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Post by gr on Feb 2, 2011 21:15:39 GMT -5
I was wondering if anyone uses a Thumler's tumbler 15 lb model and how you like it? Does it take a lickin and keep on ticking ? There's a sale on it till mid March and I've been getting a lot of rock ready to tumble for when it warms up a bit. Any input is much appreciated. Gary
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Post by 150FromFundy on Feb 3, 2011 7:20:31 GMT -5
The Model-B is a serious unit. I have run mine for 2 years 24/7. The empty barrel and liner weigh about 5 lbs before you load it and is guaranteed for 5 years. It is well constructed. The motor has a thermal shut-down to protect it from burn out if there is ever a jam on the rollers.
My only complaint (and it is minor) is that the drive-shaft and other shaft are prone to bending under the weight of the barrel. Place the barrel gently on the rollers. If you clunk it down, or drop it on the shaft, you will bend the shaft. I learned this the hard way, Fortunately, the replacement part was under $10.
Highly recommended. Two thumbs up.
Darryl.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Feb 3, 2011 10:05:20 GMT -5
I have the baby sister (AR-12) and this thing is a work horse also! Had a lid blowout that went unnoticed for a weekend and it just kept turning! I only use the 12 lber for the course stage and it processes a lot of rock in a reasonable amount of time. Probably the only limiting factor with these bigger units is feeding them enough rock and grit! (can you say 50 Lb boxes of course grit?) If you have the means then it is a good solid unit!
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Post by gr on Feb 3, 2011 19:44:34 GMT -5
Thanks Darryl and Stefan for the input
Gary
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charles kuchar
spending too much on rocks
getting ready for the second coming
Member since November 2010
Posts: 300
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Post by charles kuchar on Feb 3, 2011 20:18:36 GMT -5
i've did a couple of batches in my 12# with about a pound of sand instead of grit. got that idea from a website in colorado. it did pretty good. after 2 weeks there wasn't any sand left and the rocks were getting round. it is a little slower than using grit but if you don't have any grit left or you want to experiment, try it. also in the instructions you save the gray stuff from the grind and use it for polishing the rocks. haven't got to that step yet. charlie
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Post by johnjsgems on Feb 3, 2011 20:28:02 GMT -5
The B model is their best. Weak point is the lid gasket. Order a couple of spares. The lid gasket is not covered by the 5 year warranty. They have a conversion kit also that includes shafts and drums to convert it to an AR-2.
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Post by jakesrocks on Feb 3, 2011 21:06:04 GMT -5
Love my Model B 15 lb. As John said, the gasket is the weak point. Whenever I get down to my last spare gasket, I order a couple more. Just like a Timex watch, they take a lickin, and keep on tickin.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Feb 4, 2011 8:19:28 GMT -5
Just an FYI The AR-12 also can be converted to an AR-2 If I'm not mistaken (and I usually am so YMMV)the Model B and the AR-12 use the same base.
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Post by johnjsgems on Feb 4, 2011 9:18:23 GMT -5
The AR12 converts by moving the idler shaft to the closer notch and placing two three lb. drums on. The B requires shafts and drums because the B shafts are different. When I sold Thumlers the B with conversion kit was the best seller. It pretty much covers all batches you need to do. And, it's only money.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Feb 6, 2011 8:00:39 GMT -5
So it is a bit more expensive to convert the B. On the AR12 there are 2 extra sets of notches. I realize the one set on the idler side is for the 3 lb barrels but what are the ones on the driveshaft for?
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Post by johnjsgems on Feb 6, 2011 8:22:21 GMT -5
It has been a while but as I remember there are only three slots. The driven shaft stays in place. The idler is moved depending on drum diameter. I have an ancient AR6 that doesn't have the extra slot but the newer ones do and you can use a single 3 lb. If your AR12 has 4 slots it could be they are using end pieces for multiple models. It would be interesting to call Al at True Square and ask.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Feb 11, 2011 10:15:48 GMT -5
Well that decides it! I'm saving up my cabelas points for another tumbler and I'm going with another AR-12. I have and extra set of 3Lb barrels so I'll have the best of both worlds!
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whitefeather
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2010
Posts: 15
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Post by whitefeather on Feb 11, 2011 23:02:27 GMT -5
I bought my first model A12 in 1981 and it run 24/7 for years before i sold it to a friend, i now have a A15 that runs 24/7 and it is running right now in polish mode with about 25# of turquoise in it, yes i overload it all the time and it just keeps running with what ever i load it with, when i finish this load I'm thinking of putting bigger rods in it with ball bearings, i have worn out the nylon bearings because i have over loaded it so many times, I'm going to buy another one as soon as money is available, WF~
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