sford13
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2009
Posts: 119 
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Post by sford13 on Nov 2, 2009 12:10:49 GMT -5
Well I can hardly stand the excitement. Finally have my first batch in the polish stage. It has been a long road. Started out with a double 3# barrel Lortone from the Rock Shed. Now have two running. But that brings me to my question about the belts. I have ran the first tumbler for around two months now without stopping. No problem. Saturday was my day to check and re-charge and I noticed the barrels all of a sudden were barely turning. So I looked and the belt was very loose. So much so I had to tighten the motor mount almost all the way over. Is this normal? And what happens if it stretches more? How long should I expect a belt to last?
Edited to fix my spelling of Lortone. Was typing too fast.
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Post by Toad on Nov 2, 2009 14:07:06 GMT -5
The motor is used to tighten the belt on the lortone - so I would say it is normal. But be sure your barrels aren't overloaded also.
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sford13
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2009
Posts: 119
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Post by sford13 on Nov 2, 2009 14:59:33 GMT -5
I thought so too. But if they stretch much more there is not enough adjustment. Guess I will have to weigh my barrels and make sure I am not over loading them.
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Post by Toad on Nov 2, 2009 15:04:42 GMT -5
I found that I easily go over the weight limit by loading to 3/4 full. Even 2/3 get's me their most of the time. For my QT-12, never had problems with the belt - other than having to adjust the motor once for tightening - and that was because I stripped the bolt.
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sford13
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2009
Posts: 119
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Post by sford13 on Nov 2, 2009 15:23:27 GMT -5
Well over weight could very well be my problem since I make it a point to make sure they are usually always right around the 3/4 that they call for. I will have to dig out my digital fish scales and see what they weigh.
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 2, 2009 18:35:07 GMT -5
Lortones are notorious for stretching. Every "non-working" used Lortone I've purchased had a stretched belt. I never find a broken belt. If belt is fairly new it is possible that after initial stretching it will last a long time. I used up y remaining stock of Thumler's belts on the last bunch of Lortones. They are same diameter, slightly thinner and appear to be a tougher material. If you plan on running the Lortones full time you would be wise to have at least one spare belt and a set of shaft bushings. Lortone parts are very reasonable and available from the Rock Shed (or any Lortone dealer).
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carloscinco
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,639
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Post by carloscinco on Nov 2, 2009 20:21:32 GMT -5
It only takes a tiny bit of oil on the pully or belt to cause slipping. Clean with belt and pully thoroughly with a clean cloth if it's slipping. Don't use any cleaners.
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