flowoxsgarden
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2005
Posts: 196
|
Post by flowoxsgarden on Jun 15, 2005 20:55:53 GMT -5
Alright everyone, could use some help. I have a double barrel lortone tumbler (3pounds each) thanks to KD and Llana (Thanks so much you two). And got some 60/90 grit today from sandsman (you're the bomb). So, what do I do now? LOL
Do I actually put 3 pounds of rock in the barrels or what? About what size of rocks? And how do I mix the grit? How much grit, and how much water?
Also, would it be alright to turn the tumbler off at night or would that hurt the whole process? I know it would take me longer that way but I don't want to disturb the neighbors at night.......LOL
Sorry for all the questions but I'm ready to go........hehehe
|
|
|
|
Post by rockyraccoon on Jun 15, 2005 22:40:46 GMT -5
actually the barrel, rocks, grit and water is suppose to weigh the 3 lbs but mine have always weighed more than the recommended after i'm through with all that. so put rocks in the barrel until it is 3/4 full, add 3 tablespoons of 60/90 grit and fill with water to just below the top layer of rocks. close it up and put in on the tumbler. do not cut it off at night (i never cut mine off even when i take the barrels off for recharging). give the neighbors some earplugs lol and share your rocks with them.
kim
|
|
llanago
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2004
Posts: 1,714
|
Post by llanago on Jun 15, 2005 22:54:21 GMT -5
Don't overload the barrels on that tumbler! As I said, it has a serious case of PMS and it won't turn the barrels if they are overloaded. Been there, done that!
I would fill them just over a tad of half full, use 2 tablespoons of grit and add water to just a bit below the bottom of the top rocks.
That is a noisy tumbler! I doubt it would wake the neighbors up, but I sure couldn't sleep with it in the bedroom. My other tumblers were in the bedroom and I slept like a baby, but that one got unplugged at night.
llana
llana
|
|
|
|
Post by Tweetiepy on Jun 16, 2005 8:25:12 GMT -5
If it's really noisy, there's a thread somewhere (can't remember the title) asking how to soundproof the whole shebang and minimize the noise. I also wouldn't turn it off at night as the sludge may settle??
|
|
flowoxsgarden
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2005
Posts: 196
|
Post by flowoxsgarden on Jun 16, 2005 11:54:09 GMT -5
thanks guys, will try that. Llana, I will definately have to find the PMS out for myself as when I turn it on it's rather quiet. I'll let you know if it starts PMSing on me too.........LOL
|
|
|
|
Post by krazydiamond on Jun 16, 2005 15:54:50 GMT -5
|
|
flowoxsgarden
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2005
Posts: 196
|
Post by flowoxsgarden on Jun 16, 2005 17:14:58 GMT -5
thanks for the link KD. I got them started in 60/90 right now. We'll see how it goes. I can't wait!!! Totally excited........LOL
|
|
|
|
Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Jun 24, 2005 2:13:53 GMT -5
Hi .
I can also recomend the article from James I am trying some of his tips and its a tremendus step forward for me.especially the burnishing between the earlier stages (from 220grit on )
Yours
Jack,
Yorkshire Uk
|
|
flowoxsgarden
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2005
Posts: 196
|
Post by flowoxsgarden on Jun 24, 2005 11:34:20 GMT -5
well, so much for starting the first batch. Can't figure out what's wrong with the motor. It runs, but once it gets hot, it stops turning or gets real sluggish. Any ideas?
|
|
stefan
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
|
Post by stefan on Jun 24, 2005 12:12:13 GMT -5
Motor Overheat- They are supposed to be thermally protected buttttt.... it sounds like the metal is expanding too much and is siezing up the bushings or bearings- turn it off and try to figure out why the motor is overheating- likly suspects are: a binding shaft (lube the bushings with a bit of oil and level the tumbler with some cardboard); slipping belt (tighten by readjusting the motor: too tight belt (lossen motor) Misaligned pullys (check to make sur the 2 pullies are aligned by using a straight edge alongside em) or overloaded barrel (they recommend the barrel be Half to 5/8 full) : air circulation- the motor need plenty of aitr to cool them so check and make sure the tumbler is in no way covered or not getting enough air!- On the CE unit I have both top cover and bottom cover are gone- motor is left wide open and it runns so nice a cool (i can actually touch the motor!) Hope this helps!
