carloscinco
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,639
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Post by carloscinco on Oct 28, 2008 19:44:58 GMT -5
I purchased a new Thumler's AR6 tumbler a few months ago. I've run two batches of rocks in coarse grit for a total of five weeks and the lid is already paper thin. The barrel is also softening and rubbing off against the alignment wheels. The rubber barrel may have gotten some 3 in 1 oil on it which caused the softening? maybe. The lid wearing out so quickly took me by surprise. Replacements are cheap but it's sooooo inconvenient to have to order a new lid in the middle of a cycle. I may try to coat the inside of the new lid with epoxy or something. Better get more than one. I bet my experience with the lid and barrel is not unique. I'm fairly new to this hobby and enjoy looking for rocks as much as the cutting and tumbling.
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Oct 28, 2008 21:54:51 GMT -5
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carloscinco
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,639
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Post by carloscinco on Oct 29, 2008 19:09:35 GMT -5
Thanks for the tip drjo. I'll post results.
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Oct 30, 2008 9:18:31 GMT -5
Cool!.
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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 Oct 30, 2008 12:35:55 GMT -5
From my experience, Thumlers lids are the worst; they wear like paper. Most of us have tried various "Rubber patch" remedies with varying degrees of success. Hope that one works for you.
BTW, I do not mean to disparage Thumler ; a consensus applauds its intelligent design and strong motor; the lid is the only flaw I know of. If you weigh the possibility of motor or bearing failure against a fast wearing lid, Thumler is a great choice.
csroc
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