donwrob
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2003
Posts: 509
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Post by donwrob on Jan 7, 2004 13:57:47 GMT -5
I was just thinking (dangerous at times) about ice forming in my tumblers. Last night here in Ohio, it got wicked cold. About 2 degrees F. I tumble in a un-heated garage, and started wondering about it. Has anyone of you ever had freezing problems? I realize there probably is a little frictional heating going on and that would help some. The motion of the tumblers would help to keep ice from forming also, but let's face it, even Niagra freezes over if the weather stays cold enough. My plan is to toss a hand full of salt or calcium chloride in the mix if I see a problem starting to lower the freezing point enough to get through the worst of it. Anyone on the board had a tumbler go solid? I'm curious, thanks, Don
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Trylobyte
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 101
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Post by Trylobyte on Jan 7, 2004 14:38:38 GMT -5
I had the same concern last few days here in the northwest.
I put a space heater in the garage to take the edge off.
I suspect that the tumblers would seize up if it stayed down in the teens for a day or two. Salt would perhaps help, but I haven't played with it yet.
I would take a cardboard box large enough to fit over your rollers, then put a troublelight or other lamp inside. Obviously take necessary precautions to prevent fires. The lamp will provide ample heat to prevent freezing.
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donwrob
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2003
Posts: 509
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Post by donwrob on Jan 7, 2004 15:35:05 GMT -5
Yes, a boxed in heat lamp would probably work good, didn't give that a thought, thanks for the idea. I have a kerosene heater, but I only run it when I'm working out there. Too much of a pain to keep it fueled up all the time, pricey too. I'll be glad when spring gets here . Not that winter isn't pretty, just wish it wasn't so darn cold, later, Don
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Jan 7, 2004 17:26:40 GMT -5
I put my tumblers into a "box" I had some 2" hard styrofoam on hand and made sides out of it duct taped them together and just set a piece if 1/4" luann plywood over the top. The tumblers are setting on top of my workbench so they are not on the floor. I have a squirt bottle of plain water in there also for checking progress and it has not frozen. The only heat sorce is the tumbler motors. It was -10 degrees yesterday no problem so far
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Trylobyte
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 101
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Post by Trylobyte on Jan 7, 2004 17:55:52 GMT -5
Hadn't thought about motor heat...that may be all you need if you build a box.
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donwrob
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2003
Posts: 509
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Post by donwrob on Jan 7, 2004 18:26:11 GMT -5
Yes, that makes sense, I agree. During warmer months I had made several attempts to quiet down the vibe. I ended up putting it in a large kiln, but had to keep the lid propped open with a small fan to circulate air. It got hot quick without the air. It did knock out about 80% of the sound though, even with the lid propped. Sadly I had to re-arange the garage and the kiln is packed with other junk, neatly buried in a corner now ;D. I really do need a rock work shop. It never warmed up much today and another cold night tonight is expected. But, so far, no problem with freezing. I'll just keep a close eye on them, hopefully it will take a lot more cold to freeze them than what I thought. Thanks for all the input, Don
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Jan 8, 2004 0:40:01 GMT -5
It was 10 degrees ouside when I checked my tumblers in my garage, 22 degrees inside. I checked the box and it was 54 degrees and I checked the barrel and the grit was 60 degrees. I think that is just right. I consider this experiement a success.
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Pdwight
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2003
Posts: 619
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Post by Pdwight on Jan 10, 2004 16:58:26 GMT -5
I was about to post a question about this very subject. I was not tumbling at this time last year..so I was really thinking about letting my last batch finish and stoping untill say March.
What do you nice folks think
Dwight P
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Post by docone31 on Jan 10, 2004 21:19:24 GMT -5
I suspect there would be very little chance of freezing unless the unit stopped. The motion of the tumbling, and the bbls would break up any ice crystals that formed. However I have been known to fall down and water walking makes me look inexperienced. That being said, a tsp., of alcohol might be an additive for antifreezing, unless it eats the rubber bbl. Propolyne glycol might be a consideration. Bear in mind I have no experience with this and I have never seen a tutorial on this. If freezing is an issue, I would insulate from wind and provide stationary air for the unit. Quite possible a corrugated box over the unit. The heat of the motor could be a decent heat source. I have always tumbled inside. I like to hear the grit changes.
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Jan 11, 2004 0:30:29 GMT -5
If the heat from the motor is not enough simply put a light bulb in the box. wire a light socket so it is not to close to vibration and the bulb will last a long time. you may only need as little as a 25 watt bulb to keep from freezing. especially if the tumbler box is inside a building like a garage.
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