New Belt, Old Equipment

Hard Rock Cafe
driving up their electric bill

Rock tumbling is harder than it looks. Mohs definitely.

Member since April 2008
Posts: 2,735

New Belt, Old Equipment Nov 24, 2008 12:51:06 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 24, 2008 12:51:06 GMT -5

Just a tip:

I've called several auto parts stores, hardware stores, sewing machine repair shops, vacuum cleaner repair shops, garage door repair shops, and lawn equipment repair shops trying to find a replacement belt for my Star Diamond 15 lb. tumbler. The belt is a 2L-155 v belt and is not a match for either of the Thumler's belts. (2L-155 means it's 1/4" wide, 1/8" tall, and 15.5" long; it's in the category of Fractional Horsepower Belts.)

Fortunately, McMaster-Carr has a close match with a 2L-150. Since the motor position is adjustable, I'm hoping that will make up for the 1/2" loss in length.

I've seen similar tumblers with other brand names on eBay, so I'm hoping this will help somebody else out.

Chuck

Some rocks aspire to greatness; others are destined to be grit carriers.

johnjsgems gets rocks for Christmas Member since August 2007 Posts: 6,959	New Belt, Old Equipment Nov 24, 2008 15:42:55 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by johnjsgems on Nov 24, 2008 15:42:55 GMT -5 You can sometimes drill the motor mount holes a little more also. I believe I bought a 2L belt from Covington for a funky old tumbler I have also but don't remember the length.
	John at JS Gems www.jsgemslapidary.com

Hard Rock Cafe driving up their electric bill Rock tumbling is harder than it looks. Mohs definitely. Member since April 2008 Posts: 2,735	New Belt, Old Equipment Nov 25, 2008 8:36:41 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 25, 2008 8:36:41 GMT -5 Good point John! It's pretty thin metal, so enlarging the holes shouldn't be a problem. Chuck
	Some rocks aspire to greatness; others are destined to be grit carriers.

Hard Rock Cafe
driving up their electric bill

Rock tumbling is harder than it looks. Mohs definitely.

Member since April 2008
Posts: 2,735

New Belt, Old Equipment Dec 8, 2008 14:03:53 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Dec 8, 2008 14:03:53 GMT -5

You were right, John. After somebody (my father or a cat) knocked our shop vac into the tumbler and stopped it from turning for a couple of hours, the old belt finally quit working. I put on the new belt and it was too tight for the motor to turn. So, I enlarged the mounting holes, moved the motor over, and got it started again.

Now I'm starting to wonder how long the motor is going to last. I don't think this unit was used when I bought it (at least it wasn't used much since the barrel rims still had most of the paint), so it should last a little while I hope.

Another one just came up for sale on eBay (rougher than mine), but I think next time I'll either buy one of the big eBay units (Bleakco or Ball Mills n Tumbers) or a 36lb. Covington. I could use the extra capacity.

Chuck

Last Edit: Dec 8, 2008 14:07:23 GMT -5 by Hard Rock Cafe

Some rocks aspire to greatness; others are destined to be grit carriers.

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rocknrob: That was one heck of a windstorm that thankfully missed me. I guess Seatac almost hit 60mph gusts. I bet those were some fun landings Nov 20, 2024 21:55:16 GMT -5

Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 24, 2008 12:51:06 GMT -5

Post by johnjsgems on Nov 24, 2008 15:42:55 GMT -5

Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 25, 2008 8:36:41 GMT -5

Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Dec 8, 2008 14:03:53 GMT -5

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