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Post by prlc on Feb 13, 2005 15:29:49 GMT -5
I live here in Michigan and as most people will know it's freezing outside. I want to start a load tumbling in the pole barn but I'm afraid it will freeze up into a block in the barrel. I wonder if anyone has a cure for this percieved problem. Can I add antifreeze to the slurry or salt? Any help would be appreciated. -Dennis
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Post by krazydiamond on Feb 13, 2005 15:35:57 GMT -5
how cold is it in the pole barn? i wouldn't add anti freeze, you don't know what might react with the rubber barrel or the stones themselves, though i guess some salt wouldn't hurt. those motors run pretty warm and the constant action would keep things from freezing, unless we are talking sub zero. maybe put a cardboard box over the unit (a rather large one) to hold the heat but still allow circulation? try it, check it often, if it does freeze, you'd just be tumbling an ice cube, the barrel wouldn't crack (would it?) otherwise, find a space in your basement or closet or the sad alternative, wait til Spring KD
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Feb 13, 2005 16:20:43 GMT -5
make a box out of 2" styrofoam and put the tumblers in it the heat from the motors will be enough
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Post by Cher on Feb 13, 2005 19:55:40 GMT -5
Why do you need to do it in the pole barn? The tumblers really aren't noisy, I found the sound rather soothing.
Cher
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Tellfamily
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2004
Posts: 476
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Post by Tellfamily on Feb 13, 2005 20:57:54 GMT -5
Instead of water you can use RV antifreeze. It won't harm the rubber barrel and is A LOT better than regular antifreeze for the environment.
The freezing point of RV antifreeze is -35 degrees. If it is colder than that in the barn. You won't catch me out there till spring. ;D
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Juniper
starting to shine!
Rock hound
Member since March 2003
Posts: 40
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Post by Juniper on Feb 13, 2005 21:58:29 GMT -5
I have not had a problem with freezing, with constant motion and motor heat you should be ok The only time a barrel froze on me is my fault, one of my double barrels need to be changed. So I took one inside and left the other one on the counter. One thing led to another,when I went out to our very cold shop the other barrel I had left out there was solid ::)Not sure where my brain was that nite.
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Post by mrbrett on Feb 14, 2005 7:31:05 GMT -5
I wouldn't use just all anti-freeze in the barrel. You can add a cap full or two but, don't just replace the water with RV anti-freeze. The box or styro-foam is a great idea. Make sure to keep the tumblers off the floor. Cold from the ground will transfer into the tumbler. I live in Indiana (not as cold as Mich.) and most of my lapidary equipment is in the pole barn and I have to make sure all the water is drained from my grinders. So I know that it sucks. Brett
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Post by creativeminded on Feb 14, 2005 8:24:25 GMT -5
Suggestion, add some vodka to it , vodka doesn't freeze, or you could use rubbing alcohol. Just put some of the alcohol on your rocks to make sure there isn't any reaction. Tami
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Stevek
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2004
Posts: 21
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Post by Stevek on Feb 14, 2005 10:26:20 GMT -5
Another possible approach to warren's suggestion would be to buy a cooler chest big enough to fit your tumbler (unless you have big tumblers). Drill a hole in the side for the power cord. It will be more durable than the styrafoam box and have an easy opening lid. This would probably keep the noise down as well.
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stubby
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2004
Posts: 150
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Post by stubby on Feb 14, 2005 12:45:00 GMT -5
If you use a closed box (styro or a cooler) monitor the temperature. You'll be surprised how much heat the motors put out. You could get it too hot to cool the motor, especially if you have a warm day.
stub
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chassroc
Cave Dweller
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Post by chassroc on Feb 15, 2005 11:17:21 GMT -5
I keep my tumblers(lortone33b-dual3# and a cheapo 3#er) in constant operation in an attached unheated garage. Here in Massachusetts its been below zero several times over the past two months but the ambient heat from the house or the heat from the motor has helped or else a little freezing does not hurt anything. I like the styrofoam cooler idea but wonder if the RV antfreeze would stain your rocks?
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Post by hermatite on Feb 15, 2005 11:53:31 GMT -5
I use RV antifreeze as a lubricant in my saw and haven't had any trouble with staining.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Feb 16, 2005 8:29:52 GMT -5
You could also use cutting oil instead of water- But again be careful with staining!
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