some smaller barrels. : ) I think the only reasonable solution is to collect more rocks
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Post by parfive on Sept 22, 2020 2:03:07 GMT -5
Well, in that case, just label those smaller barrels 500 & polish and maybe ask Santa for somethin’ to run ‘em on.
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Post by greig on Sept 22, 2020 10:09:44 GMT -5
I'd like to see a video of that beast in use, if for no other reason then to hear it working. Very cool.
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salpal48
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2015
Posts: 136
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Post by salpal48 on Sept 27, 2020 10:03:27 GMT -5
That machine is an older Rampe Commercial tumbler. Commercial parts tumbler. Original 2 drum. Made mainly to deburr small parts for industry
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