sford13
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2009
Posts: 119 
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Post by sford13 on Oct 15, 2009 11:13:07 GMT -5
Ok I have two Lortone 33B rotary tumblers. Right now they are set up out in our garage. Which is a 30x40 metal shed type with a concrete floor. No heat or insulation. I live in central Illnois and we do get some cold weather of the winter. Usually only about a month of extremely cold weather. Question is how low of a temp is it safe to run the tumblers in? Really don't have a good place to bring them inside to but would like to keep them running all winter.
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Post by Toad on Oct 15, 2009 11:16:52 GMT -5
I always tumbled until it was too cold to run water outside - my poor cold fingers. Tumblers ran fine in unheated garage until then...
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Oct 15, 2009 11:22:10 GMT -5
Build an isulated wood box to put the tumbler in...the heat from the motor will keep it warm enough to prevent the water from freezing up....just make sure to keep the motor well away from the wood and insulation so you don't have a fire....
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tomcloss
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 158
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Post by tomcloss on Oct 20, 2009 21:17:58 GMT -5
I live in Michigan and I also built a box which I keep the tumbler and a small heater on low. I think Mikes is right if the box is small enough the motor will keep the box heated. I run my vibe in the same box the box is 4'x4'x3'.
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Post by Toad on Oct 20, 2009 21:20:41 GMT -5
How do you clean rocks between cycles? I always use a hose in the backyard, a platic colander and a 5-gallon bucket.
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Oct 20, 2009 22:03:05 GMT -5
same thing, colinder and bucket, only use the spray nozzle on your kitchen sink...then I wade through the snow and dump the slurry in my garden...
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Oct 20, 2009 22:10:51 GMT -5
Others have suggested putting a light bulb in an overturned styrofoam cooler.
FWIW: I run my 15lb tumbler in the basement, wash in the laundry tub, and dump the slurry outside in the usual spot.
Chuck
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tomcloss
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 158
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Post by tomcloss on Oct 20, 2009 22:22:05 GMT -5
Bucket colander and the shower head in the bathroom. Drag the bucket out to the backyard and dump while freezing my $%^* off.
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Oct 21, 2009 15:14:57 GMT -5
Before I put my slop sink in my garage I would dump my 12 lb barrels in a colander over a 5 gallon bucket and dump a gallon of water over them washing most of the sludge off. Then I would take them in the house and rinse them off in the sink.
Which reminds me, I better put some heat tape and insulation on the water supplies to my sink...
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bobh
having dreams about rocks
Member since September 2009
Posts: 55
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Post by bobh on Oct 21, 2009 17:04:39 GMT -5
These replies make me happy I live in California. Nutty state, but perfect for tumbling.
Bob
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Post by Toad on Oct 21, 2009 17:26:03 GMT -5
Sounds like I have to be more creative to keep 'em rolling.
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