rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
|
Post by rockdewd on Feb 12, 2008 12:25:16 GMT -5
I've got my cousin, who is also a silversmith, hooked on tumbling. She acquired a used thumler 12 lb rotary tumbler. I told her to fill the barrel to 3/4 full for best results. With the load the belt slipped and the barrel wouldn't turn. I told her to go to a vacuum repair shop and see if they had a similar belt. The previous owner told her she had too many rocks in it. She removed about half and got it running. But that doesn't sound right to me. A 12 lb tumbler should be able to turn 12 lbs of rocks.
So who is right? Me or the previous owner?
Rick
|
|
|
|
Post by captbob on Feb 12, 2008 13:41:25 GMT -5
Yes, a 12# tumbler should be able to turn 12# (or more) of rocks.
No chance the belt is slipping because it's oily is there? With the roller bushing right there, it's possible for the belt to get oil on it (mine did). Might want her to give it a quick clean and the pulley as well. I used Dawn on the belt and took a green scrubby pad to the groove in the pully. Sometimes, it's the obvious...
Also, Rockshed sells the belts for something like tree fiddy. I got a couple spares on my last order just incase.
BTW Rick, I ordered a new slide half of the vise for my HP 24 and picked up a new vise dog, pin and handle while I had them on the phone. THAT'S a mistake I won't be making again!$!
|
|
mike4bears
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 275
|
Post by mike4bears on Feb 12, 2008 15:35:53 GMT -5
i don't know about your thumler. but i would think it would have a way to tighten the belt. usually by moving the motor. if it does not thats a poor designed. mike
|
|
|
|
Post by captbob on Feb 12, 2008 15:54:44 GMT -5
uh... I've got 4 Thumler tumblers (and counting) and there is no way to tighten the belt. You can move where the pulley is on the motor shaft, but that would just be to adjust the alignment with the pulley on the drive roller. Moving the motor, like you would move an alternator in a car, to tighten the belt isn't an option on a Thumler's.
|
|
rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
|
Post by rockdewd on Feb 12, 2008 16:24:05 GMT -5
Thanks for confirming what I suspected. I also told her to oil it. It's a used one and who knows how much it has been oiled.
Rick
|
|
flatlander
starting to shine!
Member since May 2007
Posts: 27
|
Post by flatlander on Feb 14, 2008 10:28:48 GMT -5
I have a Model B, and had the same problem, every time I would add even a drop of oil to the plastic bearing by the drive pulley within a few hours it would get up onto the belt, and the drum would stop. I cleaned it , scratched it with a scotch brite, all with temporary results. At work we sometimes use a spray contact cement, like 3m 909, I sprayed the belt, and the pulley, waited until it got a bit tacky, and started it up, has never slipped since, and I load mine right up with big, and small rocks. A bit sticky and messy, but it is the answer. If you can't find the spray contact cement, any lumberyard should have contact cement liquid in a can that you could brush on. Carefull of the fumes, contact is a mind expanding substance.
|
|
Wolfden
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2007
Posts: 1,368
|
Post by Wolfden on Feb 14, 2008 10:34:42 GMT -5
They make what they call "Belt Dressing " at any auto parts store . It comes in a spray can hope this helps . I have used this stuff for years and works wonders on old belts
Wolf
|
|
mike4bears
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 275
|
Post by mike4bears on Feb 14, 2008 13:26:59 GMT -5
if you need a quick fix. try hairspary. mike
|
|
rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
|
Post by rockdewd on Feb 16, 2008 11:37:18 GMT -5
Thanks to all the responded. My cousin eventually scrubbed the belt with a scotch brite and soap and wadda ya know... It's running a full load beautifully.
Rick
|
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Feb 16, 2008 23:44:04 GMT -5
When you do need a belt call Thumler's. Their belt (#401) fits all the models mentioned here, costs about $5, and should last 2-3 years of full time use.
|
|
