Metal piece fell from Ultra-Vibe 10

Good Vibrations
noticing nice landscape pebbles

Overanalysis leads to Paralysis

Member since May 2009
Posts: 91

Metal piece fell from Ultra-Vibe 10 Jun 3, 2010 23:42:25 GMT -5

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Post by Good Vibrations on Jun 3, 2010 23:42:25 GMT -5

Hello,

I hadn't tumbled in a while but started a batch a couple days ago.

I just went to check on it and found a metal piece on the counter underneath the tumbler, which is a vibratory tumbler - the Ultra-Vibe 10. The piece looks like it holds one part of the tumbler to the other part of the tumbler. It came from underneath, and there are 3 more of the same piece that haven't fallen off. I am unable to tell if the piece actually broke off or just fell off.

I was hoping that someone who may be familiar with the construction of these units could be able to give an opinion as to whether I can put this piece back where it belongs, or do I need to stop using the tumbler immediately? The tumbler still works, but that piece was obviously there for a reason, and I don't know how much longer it will continue to work with that piece missing.

Hopefully the photos below will give you a better idea of what I am trying to describe! The first photo shows the one piece from 3 different angles.

Thanks, Erica

Same piece from 3 different angles

Where it came from

Same piece still remains on the other 3 sides of tumbler

150FromFundy
fully equipped rock polisher

Member since February 2009
Posts: 1,520

Metal piece fell from Ultra-Vibe 10 Jun 4, 2010 6:26:01 GMT -5

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Post by 150FromFundy on Jun 4, 2010 6:26:01 GMT -5

That clip (or staple) is used to keep the motor housing together. These motors are common to the Thumler family of tumblers. Made in Mexico.

You can see where metal fatigue has caused the clip to break in two, or three. With three remaining clips in tact, you should be fine to operate.

This is a simple repiar that could once be done at any appliance repair store, but I don't think they exist anymore. If you lose more clips, you can always replace the motor unit.

Carry on and keep you fingers crossed.

Darryl.

Roller driving up their electric bill Member since February 2010 Posts: 2,391	Metal piece fell from Ultra-Vibe 10 Jun 4, 2010 7:15:54 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Roller on Jun 4, 2010 7:15:54 GMT -5 I would contact them and have them send you a new clip ...

johnjsgems
gets rocks for Christmas

Member since August 2007
Posts: 6,959

Metal piece fell from Ultra-Vibe 10 Jun 4, 2010 8:06:22 GMT -5

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Post by johnjsgems on Jun 4, 2010 8:06:22 GMT -5

Either contact True Square or the vendor you purchased it from. Pieces should not fall off. You may want to fax a picture to True Square so they know what you are talking about. Their phone number is (800) 225-1017 and their fax is (800) 833-2349. Good luck. If they won't help you or the unit is way out of warranty it would be safe to use it until it quits at which time you will need to order a new motor. They use OEM motors so you would have to get that from them or an authorized dealer. And no I'm not one anymore.

John at JS Gems

www.jsgemslapidary.com

Good Vibrations
noticing nice landscape pebbles

Overanalysis leads to Paralysis

Member since May 2009
Posts: 91

Metal piece fell from Ultra-Vibe 10 Jun 4, 2010 18:21:09 GMT -5

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Post by Good Vibrations on Jun 4, 2010 18:21:09 GMT -5

Thanks to all for your input. I just got off the phone with Al at Tru Square, he is going to send me a few new clips at no cost. If I can't manage to put the new one on myself, then I will send the tumbler back to him for assistance. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!