blakentog
off to a rocking start
Member since May 2010
Posts: 1
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Post by blakentog on May 16, 2010 11:50:23 GMT -5
I have recently started rock tumbling, started my first batch last Thursday. I have a Model-T Thumler Tumbler. I am noticing that as the barrel rotates it rotates toward the white disc that stops the barrel from colliding with the motor, great idea, however the white plastic stopper is rubbing against the barrel creating enough friction to strip the rubber from the barrel, is that normal? :help:
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Post by Bob & Jordan (CharlindaBob) on May 16, 2010 12:13:38 GMT -5
Hello, I am really new here, but we have a Thumler A-R2 and if your barrel is rubbing hard against the white disc or washer, you have a problem that is not normal. I would think it would be one of two things, either your tumbler is not level, try a shim under one side like a small piece of cardboard or something to level your machine or you might have a barrel that has the contents out of balance. Could be the barrel, but I would bet on the leveling aspect. Also, make sure your rollers are properly seated on the machine. Others in here will surely help you if you still have a problem. Bob
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Post by jakesrocks on May 16, 2010 13:01:19 GMT -5
Put a level on your tumbler from 3 or 4 different directions, and level it with shims as needed. That should cure your problem. The barrel will wander up and down the shafts a little bit. This is normal, but it should not stay at one end and rub. Don
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gemhunter
starting to spend too much on rocks
"Rock On"
Member since November 2009
Posts: 243
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Post by gemhunter on May 17, 2010 14:08:41 GMT -5
Hi. I had a similar problem when I started with the Tumbler Model, I found if I faced the lid toward the belt it would roll better, and not track toward the white gear. So I always face the top away from the gear. You might also vary loads see if that helps. I got some oil on my barrel once, after cleaning it off it corrected the tracking. Hope this helps. Ed
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hubes25
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2014
Posts: 3
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Post by hubes25 on Jan 2, 2014 10:16:28 GMT -5
I am having the same issues with a Thumler's model T. I am BRAND NEW to rock polishing, and we got this tumbler for our son for Christmas. We filled it half full, I've got a level and shims I've been playing with. I have turned the barrel so it is facing the band and facing away from the band. The barrel continues to rub against the white pieces, rubbing off a significant amount of the rubber barrel. Suggestions, please! Thanks so much, in advance!
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 2, 2014 10:24:40 GMT -5
You need to have the barrel 3/4 full for starters.
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hubes25
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2014
Posts: 3
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Post by hubes25 on Jan 2, 2014 14:17:39 GMT -5
Thanks. Our instructions said 1/2 to 5/8 full...we used the rocks that came with it, as it said what was included was enough for one cycle. It filled it to 1/2.
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 2, 2014 15:57:53 GMT -5
The problem with half full is the rocks don't roll they go to top and drop. I quite often hear people say they were doing great until polish and all the rocks were chipped and beat up. If you start at 3/4 full and lose material with step one and a little more with step 2 your barrel will be underloaded. If you start out 1/2 full you will really be underloaded by the end. Ceramic media is a light weight filler media that you can add to the load. Most manufacturers don't provide adequate instructions or grit kits that work. Since most T models are sold for gifts to kids or beginners it is a shame they don't do more to insure success. A beginner that ends up frustrated won't likely stay with it. The T has a light duty motor like the smaller Lortones. If it won't handle 3/4 full try the 2/3.
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hubes25
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2014
Posts: 3
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Post by hubes25 on Jan 2, 2014 17:54:29 GMT -5
Thanks so much! We'll try to find some filler and see what we can do to fill it up further. I appreciate your explanation. I am getting frustrated, and I so want this to be a success for our son (or as it is sounding, for me!). Thanks again.
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 2, 2014 21:00:35 GMT -5
When I sold hobby level tumblers I always cautioned parents to be pretty sure they would enjoy it just in case the child found out how long it takes to tumble and lost interest.
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