sgemmett
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2009
Posts: 24
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Post by sgemmett on May 1, 2009 19:34:06 GMT -5
The barrel on my secondhand QT12 is slipping - the roller is turning fine but the older rubber on the roller and barrel has aged and become somewhat slick. Is there anything I can do to revive the stickyness of the rubber?
Thanks,
Scott
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Post by 150FromFundy on May 1, 2009 20:03:05 GMT -5
Chances are, you can buy replacement parts through The Rock Shed, or somewhere like that. If it is an older machine, chances are the rubber has been attacked by ozone and UV over the years and has become hard and brittle. Best to replace.
Until then, try roughing up the polished rubber surfaces with some fine grit sand paper. Give the rubber a hot water bath first, if that is possible.
150FromFundy
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bouldergal
freely admits to licking rocks
Glacier Meadow
Member since July 2007
Posts: 783
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Post by bouldergal on May 1, 2009 20:29:21 GMT -5
Another thing you can do, if the rubber's not completely falling apart, is soak it in a bath of about 1/3 vinegar, 2/3's water.
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on May 2, 2009 3:53:07 GMT -5
Hi
Give it a rub with some course sand paper to roughen up the surface,That generaly works for me
Jack Yorkshire UK
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ejs
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2008
Posts: 478
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Post by ejs on May 2, 2009 8:06:47 GMT -5
Sand paper on the surface may help.
You should also try removing the cover and tightening the belt. A lot of times a loose belt provides less turning action which can cause the bar to slip.
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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 May 2, 2009 8:06:17 GMT -5
The rubber is a piece of hose that fits snuggly over the shaft.I dont know if it's glued on but you should be able to replace it at Lowes or home depot.I have one tumbler that has air hose over the steel shaft.Air hose is pretty tough and will last a long time.You might get a few more miles by wrapping the worn rubber with electrical tape until you replace the original.
Mike
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sgemmett
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2009
Posts: 24
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Post by sgemmett on May 2, 2009 12:28:18 GMT -5
Thanks. I gave the sandpaper a try and it seems to be working better now. This was a budget minded purchase so I would like to avoid replacing the barrel. It is in decent shape, just a little slick from age as is the rubber on the roller.
Possibly the electrical tape would be a next step, back stuff like what is used on a hockey stick should provide plenty of grip and won't add too much to the diameter. Cheap to replace if it starts to fray.
Thanks again
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Post by LCARS on May 2, 2009 15:16:44 GMT -5
Another thing you can to to restore the tact of the rubber surface of the barrel (if it is made of real rubber) is to dab a small rag in zippo lighter fluid and rub it across the entire outer surface. You can then wipe it clean with rubbing alcohol and you should have better traction on the rollers. You could do this after scratching up the surface with sandpaper first but it will produce more black shedding when wiped clean. This is the old oxidized rubber that has lost it's grip. Sometimes when a barrel is stored it can get lobed or develop flat spots that take a while to work out and only when it is running hot enough for long enough does it start to get back it's proper round shape. Always store barrels empty & dry on their flat side without the lid on to prevent this.  |
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Brad
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since July 2006
Posts: 161
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Post by Brad on May 4, 2009 12:24:19 GMT -5
Make sure that the unpowered roller is turning freely. If that side doesn't spin easily, it will keep the barrel from turning, even if the powered one is doing fine.
If the free roller doesn't turn smoothly, you'll probably need to clean and/or lubricate it.
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Post by NatureNut on May 6, 2009 12:47:49 GMT -5
I would add to check the bearings on the rollers and that they are seated properly, I had one slip off of it's guide recently and that created mondo issues.  Jo |
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rockhead2u
off to a rocking start
Enjoying God's blessings today while living with Jesus in hope of tomorrow.
Member since May 2009
Posts: 10
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Post by rockhead2u on May 9, 2009 0:34:33 GMT -5
I will sometimes rub some of that black tar like substance that is used on slipping belts on the barrel or rollers to make mine have more traction.
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Jo
