Post by rockdewd on Jul 21, 2008 11:05:37 GMT -5
This morning I was checking my vibe tumblers and noticed my Raytech TV-5 with a Thumlers 10 lb bowl was starting and stopping. I thought loose electrical connection but it was the motor getting ready to seize. So while trying to figure out how to get to the motor to lubricate it I discovered there is really not way without breaking something. The springs are hot glued in and the motor is encased in a plastic bowl like structure with vents on the bottom. The construction was cheaper than a Harbor Freight vibe tumbler. So I was able to drip some 3 and 1 oil on the motor from the top and the bottom and get the thing running until I can get another Thumlers.
I run my vibes 24x7 and the Raytech just was not made for that kind of service. I know it can be said it was because I was running a 10 lb bowl on a motor designed to run a 5 lb bowl but I don't believe that to be the cause. Vibe tumblers work with a motor spinning an off center weight. The weight of the bowl doesn't affect how the motor spins.
I am a commercial lapidary. I spend at least two hours a week maintaining my equipment. The cheap construction of the Raytech won't allow you to get to the motor to lubricate it. I think the car companies used to call it "planned obsolescence". I call it a plastic POS.
Rick
I run my vibes 24x7 and the Raytech just was not made for that kind of service. I know it can be said it was because I was running a 10 lb bowl on a motor designed to run a 5 lb bowl but I don't believe that to be the cause. Vibe tumblers work with a motor spinning an off center weight. The weight of the bowl doesn't affect how the motor spins.
I am a commercial lapidary. I spend at least two hours a week maintaining my equipment. The cheap construction of the Raytech won't allow you to get to the motor to lubricate it. I think the car companies used to call it "planned obsolescence". I call it a plastic POS.
Rick