|
|
flowoxsgarden
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2005
Posts: 196
|
Post by flowoxsgarden on Jun 24, 2005 12:27:43 GMT -5
I'll try it. I know it's not overloaded, I have it less than half full as I thought that was the problem and took some stuff out. I did put grease on the thing as WD-40 just wasn't staying on long enough but that didn't seem to help either  Was thinking of just buying a new motor, you think I should? It will only run for about 10-15 minutes and then it stops. very annoying |
|
stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
|
Post by stefan on Jun 24, 2005 12:31:29 GMT -5
What brand of tumbler is it? A CE Lortone swap is pretty easy!
|
|
flowoxsgarden
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2005
Posts: 196
|
Post by flowoxsgarden on Jun 24, 2005 12:32:56 GMT -5
Llana had sent me the tumbler in trade for the NM chert. It's a 33b Lortone
|
|
Emerald
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 417
|
Post by Emerald on Jun 24, 2005 13:13:53 GMT -5
I drilled some holes in the top of my lortone (just over the motor) Of course I turned the whole thing off and took it apart before I did it. It does run hot, so the drilling did cool it off.  If you're running it on carpeting, that may be why it's overheating....it should be on a smooth surface to allow for proper airflow. Goodluck! |
|
flowoxsgarden
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2005
Posts: 196
|
Post by flowoxsgarden on Jun 24, 2005 13:16:47 GMT -5
well, I set it in a different spot and I took the top off and left it off. I also loosened the belt by adjusting the motor and sofar so good. Knock on wood......LOL
|
|
Emerald
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 417
|
Post by Emerald on Jun 24, 2005 13:17:11 GMT -5
Oh...
Also here's another thought...the belt might be wearing out. When I first got my Lortone, I must have overloaded it and stretched out the belt, cause it started slipping and the barrels stopped turning. If this happens and it's left unchecked, it might even damage the motor.
I bought a dozen belts to keep on-hand off of ebay. If you'd like the link to who I got them from, just give me a holler. (Think they were around 99 cents each)
|
|
stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
|
Post by stefan on Jun 24, 2005 13:29:27 GMT -5
It's a Lortone so that is a good thing- There motors are very well built and will take a lot of abuse! Use oil on the bushings (wd-40 is to thin and attracks too much dust) Grease is too thick and will gumm things up- I like 10w30 motor oil but others use that 3in1 or sewing machine oil- just a drop is all it takes- I also oil the motor once every 6 months or so- Shut it off and let it cool then just a drop on the motor shaft where it enters the housing- wipe up the excess and turn it on (move your face away and cover it with a papertowle first cause a bit of oil will fling off!)
|
|
littlejimie
starting to spend too much on rocks
A rolling stone gathers no moss
Member since January 2005
Posts: 170
|
Post by littlejimie on Jun 24, 2005 20:03:25 GMT -5
try loosening the motor mounts and sliding the motor to take the slack out, and retighten the motor mounts---hope this works---Jim
|
|
flowoxsgarden
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2005
Posts: 196
|
Post by flowoxsgarden on Jun 24, 2005 23:40:05 GMT -5
thanks guys for all the hints and tips and tricks..........LOL I greased it down, moved the motor mounts (actually had the belt too tight) Moved it into a cooler location and it's been running all day without stopping. That's a good thing as it only ran for about 10 minutes before and then it was done. So thanks again everyone. I almost thought I needed a new motor. Guess I just needed to fidgit with it a bit  |
|
flowoxsgarden
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2005
Posts: 196
|
Post by flowoxsgarden on Jun 25, 2005 20:46:47 GMT -5
it's running.........woohooo!!!! Hasn't quit since yesterday |
|
