RockyBeach
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2023
Posts: 321
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Post by RockyBeach on Jul 6, 2023 16:56:40 GMT -5
I have had three Harbor Freight double barrel tumblers in the past two years with less than happy experiences. #1 needed replacement rollers as the cover on one had worn through and then the motor stopped working... very soon after the warranty ran out !
I bought two new machines so that I could have four barrels working because I was happy enough with the job the machine did before it stopped working.
BUT on #2 the knob somehow managed to wedge itself under the metal piece over the motor and the motor over heated and shorted out. #3 is still working BUT is making what seem like possible "odd" noises of the "squeak" variety.
Ok so, just before #2 burned out, I invested in a Raytech Vibe 10 thinking I needed a bigger and faster way to process my rocks and NOW here I am needing a more reliable but not budget breaking replacement for running Stage 1.
I have been looking at the TumbleBee 4 pounder and am wondering if it has been found to be more reliable than the Harbor Freight Double Barrel jobber? I have seen that one needs to be VERY careful about overloading the TB-4 but that part is doable.
Would it be better to bite the $$$ bullet and go Loreton? Is it more reliable long term ? I don't do a LOT of rock tumbling but would like to have more "fun" doing it and less "broken machine" frustration.
Recommendations and / or advise would be much appreciated.
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ashley
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2023
Posts: 927
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Post by ashley on Jul 6, 2023 17:42:50 GMT -5
Go with Lortone or Thumblers. You won’t be disappointed.
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Post by chris1956 on Jul 6, 2023 19:06:20 GMT -5
I have two Lortone tumblers (3A and QT12) that have been running a couple years without any trouble other than a recent belt replacement on the QT12. If you go with Thumblers, don't get the kind that has the flimsy lid that you stretch a ring around the barrel to seal the lid. Real pain in the !@#! I went through two lids (rocks wore them out real quick) and every time I tried to get that ring on it ended up pinching my fingers. The rollers also seemed to fall apart quickly and got black goo over everything. I finally gave up on it. Never had that problem with Lortone tumblers. I have never tried the Harbor Freight tumblers.
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geoff59
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2022
Posts: 288
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Post by geoff59 on Jul 7, 2023 8:45:24 GMT -5
Another vote for Lortones. They do require a bit of periodic check overs and bearing-cleaning, with the moving parts and such, but in today’s world I don’t think you can beat them. The maintenance they need is pretty basic stuff and not difficult to do.
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,033
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Post by rockbrain on Jul 7, 2023 8:56:13 GMT -5
I guess I'm the exception to the rule as I had a lot of issue with my Loretone 33b at the beginning. I wouldn't let that stop you from getting one as they get positive votes from most people. If it's in your budget I would definitely look at the Rebel Extreme 17. I don't have one and have never seen one but from everything I've read it is a sturdy well built tumbler. Real bearing and a good barrel. This is a larger tumbler so maybe that won't work for you. Also, they make 2 different models, one for brass and one for rocks. If you go that route make sure you get the right one.
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Post by Starguy on Jul 7, 2023 10:29:48 GMT -5
I have one Lortone QT12 that is nearing 30 years old. I recently retired a 3A that was over 30 years old. They’re still durable tumblers.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Jul 7, 2023 16:23:18 GMT -5
Just an observation, and I want it known that I own a ton of Harbor freight tools and want not, love the store, and had several HF tumblers. They are not designed for the long haul. I'm somewhat handy and did a lot of repair work on them myself. I spent a lot of money for replacement parts (pullies, fans, bushings, motors, belts, etc). In the 3 years I ran them I probably paid for them 2x over (They were given to me for free so I really broke even at the end). In that 3 years my Thumlers Model T (single 3 Lb barrel) never gave me any more trouble than a worn lid, and a broken belt. The HF machines were retired and eventually given away, The Thumlers Model T ran for another 13 years before the motor finally died. I actually replaced the motor with a larger one and it is still running today (20 years now!) There are things you can cheap out on, there are things that are not worth investing a lot of money on, then there is the wise investment for quality that lasts. I now own 6 Thumler's machines and they run non stop I replace a belt about every 4 to 6 years, and replace a lid seal, or lid every 5 of 6 years. I do maintenance every 6 months (clean and oil). If your in this for the long haul, invest in some quality machines.
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RockyBeach
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2023
Posts: 321
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Post by RockyBeach on Jul 7, 2023 18:46:14 GMT -5
Thanks all for the input ... much appreciated !
After buying the RayTech Vibratory Unit, I find the Hobby Budget stretched at the moment as far as investing in the Loretone ... as much as I would love to get one (or more)!
A friend who is handy as such things has cannibalized the two "dead" Hobby Freight units and made one that works and it is not as noisy as either one of them formerly was. Hopefully the two working units will make it thru as many Stage 1's as I need to get at least one batch into the 10 pound vibratory. I think maybe I should have gotten the 5 pounder.
