cerebrus1986
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2010
Posts: 16
|
Post by cerebrus1986 on Mar 28, 2010 0:34:48 GMT -5
:help: I recently found a 2-6lb barrel tumbler at a local flea market for 10 bucks and i am realizing i do not have enough grit to run both of them, i was planning on getting some 1000 grit graded but i am unsure if it is wise. Is there any benefit to buying the 1000 grit? Will it help me gain a superior polish when i move onto the cerium stage?
Secondly, How can i tell if the motor is overheating, this thing is pretty old and not taken well care of but once i oiled it with wd-40 it runs beautifully now, how will i know if it is overheating?
Its not much more hotter than my brand new 33b lortone tumbler.
Also what can i use as a belt in the event this flea market tumbler does break, I cannot seem to figure out what the company is who made this thing, the lady i bought it from told me it was a diamond pacific but the barrels have a lortone identification code on the bottom. MOD 6nr, Does that mean it is a 6lb barrel?
All i need to buy is a inner lid assembly for the second barrel, which should run at about 15 bucks.
I think i did pretty good, considering i paid 119 bucks for my lortone tumbler.
|
|
revco
starting to spend too much on rocks
Another Victim Of The Rockcycle
Member since February 2010
Posts: 162
|
Post by revco on Mar 28, 2010 2:24:02 GMT -5
I want to see pics!
Personally, I would use this tumbler for the course stage exclusively to feed your 33B. I'd then probably use one barrel from the 33B for for everything else up to polish and the last barrel for polish. I'd consider buying another barrel for the 33B to do exclusive, smaller rough in...since the polish barrel probably won't be in use the whole time. It takes about 3/4 cup+ or so of 60/90 grit to fill a 12lb barrel, so that's what I'd probably opt for...simply because a bigger barrel is going to require more grit. 60/90 tends to be the cheapest, too. Larger barrels are also more efficient for the course stage, in my opinion....while the smaller 3lb barrels are easier to get a solid slurry, generally are better suited to the size, are less prone to problems in the latter stages and will ultimately cost less to run overall. It all depends on what you're trying to accomplish, overall...but this would be a pretty good setup, in my opinion.
I picked up some 1000AO here a bit ago...and am planning to use it on this batch that I currently have going. I've read on here that it's good for a softer stone, and the people who have used it have results that do appear better. It's not necessary, but I'm seeking even better results...so I decided to try it.
Not sure on the size of the belt...but Diamond Pacific is still in business and is still selling tumblers. Chances are good that someone here knows about 'em or that parts are still available. The barrel is likely a Lortone 6lb barrel...and I'd hope the current lid fits that barrel, which can be found at the Rock Shed or elsewhere.
I run a fan over my tumblers, personally. My QT66's motor gets really hot, and air definitely helps to keep it cooler. I hope to extend it's lifespan...time will tell.
That's what I know! Good find! If those are standard Lortone barrels...you bought almost $100 worth of barrels alone!
|
|
cerebrus1986
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2010
Posts: 16
|
Post by cerebrus1986 on Mar 28, 2010 2:36:56 GMT -5
i would put pics but my dork of a mom dropped my 250 dollar camera i loaned her and i had to send it out to canon to have it fixed, i planned on using the big 6lb barrels to tumble larger rocks and slabs, i plan on using my dremel tool and a polishing wheel and a paste of cerium oxide to polish most of my rocks, i heard its more reliable than tumbling.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Mar 28, 2010 7:05:34 GMT -5
I can't comment on the tumbler except that you should go to the hardware store and get some electric motor oil, or at least some 3-in-1. WD 40 works fine for cleaning, but it's not a very good lubricant.
As for the grit, yes AO 1000 makes an excellent pre-polish. In fact, there are times when I stop there, rather than moving on to a true polish.
You will need a lot of time to polish each stone with a Dremel. There is a learning curve to tumbling, but it's not that long. Once you get some experience, tumbling is very reliable for polishing stones. Plenty of other members here can attest to that.
Chuck
|
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Mar 28, 2010 7:50:15 GMT -5
I see a lot of used tumblers with Lortone barrels. You really need to get a picture posted to identify your tumbler. You can look at Diamond Pacific online catalog. It could be a 12T with Lortone barrels instead of the normal Thumler's B.
|
|
