sgemmett
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2009
Posts: 24
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Post by sgemmett on Apr 21, 2009 15:01:18 GMT -5
I picked up a used QT12 off ebay which arrived last night and all I can say is WOW! This is a serious piece of equipment, the barrel dwarfs my 3 lb-ers, I am going to need a lot more rocks to keep this fed. I did some preventative maintenance on it, cleaned up and re-lubed the bushings, adjusted the belt and it runs perfectly.
I was a little surprised when I felt the motor after just a few minutes of running the empty barrel, it was quite hot. Comparing it to my AR-2 running both barrels it was much hotter, and this was basically no load. It is an older QT12 model with a GE motor but has anyone else noticed a had a similar experience? Since this is a used item and I don't know the history of it I am being extra cautious. It appears to run fine, just seems hotter than I expected.
Thanks,
Scott
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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Post by darrad on Apr 21, 2009 20:02:54 GMT -5
I have a QT12 but I bought it new about 5 years ago to feed my 3 pounders. The motor does get HOT but it has had no problems in that time. I think that is why it is mounted on the outside without a cover. Nature of the beast? I have never felt the the tempature on the AR-2.
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 716
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Post by docharber on Apr 22, 2009 8:16:42 GMT -5
Hi Scott-
I have a QT 12 and the motor does tend to run hot. But it'll keep on going forever with regular maintenance. The barrel will hold the contents of about 4 3-pounders *DUH) and the tumbling action is more aggressive. I use it for rough grinds mainly. I think the Thumbler's machines are a little better built ovweall, but the QT12 will serve you well. I got mine for $35 plus shipping on eBay.
Mark H.
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Apr 22, 2009 9:51:06 GMT -5
When I expanded my mega tumbler capacity from 36 lbs to 87 pounds I found that the 1/3 HP motor actually ran cooler then before. So it could be without the load your QT12 motor ran hotter than normal.
John from JS Gems has a lot more electrical motor expertise then I do so maybe he can chime in and tell me if what I'm talking about makes sense...
Rick
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 22, 2009 10:22:47 GMT -5
It is true an underloaded motor can run hot. A motor should draw at least half the rated running amps. Motors if open should be blown out occasionally. The cooling fan draws dust into windings which will also cause it to heat up.
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sgemmett
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2009
Posts: 24
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Post by sgemmett on Apr 22, 2009 11:48:05 GMT -5
Hi All,
Wow, $35 for one of these? I'm jealous, I paid $75 but still felt I did OK. It seems right now (to me) everyone on ebay is trying to buy tumblers and people are bidding this things through the roof. I have read about people getting deals but I can't find em, or at least my 2-3 weeks patience on watching wasn't enough.
As long as the hot motor is not unusual I won't concern myself with this. The barrel had some kind or red powder in it from the previous owner, I put some rocks and borax to clean the remainder of this out and ran it overnight. I was amazed how much rounding took place with no grit, just the action of the stones against each other made significant progress in 1 day. Can't wait to see what happens after a few days with grit.
Scott
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Mudshark
fully equipped rock polisher
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock. Will Rogers
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,083
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Post by Mudshark on Apr 22, 2009 17:43:19 GMT -5
Scott,one thing you might like to know is that you can also use two 6 pound barrels in the QT12.Makes for a versatile machine,I love mine.
Mike
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 22, 2009 20:40:17 GMT -5
Mike, thanks. I just picked up a QT66 and wondered if the 12 lb barrel would work on it.
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sgemmett
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2009
Posts: 24
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Post by sgemmett on Apr 22, 2009 23:25:32 GMT -5
The 6lb option is something I really wanted for this but I spent a decent amount already so I will have to force myself to wait on the extra barrel. I was looking at one of the Star Diamond tumblers with the split barrel, thought that would be ideal. But I missed out by not crazy bidding and later decided that an old rubber liner which may not be easy, or cheap to replace if it did not seal correctly was a little risky anyhow. But if I ever see one cheap, it may come home with me.
QT66 would have been nice also, I believe they are the exact same thing as the QT12 aside from the barrel(s). 4facets sells a QT66/12 combo with two 6 and one 12 lb barrel so I got to believe you can drop a 12 lb barrel on a QT66 if you have one. I can send you the exact dims on my tumbler/barrel if you are interested.
Scott
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Apr 23, 2009 9:06:42 GMT -5
I've found that two 6 lb Lortone tumbler barrels are more efficient than one 12 lb barrel running at the same speed. I think it's the narrow shape of the barrel that forces more contact between the rocks.
Rick
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