mattrocks
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2009
Posts: 11
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Post by mattrocks on Mar 4, 2009 22:34:17 GMT -5
I am new to tumbling, just started in Oct. 08. I have my tumblers in my garage/wood shop. I live in MN so it gets pretty cold. I only turn the heat out there when I'm working. Just wondering if there is anything I should be doing differently because of the cold. They seem to be working OK but when it gets real cold the rocks don't sound very good when tumbling.
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 4, 2009 22:50:05 GMT -5
I try to stay out of cold places but there have been several posts about this. If weather not too severe you can put an empty cardboard box over the tumbler to use the motor heat to keep the water from freezing. Colder yet you'll have to use insulated cover, etc.
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Mar 4, 2009 23:06:35 GMT -5
I'd think it would have to get pretty cold to freeze the water...water in motion doesn't tend to freeze as easily...I suppose it could slush up...
The box is a good idea...or put it in a big insulated igloo cooler....that would make it nice and quiet too....
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bushmanbilly
Cave Dweller 
Member since October 2008
Posts: 4,719 
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Post by bushmanbilly on Mar 5, 2009 1:04:40 GMT -5
Moving water does freeze. It has to be moving fast for it not to. The metal is cold and it will freeze from the outside in. Happens all the time in the oilfield. Thats how I make my living. I thaw them with a boiler.
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Mar 5, 2009 1:09:32 GMT -5
that makes sense  |
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Post by catmandewe on Mar 5, 2009 2:29:41 GMT -5
Mine freeze up every winter.
I just stop tumbling until it warms up some.
I tried antifreeze in the barrels, it kept them from freezing, but they did not do much shaping, so it was not worth the effort. Also, pink RV antifreeze will stain clear rocks a light pink.
Tony
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Mar 5, 2009 9:25:38 GMT -5
you could try putting rock salt in there too...salt water freezes at a lower temperature...
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Mar 5, 2009 13:17:35 GMT -5
Welcome Matt! It's good to have another Minnesotan! Where do you live?
Yes, it definitely gets cold enough here to freeze the water. As Bushmanbilly says, it will freeze from the outside in, so the interior rocks will continue to move, but the exterior ones aren't progressing at all.
I tumble indoors in the winter. The cooler box will help. Others have suggested a light bulb in the box to generate a little more heat.
Chuck
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Mar 5, 2009 21:17:35 GMT -5
Yep, I use a light bulb. I have the tumbler in a wood cabinet, and use a 60 watt bulb. Monday morning it was -9 here, and in the cabinet it was still above freezing. Good luck.
Nate
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mattrocks
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2009
Posts: 11
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Post by mattrocks on Mar 6, 2009 0:16:13 GMT -5
I did build a plywood box with insulation and I drilled holes at the end where the motor is. It seemed to get to hot inside and the belt kept coming off. Thanks for all your replies. And to chuck I live in woodbury.
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