Sabre52
Cave Dweller 
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,497
|
Post by Sabre52 on Nov 9, 2009 18:57:40 GMT -5
Howdy folks, Well, went out to the shop to recharge my load in the old QT66 this afternoon. Did the recharge and lightened the load even more but the old rotary just failed to turn the barrel. These Lortone motors just seem to get weaker and weaker. Changed out the belt for a new one, no luck. Readjusted the belt tension, no luck. Motor runs and drive shaft turns but as soon as I put on a single barrel, it stops. Every one of these I get seems to run the same course. For the first year or so, you can run two 2/3 full six pound barrels, then down to two half full barrels, then down to one 3/4 full barrel, then finally down to one half full 6 pound barrel followed by a slow and painful death. *sigh*. Now I have to decide whether I want to buy a new motor for about $50 plus shipping and do the messy change out chore, set up the massive and cranky Ball Mill Tumbler which can rough out at least 15# per pop, or buy a new QT model. Probably the last as it's nearly Xmas anyway *L*.....Mel
|
|
Steve
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2005
Posts: 506
|
Post by Steve on Nov 9, 2009 19:05:35 GMT -5
Mel,
Sometimes you need to enlarge the adjustment slot to make the belt tighter - file it out with a round file. Try this before you invest in a new motor. I've never had a QT66 motor go out, but I have to fight the adjusment battle way too often.
Steve
|
|
rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
|
Post by rockdewd on Nov 9, 2009 20:24:25 GMT -5
My QT66 died the last time I tried it. It had been sitting for years. I had an old thumlers motor from a 15 pounder. It bolted right in.
|
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Nov 9, 2009 21:32:06 GMT -5
Fingers crossed that you can revive your old friend.
Later,
jeri
|
|
|
|
Post by connrock on Nov 10, 2009 7:21:05 GMT -5
Mel you have me confused.Does the motor stop or does the belt slip?
connrock
|
|
drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
|
Post by drjo on Nov 10, 2009 8:06:06 GMT -5
Get the new one for Christmas and buy a different brand continuous duty motor in January ;D Two tumblers are better than one dead one.
Dr Joe
.
|
|
Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,497
|
Post by Sabre52 on Nov 10, 2009 10:51:26 GMT -5
Connrock, Nope, the belt doesn't appear to slip. The motor just turns very slowly and irregularly until it finally stops. Kind of speeds up and slows down. This seems to be a problem with all my Lortones when they go over about the three year mark but even more so with the 33Bs. I have a new motor I've been needing to install on one of them for awhile but I hate getting my hands all dirty *L*. Motors just won't turn much of a load. *L* Now of all things, the QT 12 that is almost the same age is making weird noises and starting to do the same thing. Sound is coming from the motor too *sigh*. Maybe two new tumblers for Xmas *L*....Mel
|
|
|
|
Post by rocklicker on Nov 10, 2009 17:39:24 GMT -5
Sorry to hear you lost your QT66. Man that's a bummer. I have some old Lortone tumblers and those things just keep going and going. (knock on wood) I even have one of those really old "gem sparkle" kinds that is going strong. Good thing my 33B is one of the older green ones too.
I raided a bathroom ceiling fan for a motor and that thing has been running pretty good for about 8 months in a 3 pound tumbler. Not sure what it's rated for but so far so good. I wonder if there is another place to get motors from that are a little more robust that are the same ratings. Many of them have the same hole spacing but have seen different shaft sizes on some.
Too bad you lost a tumbler. I feel for ya man. Hope Santa sees your woes and brings you a new one.
Steve
|
|