@hefty ... thanks for the advise about oiling the roller's bearings... it worked like a charm !
Edit ....Hobby Freight was a typo that I just noticed but it kinda IS accurate !
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Post by southernlakehuronguy on Jul 7, 2023 19:09:33 GMT -5
Keep an eye on E-bay. In the last 2 months I have purchased 2 Thumlers AR 2 for @ $100 each, with shipping.I started with 2 Harbor Freight tumblers,still use them for rougher grits.
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ashley
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2023
Posts: 927
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Post by ashley on Jul 7, 2023 19:38:23 GMT -5
I guess I'm the exception to the rule as I had a lot of issue with my Loretone 33b at the beginning. I wouldn't let that stop you from getting one as they get positive votes from most people. If it's in your budget I would definitely look at the Rebel Extreme 17. I don't have one and have never seen one but from everything I've read it is a sturdy well built tumbler. Real bearing and a good barrel. This is a larger tumbler so maybe that won't work for you. Also, they make 2 different models, one for brass and one for rocks. If you go that route make sure you get the right one. I have a Rebel 17, they are very nice and durable.
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Post by velodromed on Jul 7, 2023 20:56:29 GMT -5
I have a rebel 17 as well and have been running it non stop for the four months I’ve had it. It’s built very well with oversized pillow bearings, hex hardware, powder coated paint, 20 or 40 rpm motor options (I got the faster 40rpm version because I’m using it to break down larger, rough rock we find), and a good warranty. Those are a few of the reasons why I got one. It’s surprisingly quiet also.
My cousin has a bumble bee 4lb tumbler and…it’s mostly plastic. Ugh. When just starting out a year back, I bought a wire jewelry double three pound tumbler and quickly regretted it. The thing was so loud. However they sent me a new base recently under warranty and it works much better and quieter now. I still wouldn’t get another on. I’d spend the additional money for something quality, as I finally did with the rebel 17.
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Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
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Post by Time on Jul 8, 2023 0:31:41 GMT -5
I would expect that to feed your vibe you are ultimately going to get a big tumbler like the Rebel. In the meantime with your Harbor Freight machines I would consider taking and leaving off the cover over the motor. That is unless there is a danger of someone sticking a finger into the moving parts. I just bought (July 3rd) a Harbor Freight 2 barrel tumbler. With a 20% off coupon $56.00 and included a package of extra belts. I just tumble my finds and don’t need a big machine and have some experience with a Harbor Freight tumbler I picked up at a garage sale for $10.00. What I have found so far is alignment of fan pulley and the larger drive pulley is key. If they are not in the same plane the belt will be in a bind and cause issues. With the cover off you can monitor the operation and make adjustments if needed.
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RockyBeach
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2023
Posts: 321
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Post by RockyBeach on Jul 8, 2023 6:27:53 GMT -5
I would expect that to feed your vibe you are ultimately going to get a big tumbler like the Rebel. In the meantime with your Harbor Freight machines I would consider taking and leaving off the cover over the motor. That is unless there is a danger of someone sticking a finger into the moving parts. I just bought (July 3rd) a Harbor Freight 2 barrel tumbler. With a 20% off coupon $56.00 and included a package of extra belts. I just tumble my finds and don’t need a big machine and have some experience with a Harbor Freight tumbler I picked up at a garage sale for $10.00. What I have found so far is alignment of fan pulley and the larger drive pulley is key. If they are not in the same plane the belt will be in a bind and cause issues. With the cover off you can monitor the operation and make adjustments if needed. Thanks for the input ! Will keep an eye on the pulleys. My handy friend who made one machine out of two did remove the motor covers as part of the "operation" as that stuck knob was the coup de gras for that machine. This week's ad has no coupon for the tumbler but shall watch for it to be on sale again. At this point I know what to listen for when buying HF and will return a "noisy" one or one with a crooked shaft before using it ..this was my mistake on the first two machines.
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RockyBeach
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2023
Posts: 321
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Post by RockyBeach on Jul 8, 2023 6:43:25 GMT -5
If it's in your budget I would definitely look at the Rebel Extreme 17. I don't have one and have never seen one but from everything I've read it is a sturdy well built tumbler. Real bearing and a good barrel. This is a larger tumbler so maybe that won't work for you. Also, they make 2 different models, one for brass and one for rocks. If you go that route make sure you get the right one. Thanks ... I looked at the Rebel . It looks great but it is a bit too rich for my budget ... all I really tumble is river rocks and such and buying the vibe was a major investment.
