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Post by captbob on Sept 21, 2017 13:07:05 GMT -5
*sigh* Google is your friend. Check Kingsley North, PM johnjsgems, etc etc. Different places sell different stuff. Why a Cab King? 6" or 8" wheels? Which BD saw, the 10"? How many Lot-Os are you ending up with? I lost track. Ask questions here before spending $$$ and ending up wishing maybe you had gone a different route. MANY World Class cabbers here ... ask them what machine is "best". ASK before you leap. Lots of us here have Been There Done That just sayin'
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Post by captbob on Sept 21, 2017 13:01:09 GMT -5
You were in grad school in 1973, 1974, 1975 or 1977 ? (years mentioned above) What were you like 12 years old?
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Post by captbob on Sept 21, 2017 12:35:52 GMT -5
I ate some edible gummy bears with a high THC content last night. I specifically came back to this thread since I thought it would make more sense while quite high. I'm here to report it still makes no sense. But congratulations to the winners anyways. Gonna need something MUCH stronger ....
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Post by captbob on Sept 21, 2017 10:28:58 GMT -5
*whew* guess we can cancel the burning at the stake!
Don't go and be shopping there without pricing around. Great service and usually very good prices. I buy A LOT at the Rock Shed, but there are things (like bulk grit) that can be had for less elsewhere. Shawn has always been a first rate operation and has proven time and again to be worthy of his loyal customers. Just sayin' shop around for the big ticket items. The Rock Shed may still be the best option, but not always.
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 23:28:01 GMT -5
Lightning stones are a septarian. Google pic -
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 22:20:31 GMT -5
Andrea, from that other thread, it looks like you have already tried adjusting the clutch block, so have you removed it to check the threads on the lower half that run against the feed rod?
I can't believe that they would be worn out on a saw as new as yours, but I guess that's worth looking at. A new bronze clutch block can't cost too much, maybe replace it just to be sure ?
Have you called BD to talk with one of their saw guys?
Your belt is fine and tight isn't it? Wouldn't think that it is just the blade slipping, but checking the belt isn't hard. The only problem I have had with mine (other than a couple oil showers from being forgetful) was the rear belt pulley was loose and moved outward on the shaft. Had to knock the pulley back in place, tap the key back in the keyway and tighten the allen screw that holds the pulley in place.
You have checked the set screw at the back of the feed rod that holds the coupling from the power feed box to the feed rod I assume. And the threads on the feed rod are fine?
I don't know... sure would give BD a call though.
Be very interested to know what the problem is once you figure it out. Good luck!
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 19:15:05 GMT -5
That made me LOL sorry Andrea! That oil shower will wake you up in a quickness.
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 19:05:44 GMT -5
again ? !!
*sigh*
sorry about the blade. What caused it this time? The oil shower is a learning experience!
( I have a note on the front of my saw, because I did the same thing TWICE when I first got it) - the oil bath, not the bent blade
got a spare blade on hand?
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 18:49:49 GMT -5
^^^ THAT'S IT !!!
He is using the pretty rocks to delight the kids which keeps the hottie moms coming back.
That Cliff is smarter than he looks.
not that that would take much ...
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 18:20:21 GMT -5
ooooh Jean... rockpickerforever - Need some of that sage wisdom of yours. What does one call at plethora of retards idiots? Question has nothing to do with this thread.
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 13:25:13 GMT -5
yeah ...
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 13:01:19 GMT -5
So Duke, my take from these (excellent - TOP TIER - rock tumblers!) Lot-O users is that a single barrel unit is the way to go. Extra barrels so that you can have dedicated barrels for different steps sounds like a winner. Would like to hear from some double barrel Lot-O users, but I wouldn't argue with the experience of these gentlemen. Personally, I would eat the return postage and get a single barrel unit and a couple extra barrels. If you bought it from Shawn at the Rock Shed I wouldn't expect any problem doing a return & swap. just sayin' ...
