AGATEGRRRL
spending too much on rocks
AGATEGRRRL
Member since October 2007
Posts: 466
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Post by AGATEGRRRL on Apr 22, 2010 12:06:59 GMT -5
I have a Raytech Tumble Vibe 5 vibrating tumbler & have developed a problem that I've never been aware of before with any tumbler. I have used it a moderate amount for light loads & now it has a chunk missing out of the long upright screw bolt where the nut tightens on. If it continues, it will wear all the way through & break off. I spoke to a friend of mine & he said that happened to one of his tumblers too. So my question is - is this a fairly common problem with this type of tumbler & how do you fix it & then prevent it from happening again?
Thanks in advance for any help!
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Apr 22, 2010 15:55:06 GMT -5
Can you post a pic of the problem?
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Post by connrock on Apr 24, 2010 6:33:54 GMT -5
I'm taking a wild guess here but it sounds like the "screw" is "stripped",,meaning that the threads have worn beyond their capability to "engage" into the threads in the nut. Kind of like trying to put a comb into a hair brush but the comb has lost it's teeth. "Stripping" the threads off of a "screw"(normally) takes a lot of force and or can be caused by not screwing the nut on correctly.I would also add that in tumbling ,you may have got grit on the threads which will cause premature wear of the "screw" and or nut. (like you teeth would wear if you brushed them with sand) I'm not familiar with your unit at all and have no idea if this is a common problem but it seems to me that the bowl is plastic and would not be able to take much force if the "screw" were constantly being "over tightened" so I think it may be one or all of the above that caused your problem. How to fix it,,,,I dunno!! If I could see one of the units I could probably help,,,,sorry! If the "screw" can be removed you can buy a new one but if it is molded into the bottom of the bowl you may have a problem with a repair. As Dr Jo said,,,,photos of the bowl(top and bottom) and the "screw"  conrock |
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Apr 24, 2010 6:49:20 GMT -5
Could be a defective bolt also.
Dr Joe
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Post by jakesrocks on Apr 27, 2010 10:22:59 GMT -5
If your Raytech is anything like my Ultra Vibe, you should be able to remove the screw. Actually a piece of threaded rod. Go to your local hardware store and buy a length of Allthread in the same size. It will come in 3 foot lengths, and can be cut to size with a hack saw. Also at the hardware store, buy a couple feet of plastic tubing. Once you've installed your new bolt, slide a piece of the plastic tubing over it, long enough to cover the bolt, but not interfere with the lid. Your rocks and tumbling grit are wearing the threads off of the bolt. This is a common problem with vibrating tumblers that have a center bolt
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Post by jakesrocks on Apr 27, 2010 10:46:41 GMT -5
Just to add to my last comments, Allthread can be purchased in stainless steel also. It's a little more expensive, but won't rust like the stock mild steel bolts that come with tumblers do.
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AGATEGRRRL
spending too much on rocks
AGATEGRRRL
Member since October 2007
Posts: 466
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Post by AGATEGRRRL on Apr 27, 2010 15:59:08 GMT -5
Wow, thanks guys! Excellent advice. I think you are right about me overtightening the nut onto the threaded bolt, causing it to wear away the threading. I will go to the hardware store as soon as I can & get a steel bolt to replace the old iron one. You guys are too awesome! You rule!
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Post by snowdog on Apr 27, 2010 21:43:04 GMT -5
aaah- don't think you want a "bolt" --just a threaded rod ---- if you lift the tub off , you will see a lock nut that the threaded rod has at the base -- loosen this and you can un screw the rod from the base to put in a new one -- prob what is happening is that grit is getting on the rod at the bottom of the lid and if the top isn't tight enough then it will turn and grind the threads off the rod --- simple enough to fix tho , just get a new piece ( and if the new one is a couple feet long then you will have some for the next time )
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Post by jakesrocks on Apr 28, 2010 11:34:45 GMT -5
Your threaded rod is most likely a 1/4 - 20 size. Just get a length of allthread in that size, and saw off what you need. Save the left over rod for future use. Be sure to file or grind the freshly sawn end, so you don't hurt yourself on it.
Don
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on May 1, 2010 1:01:16 GMT -5
Hi
You Guys you forgot to tell her to buy a extra nut to use as a lock nut to tighten the rod into the base,
Then screw down the thread ( the old nut ) to the bottom and tighten so "Locking" the rod, keep the spare nut for next time
( Locknut = 2 nuts tightened against each other so you can remove a rod , stud or old rusty bolt)
Hope this helps
Jakesrocks,
Don, Good Idea the plastic tube,
Jack
Yorkshire UK
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AGATEGRRRL
spending too much on rocks
AGATEGRRRL
Member since October 2007
Posts: 466
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Post by AGATEGRRRL on May 2, 2010 11:13:22 GMT -5
Wow, you guys are unbelievably helpful!  Thank you so much for all your great advice & help! I can't think of anywhere else where you can find the quality of generosity & kindness like you can find here. I'm just blown away. Thank you again. |
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wi54880
starting to shine!
Member since March 2009
Posts: 33
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Post by wi54880 on May 14, 2010 10:10:27 GMT -5
And for a quick fix, you could just put some washers on there so the bolt is locking above where you've stripped it. My UV12 did the same thing, so I'm glad I checked out this thread. Thanks guys!
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Post by NatureNut on May 14, 2010 11:15:56 GMT -5
Yep, I've done the same thing. You can get more mileage out of your center bolt that way. To keep from losing all those washers, I super glue them together so it's like sliding on one stacked washer. May have to re-glue from time to time, but it saves some hassle.  Jo |
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rock
having dreams about rocks
Metamorphosed Mind
Member since June 2007
Posts: 62
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Post by rock on May 26, 2010 11:45:06 GMT -5
hehe wrong thread!  Good luck tho! |
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Jo
Good luck tho!