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Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
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Post by Time on Jul 8, 2023 10:54:57 GMT -5
I would expect that to feed your vibe you are ultimately going to get a big tumbler like the Rebel. In the meantime with your Harbor Freight machines I would consider taking and leaving off the cover over the motor. That is unless there is a danger of someone sticking a finger into the moving parts. I just bought (July 3rd) a Harbor Freight 2 barrel tumbler. With a 20% off coupon $56.00 and included a package of extra belts. I just tumble my finds and don’t need a big machine and have some experience with a Harbor Freight tumbler I picked up at a garage sale for $10.00. What I have found so far is alignment of fan pulley and the larger drive pulley is key. If they are not in the same plane the belt will be in a bind and cause issues. With the cover off you can monitor the operation and make adjustments if needed. Thanks for the input ! Will keep an eye on the pulleys. My handy friend who made one machine out of two did remove the motor covers as part of the "operation" as that stuck knob was the coup de gras for that machine. This week's ad has no coupon for the tumbler but shall watch for it to be on sale again. At this point I know what to listen for when buying HF and will return a "noisy" one or one with a crooked shaft before using it ..this was my mistake on the first two machines. Tumblers are rather simple machines but do require some maintenance. I personally am having no trouble with the Harbor Freight machine and am trying to figure out the issues other people have with them. I have a simple fix for the tab at each end of the rollers so with a little 3 & 1 oil applied to the moving parts and tab replacement when they wear out I will see how long it will run. So far no issues.
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RockyBeach
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2023
Posts: 321
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Post by RockyBeach on Jul 8, 2023 12:51:06 GMT -5
Tumblers are rather simple machines but do require some maintenance. I personally am having no trouble with the Harbor Freight machine and am trying to figure out the issues other people have with them. I have a simple fix for the tab at each end of the rollers so with a little 3 & 1 oil applied to the moving parts and tab replacement when they wear out I will see how long it will run. So far no issues. I think I had bad luck of the draw on the first two machines. One had something wrong with the roller shaft and the plastic coating got stripped off and the roller had to be replaced. The last machine has been much noisier than the other two ... turns out something in the motor wobbled. That's the one that ate the knob on the barrel and self immolated. I was about to post a question about the rapid wearing of the bumper tabs. Are those the ones you are referring to ? If so, care to share your "simple fix" ?
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Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
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Post by Time on Jul 8, 2023 14:11:24 GMT -5
Tumblers are rather simple machines but do require some maintenance. I personally am having no trouble with the Harbor Freight machine and am trying to figure out the issues other people have with them. I have a simple fix for the tab at each end of the rollers so with a little 3 & 1 oil applied to the moving parts and tab replacement when they wear out I will see how long it will run. So far no issues. I think I had bad luck of the draw on the first two machines. One had something wrong with the roller shaft and the plastic coating got stripped off and the roller had to be replaced. The last machine has been much noisier than the other two ... turns out something in the motor wobbled. That's the one that ate the knob on the barrel and self immolated. I was about to post a question about the rapid wearing of the bumper tabs. Are those the ones you are referring to ? If so, care to share your "simple fix" ? On the bumper tabs I just make my own out of the blue plastic cap on a Core water bottle. My wife likes that kind of bottled water because the bottle is easier to open so the lid cost me nothing. I take a pair of heavy duty pruning scissors and cut about 3/8 inch wide strips starting at the base of the lid toward the top. It is a little difficult cutting the top part of the strip loose but it gets easier after you get 3 or 4 cut off. I use a small bit and my dremel to drill holes in about the same position as the existing tab. I then take my BBQ lighter and heat the tab and bend it close to a 90 deg. bend so the bend falls at the edge of the tumbler base. I orientate the bent part of the tab to point in the direction of the barrel rotation. The bottle cap plastic has a nice spring action, wears better, and pushes the barrel with just the right amount of force. It sounds a little complicated but you can make about 20 tabs in 30 minutes out of one bottle cap.
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RockyBeach
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2023
Posts: 321
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Post by RockyBeach on Jul 8, 2023 14:51:34 GMT -5
Time ... Thanks for the tab info ... I will relay the info to my fix-it guy ... BUT there's a problem ... no "Core" water here and I don't know what the cap looks like . Any suggestions for a usable substitute ? Edit ... duh me ... I googled and found a picture of the Core water bottle.
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RockyBeach
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2023
Posts: 321
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Post by RockyBeach on Jul 8, 2023 14:57:15 GMT -5
My solution for that is to ditch tabs and just elevate the motor end of the tumbler so the rollers lay flat. A 3/4" piece of wood under the motor end's rubber feet keeps my barrels from traveling into the housing. I really like that idea ... I have noticed today that the barrels keep travelling towards the motor end. This time I won't even have to consult the fix-it-guy about how to do it which will make him happy !
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Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
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Post by Time on Jul 8, 2023 15:04:59 GMT -5
Time ... Thanks for the tab info ... I will relay the info to my fix-it guy ... BUT there's a problem ... no "Core" water here and I don't know what the cap looks like . Any suggestions for a usable substitute ? I would just look at the plastic containers you throw away for a suitable material. It just needs to thick enough, at least 1/2 as thick as the original tab, fairly dense plastic, not too brittle, and feels fairly slick to the touch.
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