notfragile
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2021
Posts: 19
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Post by notfragile on Nov 21, 2022 13:29:52 GMT -5
To put it bluntly, I have managed to wear out a Mini-Sonic barrel.
It shouldn't be surprising, I suppose, after 18 months of almost continuous use. The plastic has grown so thin on the quadrant under the hold-down latch that I can easily dent it with light finger pressure.
I also see a lot of wear on the bottom of my QT-12 barrels, but I can fix that. I don't see any way of fixing this one though, so it's time to warm up the credit card.
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hypodactylus
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2021
Posts: 467
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Post by hypodactylus on Nov 21, 2022 13:42:35 GMT -5
I have never used a vibrating tumbler, but I am surprised that the barrel would have worn out already.
What do you do about wear on your QT-12 barrels? I generally prefer the Lortone barrel style, but I wish they would make the bottoms and lid gaskets thicker (and/or flush mount the lid thread bolt).
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notfragile
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2021
Posts: 19
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Post by notfragile on Nov 21, 2022 14:04:25 GMT -5
I have never used a vibrating tumbler, but I am surprised that the barrel would have worn out already. What do you do about wear on your QT-12 barrels? I generally prefer the Lortone barrel style, but I wish they would make the bottoms and lid gaskets thicker (and/or flush mount the lid thread bolt). Well, my routine with the Mini-Sonic starts with four days of 120-220 grit, so some wear is to be expected. Still, it's a little surprising.
I repair the QT-12 barrels by gluing another layer of sheet rubber in the bottom of the barrel and sealing around the edge with silicone caulking.
You need:
Sheet rubber, either 1/8th or 3/16ths thick, available from Amazon. Cut a circle with a diameter of 6 5/8ths inches. Contact cement. Clean both rubber surfaces with isopropyl alcohol before applying cement. Silicone caulking.
Apply cement to both surfaces and wait a few minutes, then install in the barrel. Be sure to work out any bubbles towards the edges. Fill the barrel with ceramic media or something similar for 24 hours.
Apply caulking generously around the edge and work it into the seam carefully, you don't want to leave any gaps. Let it dry another 24 hours and it's ready to go.
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Post by jasoninsd on Nov 21, 2022 16:02:14 GMT -5
As soon as they start making the bowls out of ceramic, we'll all have it made! (We'll probably all be deaf from the additional decibels being emitted...so there is a trade-off! LOL) Sucks you gotta replace it this soon though.
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