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 11:57:42 GMT -5
Adding - Chuck pretty much answered my question(s) in his post above. I have found that 24-36 pounds is my happy place in stage one rotaries. As long as I consistently have that much in stage one I am able to feed a single loto non stop 24-7 all year long. That means I get about about 3 pounds of finished tumbles every week of the year. I do have three loto-s and a mini sonic vibe but rarely use more then just one lot-o. Chuck So maybe TWO 15 lb Thumbles ( or 3 Lortone 12s or 5-6 Lortone 6s ) can feed ONE Lot-O barrel well. (?) Again, a two barrel Lot-O may cause feeding issues - having to have both barrels full to run. Not trying to harp on this or you, just wanting to help you get up and running efficiently and in a cost effective manner.
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 11:35:59 GMT -5
Before you use that double barrel Lot-O, (and can't return it) you might consider starting a thread asking about double vs single barrel units.
Even running two 15 lb Model B barrels, I would imagine that you will have a tough time feeding a double barrel Lot-O. Having to have both (Lot-O) barrels full to run it may be the issue.
Coarse grind and shaping rough rocks can take weeks to months. Don't know how much rock you want to run, but maybe four Model B units might be able to keep a double Lot-O from sitting idle too much.
You have to ask those that use Lot-Os and have Been There Done That.
Not being a Lot-O user myself, I can't make the call, but I would still say return the double and get single barrel units. Or maybe keep the double if returning it is a hassle and use it for the medium/fine grit steps and get a single for polish only. I have read here that a dedicated polish only barrel is nice to have if doable.
IF I were to go the Lot-O route, I might have a double and use one barrel specifically for 120/220 grit, one for 500 grit, and have a single unit for polish. Not having to clean out barrels to switch to different grits would be a plus for me. But there is no way I would want to spend the time to deal with a few Lot-Os (or any vibe) all running at the same time at this point in my life. But that's just me. Someone new to tumbling may get a kick out of all that rock time!
Maybe keeping two Lot-O barrels fed isn't a big deal -?? I don't know. Ask or go find previous threads on Lot-O usage.
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 11:08:38 GMT -5
alrighty ...
I have four 15 lb tumblers running in my bathroom. Notice I said MY bathroom. Usually I quit tumbling during the summer as the garage gets so hot and a bunch of tumblers running out there just adds to the heat.
This year I moved 4 tumblers into the (air conditioned) bathroom, and I have some running out back on the screened-in porch. Only one running in the garage at the moment.
I don't even notice the noise from the 4 in the bathroom anymore and it's just off from my "office" where I spend quite a bit of time. If I pay attention, there are the regular tumbling rock noises and the thump thump thump of a big rock that I have running all by itself in one barrel. The big one is in the polish stage ... been there (in polish) for 3 months now. Ought to check it someday and see if it is done. whatever... will get to it eventually, it doesn't seem to care anymore than I do.
Just saying that over time, the noise becomes a normal background sound and you may not even notice it. Kinda like a fan running. But, I like the sound of tumbling rocks, so not a problem for me. If it bothers you, move the tumbler out to the garage.
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 10:12:34 GMT -5
AWESOME post!!
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 10:00:25 GMT -5
Charoite -$10/# in big chunks. Nope, I passed thinking I'd get some "next year." Yup, remember that. I have a 13lb rectangle "cube" that I bought for $100. That's why I tumbled a bunch of it way back, it was less expensive and easy to get. ETA: found an old pic of the charoite, it's behind the 9" sodalite sphere and the 21" sodalite obelisk. Not sure I have another picture with that charoite, but yeah, just over 13lbs Funny thinking how many times I've changed out my display cases and better specimens kick out lesser ones. I passed on a slab (big regret) of high quality charoite that was around 12" x 15" and over an inch thick. Had to be over 10 pounds, don't recall exactly, and I could have picked it up for less than 200 bucks. Still dream about that one as I like to collect huge thick slabs. Only one I've ever seen. Another specimen piece I let slip by me was a rutile on hematite - like this stuff (Google pic) Thing was well over 8" long and just drop dead stunning. It was around $1,500 which was probably more than the rent where I was living back then and I just couldn't swing it that month. Have never seen a similar piece. Most available now are tiny and pretty expensive. It would easily be a 5k+ piece today, if you could even find one.
