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Post by scared0o0rabbit on Dec 1, 2009 21:21:09 GMT -5
So I received a thumler model T for free some time ago. I want to make sure I keep it oiled properly, but I didn't receive the instruction manual with it. What viscosity oil should I use, and can anyone tell me what points should be oiled?
I was thinking mostly just where the rods rotate against the spot that holds them in place AND using just some light machine oil for like a sewing machine or something. Is this correct, should I use something else besides light machine oil? Are there any other spots besides those I mentioned that should be oiled?
Also, how often should it be done? Every week? Every Month? Every Day?
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Post by tkrueger3 on Dec 1, 2009 21:31:29 GMT -5
Here's what I found by searching on "oiling thumlers tumbler": at web page www.rocks4u.com/tumblers.htm is this quote: "It is important to oil the tumbler bushings periodically with 1 drop of oil. Any more than that will leak through onto the belt and cause it to stretch and break." I use regular old 3-in-1 oil on my Thumler's and on my Lortone. Hope this helps Tom |
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Post by scared0o0rabbit on Dec 1, 2009 22:57:17 GMT -5
That's about what I figured.
I used a bit more oil than that because it came out too fast, but it didn't get on the belt at all and shouldn't be able to leak onto it. It was feeling pretty abused so the extra oil probably won't hurt it either heh.
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 2, 2009 0:09:39 GMT -5
The T has a skeleton motor that doesn't require oil. Oil the shaft bearings at start of each batch with a light weight oil and you should be fine.
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Post by rocklicker on Dec 2, 2009 0:29:04 GMT -5
Sounds like a good cleaning is in order. It might be a good idea clean any gunk out of the bushings and soak them in oil for a little while. As far as regular oiling, a drop every month fine. Spin the shafts by hand now and then to make sure they move freely and you'll be in good shape.
Steve
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Post by scared0o0rabbit on Dec 2, 2009 20:34:04 GMT -5
I'm not entirely sure how to take it apart right now, I'll have to give it a shot one of these days.
Some parts weren't turning all that freely. Some oil and some time rotating them by hand seems to have taken care of it, but I bet there's some grit in there or something.
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 2, 2009 21:42:50 GMT -5
The oil ill pick up dust/dirt/etc. when not running. If you have grit spill be sure to clean well and reoil.
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Dec 3, 2009 20:57:42 GMT -5
I use either 3 in 1 oil or the spray silicone lube on my tumbler...(side note..never use WD40!)
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carloscinco
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,639
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Post by carloscinco on Dec 4, 2009 21:33:09 GMT -5
Silicone lube applied from an aerosol can softened the rubber on my first Thumler. I now use 3-in-1 oil exclusively and dispense it from a pocket clip precision oiler I bought in a machinist supply shop. About 6 bucks but you have good control.
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Post by scared0o0rabbit on Dec 13, 2009 16:04:28 GMT -5
So I think I may have got oil on my belt, despite how careful I thought I was. The shaft spins noticeably slower under load now than it did two weeks ago (I haven't added any oil since the first time). Also, if I let my finger touch the belt as it spins, my finger will basically turn black, though the belt doesn't 'feel' oily. Does it sound like my belt is slipping from getting oil on it? I'm not tumbling all that much, so I don't think I'm overloading the motor...
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Post by connrock on Dec 14, 2009 6:30:33 GMT -5
Well I think you have to pump the breaks and stop tumbling! Put the tumbler on top of several sheets of newspaper. Take the barrel off and wipe the edges that hit the rollers with alcohol and do it again. Take the belt off and wipe it off good with alcohol. Now wipe both of the pulleys the same way and be sure you get ALL of any oil and or crap on them off. Although WD-40 isn't a good lubricant for the rollers it is a good way to clean them. Put the red tube into the tip of the WD-40 and while rotating the rollers spray each roller bearing until all that black crap is gone and you don't see any running down onto the newspaper. After the roller bearings are cleaned with WD-40 clean them with alcohol to get any WD-40 that's on them. Saturate a small piece of about 3"x3" of a clean rag with alcohol and wipe off each roller as you turn and squeeze the rag. Put 2 drops of 3 in 1 oil on each bearing as you rotate them and wipe off any that has gone anywhere on the tumbler frame. DO NOT use spray lubricants on any parts of the tumbler as you WILL NOT have any control over where the 'after spray' is going. Now what are you waiting for?  Get it runnin!! connrock |
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Post by scared0o0rabbit on Dec 14, 2009 14:51:42 GMT -5
The plot thickens?
After a few hours it was back to running full speed again. I have no idea what's going on! I think you're right though, I think as soon as finals week is over I need to take everything apart and give it a big cleaning.
I didn't use a spray to apply it in the first place, I used a little can of oil, but I think the hole is too big and too much may have come out.
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Get it runnin!!
