switchback
off to a rocking start
Member since November 2017
Posts: 5
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Post by switchback on Aug 23, 2018 15:18:40 GMT -5
This may sound like a weird question, but are you using the right mix of sizes? This can be a pretty big factor, too. If just doing larger stones (with a lot of gap space between them), definitely get some ceramic media in there. Using just larger stones may unbalance everything much more easily (leading to various sorts of wear). Larger is a pretty relative term, too -- think '1-2 inches with nothing smaller than that in the barrel' here. If you take a peek at the larger ceramic media shown here: therockshed.com/grit/Lg_Ceramic.jpg (there's a convenient ruler at the bottom), if you don't have a fair amount of stuff in there at least that small, it's likely to give you some troubles with unbalancing as everything shifts around. If the tumbler is 'walking' a lot -- bouncing or shimmying around enough to move from where you initially put it on the floor even if it's over the course of a day -- this may be part of the trouble. I have a new 18 that has behaved thus far, but my 10 is older. (I thought I'd killed it years back, but was able to repair it; it's back in service and behaving as of last night, but it may be too old to offer any fair specific advice and is a little different from my 18.) I try to mix up the load with all sizes. Good thing to look out for. I have enough small rejects that I should be able to ensure a good mix. Thanks for the tip.
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switchback
off to a rocking start
Member since November 2017
Posts: 5
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Post by switchback on Aug 23, 2018 11:33:17 GMT -5
Are you using rough rocks or are you first knocking off the sharp edges in a rotary tumbler? The sharp edges will increase wear of the bowl fast. Check/water the slurry more often when at the 220 grit stage. If the slurry gets too thick (just before totally binding-up due to lack of water) it will cause the motion to slow and become uneven. That will cause the barrel to shimmy and stress the mounts. (Note: the springs will flex a bit to even this out but will not hold up well if the load is so unbalanced over a long time.) The whole UV-10 will even bounce a little causing the foot pads to wear faster. I use 3 TBS 220 grit in my UV-18. You could probably get bye with 2 TBS in the UV-10. The UV-10 produces a very vigorous vibe action and will handle having a little less grit. I hope this helps you. Glenn Thank you Glen , this is definitely the best info to date. I do use rough rocks often. I also use tumbled rocks but takes a while to get enough for a batch. Perhaps 120/220 is too coarse for the UV-10, have 220 as well. I will also try to check more often. The initial 12 hours seems to soak up more water and have had times when too dry. 2tbs max is what I will use for grit.
I am guessing the rough agate is what is causing the wear, pretty obvious but easy to forget.
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switchback
off to a rocking start
Member since November 2017
Posts: 5
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Post by switchback on Aug 23, 2018 11:25:20 GMT -5
Yes, yes, yes I have the industrial version with the blue stripe. I am filling more than 3/4 full and know that if it is less I don't get the action needed.
The motor on the UV-10 is the same as the high speed model B and has 2 oil ports.
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switchback
off to a rocking start
Member since November 2017
Posts: 5
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Post by switchback on Aug 22, 2018 17:11:19 GMT -5
In 10 months of ownership I have had several expensive maintenance issues with the UV-10 IND and wonder what I am doing wrong. Here are the details:
What failed: - Barrel (Blue stripe) #1 $70
- Motor $55
- Motor Mounts $15
- Barrel (Blue Stripe) #2 $70
How I tumble - 2-3 Tablespoons of Grit/polish
- Coarsest Grit 120/220
- 3 days per grit
- Fill up 3/4 (close to top of center cone)
- Use wet rocks, insert grit while on, spray water to get movement.
- check and spray twice daily to ensure movement
- Oil motor every few weeks of operation
- Polish Jasper/agate exclusively
Anything raise any alarms? Basically buying a tumbler every year in maintenance.
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switchback
off to a rocking start
Member since November 2017
Posts: 5
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Post by switchback on Nov 14, 2017 17:14:15 GMT -5
Hello everyone, here in UT getting back in touch with my interest in rocks and bringing my daughters in for the ride. So far this summer I have collected all sorts of minerals and started tumbling this fall. Have both a HF bouble barrel and a Thumbler UV-10 IND. Now that the vibratory tumbler is here I can make some tracks. Once I get some good rocks in hand I will start wrapping and go from there. Glad to be out exploring in the summer and have a new hobby for the winter.
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