dwayne444
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2010
Posts: 2
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Post by dwayne444 on Sept 8, 2010 14:33:39 GMT -5
Hi all, My name is Dwayne and am looking for instructions on how to build a homemade tumbler. I am new to this forum and was told you guys could help. Thanks
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Post by jakesrocks on Sept 8, 2010 15:03:53 GMT -5
Welcome aboard Dwayne. If you'll go to the home page and read down the list, You'll find a section titled Home Made Equipment. You should be able to find what you're looking for there. If you run into problems building something, just ask questions. We have lots of folks on here who can help. Don
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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 8, 2010 16:56:18 GMT -5
Depending on how big you may be better off picking up a used one. When I worked I had access to motors, bearings, shafts and pulleys. I never built one after shopping for drums. Some people use PVC pipe to make large barrels but they are really noisey. Large size pipe, caps, and fittings are not cheap either. My neighbor showed me a recent find of his. It was a Highland Park 12 lb. tumbler with a 12 lb. Lortone barrel. For $20 he can live with not matching.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Sept 8, 2010 19:40:12 GMT -5
As John hinted, building a tumbler is relatively easy, but you're better off buying the drums. I think that for the same money you can either build a bigger tumbler or buy a new smaller one. The bearings and shafts are going to cost about the same regardless of size (unless you go really big). Motor is size dependent. Used is definitely the way to go if you can wait for a good deal on ebay or find a member here who has one for sale.
I built a 50 lb. tumbler with a 10" PVC barrel. It's loud, but it runs in the garage. It took several attempts to get the kinks worked out.
As Don said, you should be able to find plenty of ideas in the Home Made Equipment section.
Chuck
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dwayne444
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2010
Posts: 2
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Post by dwayne444 on Sept 8, 2010 20:13:13 GMT -5
Thanks for the information guys! I will be back with more questions I am sure. - Dwayne
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Post by sandsman1 on Sept 9, 2010 0:35:08 GMT -5
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revco
starting to spend too much on rocks
Another Victim Of The Rockcycle
Member since February 2010
Posts: 162
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Post by revco on Sept 10, 2010 13:44:03 GMT -5
Agreed with everyone so far. There's a ton of tips, photos and ideas in the home built section. I've drooled over some of the setups!
I will add this. I've done the economics on the home built tumblers and the cost generally works out to be cheaper for a DIY at about 24lbs. If you don't intend to go this big, it will generally be cheaper for you to look at the commercial units. Of course, this assumes you buy everything new. If you have access to motors & bearings, the cost goes WAY down. Also, being very frugal about parts can bring the cost down as well. I would definitely suggest working with either 12lb or 15lb barrels as these will be most economical.
If you haven't worked with large barrels yet, be aware that they can make the job of classifying a bit tedious and time consuming. On the other hand, it's awesome to have a huge queue of rocks waiting for the latter stages. It takes me about 3 hours to sort through 27lbs of rough rock...and I have to do this every 5-10 days as time permits. I usually just sit down and watch a movie or two while I'm doing it. Since I live in a cold climate, my goal is to try and have enough finished rough for the winter months, such that I don't have to do major cleanup jobs when the hose is frozen.
Good luck and if you decide to build, make sure you post pics in the home built section!
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