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 9:08:25 GMT -5
Another consideration would be that vibe tumblers need MUCH more attention than a rotary tumbler.
The beauty of the vibes is that they run the rocks through the final grits and polish stages WAY faster than a rotary. Days rather than weeks. But the down side (to me) is that because things are happening faster, they require more checking on and rock cleaning (etc) than a set it and forget it rotary.
I bought a Thumlers UV-10 a couple years ago. Used it once. Prefer to set up a load to run in the rotary and get back to it in a week - or when I get around to it. Rocks in a rotary tumbler don't care if you forget about them! I have seven (out of 12) 15 lb Thumlers barrels rolling now. Some I dealt with a couple weeks ago, some I haven't checked in a month. Sure, I could process rocks (much!) faster by dealing with the barrels every week, but I don't care (at this point) to make the rock tumbling a chore. I deal with them if and when I get around to it. Rotary tumblers don't care. Vibes need daily (or more) attention. My life is sometimes too busy and I'm sometimes too lazy to play the vibe game. To each their own ...
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Post by captbob on Sept 20, 2017 8:32:53 GMT -5
You have 2 dual Lot-O units Duke? Not sure that was good planning. I don't use the Lot-O, but I believe that you must have both barrels full to run 'em. A dual and 2 single barrel units might have served you better - if you even need that much Lot-O capacity. That's a LOT of vibes to feed. I would guess that, like Chuck, your 3 lb barrels will be gathering dust in the near future. 3 lb barrels are good for folks just starting out in the hobby, those with limited space, or those that just want to dabble in rock tumbling. I bought a few 3 lb models, single & double barrel, when I started out and NEVER even used them. I saw that small barrel and said "are you kidding me? I'm not going through this much work for a cup of rocks!" 12 & 15 pound barrels are going to be your go to barrels. Or maybe the Lortone 6 lb units single & double. They do make larger barrels than that, 25 & 40 pound units, but that's a bunch of rocks to deal with, A lot of grit, and they may be heavier than you want to deal with on a regular basis. I love the Thumlers Model B machines. Like that wingnuts seal the lid and they hold a nice amount of rock for me to deal with. Order spare parts from the Rock Shed to have on hand BEFORE you need them. Spare drive pulley belts and lid liners are nice to have there when you need them. Belts needed more frequently than lid liners naturally. I order the o-ring "belts" by the dozen. Kingsley North is the place to order bulk (50 lb bags) grit, unless you have a local place to find it. The Rock Shed is fine for grits or polish that you are ordering by 5 lbs or less. Ceramic media (filler & cushioning) shop around. eBay is usually where I find my best deals. Order in bulk for the savings, stuff doesn't go bad. When setting up your new shop area, consider what is clean and what is dirty. Rock tumbling and storage space is fairly clean. Cabbing is pretty clean, but with a big King Cab unit, you may have a Shamu splash zone. Rock saws more dirty (oil mist) and placed where you can ventilate is a huge plus. Lots of things going on in a rock shop that you don't want to be breathing. Even grit dust... Enough tumblers running can be a bit noisy, and a bunch of 'em can make your whole house hum! Had a neighbor ask me if I knew where the bee hive was because he heard my house humming from outside. Just some thoughts... got stuff to go do. Bottom line, get more large barrels and LOTS of grit! oh yeah... and more rocks!! ETA: if you can return one of those double barrel Lot-O units (haven't used it yet) you might want to consider that. Heck I'd probably return both and buy single barrel units (not sure you will ever need 4 barrels running!) if you can. Again, I don't use the Lot-Os, but ... maybe Lot-O users can chime in on 2 double units?
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Post by captbob on Sept 19, 2017 17:32:42 GMT -5
Hate to say it, I can't go. Transportation issues. I have to start earning serious money before I can purchase a car, or a truck. I've quite bit of rocks I could sell, but I have been slow to sell them all. Don't have room for any more rocks. Gotta upgrade. You are right. 10 months isn't nearly enough time to put that together. Don't even try. The disappointment would be crippling. *snort* Such things would require getting a job and moving out of mom's house. Probably way too busy for all that!
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