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Post by mikesgonepostal on Jun 10, 2023 17:56:28 GMT -5
I got a Leegol ripoff of the Lortone 33b for around $100 on amazon. It’s had its problems in the 2 weeks I’ve had it. The metal rods are bare, no vinyl cover over those as I’ve seen in photos. The barrels also start wobbling and eventually get stuck and stop rotating. No broken belt yet. I think my main problem is the rod that is not connected to the motor binds up. I oil it and get it going but eventually binds up again. I’ve seen some YouTube videos of the plastic bushings that the rods sit in being replaced with actual metal bearings. Also seen vids of a wheel or bearing basically replacing the tabs/guides that suppose to keep the barrels in place.
With that being said, I’m considering returning it for a refund. I cannot afford a new Lortone 33b but have seen used ones on eBay for about $100. If these are great machines would buying a used on make sense?
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Post by mikesgonepostal on Jun 10, 2023 17:57:40 GMT -5
I decided to make some improvements to the Leegol after doing a little research online. I took the motor cover off so it stays cooler. I took the end caps off the metal rods which were getting gunk in them and causing it to bind. I took the plastic guide tabs off. I got 2 ball bearing from harbor freight and t brackets from Walmart. I attached the ball bearings to the t brackets and attached it to the ends of the tumbler. We shall see how it goes. If anyone can explain to me how to post photos I will post them.
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Post by Rockoonz on Jun 10, 2023 18:42:11 GMT -5
For pics read this, I got it first time so it must be pretty easy, but for sure follow the tutorial step by step. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/page/using-cloudinaryAs far as your Ill-Leegol tumbler (yeah, bad dad joke) sounds like you're figuring it out. For the price, if the barrels work and you can keep them as spares if you get another later, that's really still not bad price wise. Ultimately in my experience, tumbler barrels outlive their bases no matter the manufacturer.
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Post by mikesgonepostal on Jun 10, 2023 19:17:08 GMT -5
I must be stupid. I’ve been trying the last hour to set this up and upload photos but no luck. Keeps saying something about api 🤷♂️
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Post by Rockoonz on Jun 10, 2023 21:11:00 GMT -5
Tommy can probably answer that one, it might be something new.
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Post by mikesgonepostal on Jun 10, 2023 21:18:42 GMT -5
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Post by Rockoonz on Jun 10, 2023 22:50:14 GMT -5
Nice, you can consider that idea stolen, and I doubt I'm the only one.
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Post by mikesgonepostal on Jun 11, 2023 7:49:16 GMT -5
I was actually looking for a quarter sized bearing or a small wheel / caster but no luck at harbor freight so I went with that ball bearing. Working well so far. It’s still tumbling smooth. I think taking those end caps off the rods is what helped the most as it kept binding. My next issue is that the vinyl cover over the rods is a little to thin. If I could somehow make it thicker it would raise the barrels just enough to stop the knob on top to stop rolling on the frame. But not too thick or it will affect the tumbling speed.
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hoolligan1938
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2022
Posts: 253
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Post by hoolligan1938 on Jun 11, 2023 17:02:51 GMT -5
I sympathize with your problem. It looks like you may well have solved your problem. I hope so, for you. Just my opinion, you can't go wrong with a Lortone. I've had trouble with an off-shoot tumbler when I started and deceided to go to the Lortone. I've bought three in total, used, off of ebay, and they worked fine. The motor on one just gave out after long usage. Not bad! Two of the three still going strong. Buying used is a crap shoot but ebay has a buyer protection clause that can help you out if you need it. You can always contact the seller and find out why he's selling the tumbler, is it running, how old is it, and so on. I would also suggest that you avoid the cheapest one for sale. There's probably a reason why it's cheaper than the others. Usually, if a man has a good piece of equipment for sale he's going to ask a little more because it's in good condition and working order. Hope this helps you in your decision.
Jim
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