meviva
Cave Dweller
Member since July 2013
Posts: 1,474
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Post by meviva on Jan 6, 2014 11:37:39 GMT -5
I have a Lortone QT66. I thought each barrel could hold 6 lbs. of rock. I was just reading that it's 6 lbs. total weight of the barrel, rock, water and grit. I have been running 5 lbs. of rock in each for quite a while now. Each barrel weighs 9.33 lbs. filled. 5 lbs. of rock fills the barrel 75%. I would have to take out more than 3 lbs in each barrel to be at 6 lbs. total weight. Is the extra weight going to cause problems for the tumbler? How much rock do you put in your barrels?
Thanks, Andrea
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jan 6, 2014 11:54:29 GMT -5
I got my Lortone QT66 a year ago and it's been running constantly ever since. I fill it 2/3 full of rocks. I've never weighed it. So far it's been working fine.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,487
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Post by Sabre52 on Jan 6, 2014 12:18:36 GMT -5
I've run a lot of QT66 and QT12's in the past. 75% full is usually pretty overweight but 2/3 full is usually not too bad, though generally over 6# on the QT66. I found most Lortones seemed to last at least two years of 24/7 use with heavy loads. Then, as they get older, for me, they seem to lose the ability to turn those heavier loads and I'll lighten them up and maybe get a little more time out of the rig. As they get real old, I often ran just one barrel with rocks and the second 6# barrel empty.....Mel
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timloco
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2012
Posts: 545
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Post by timloco on Jan 6, 2014 14:12:20 GMT -5
I have the QT-66 and I fill them up 2/3 to 3/4 full. Only once would it not turn when I plugged it back in after refilling them, and what I did was take one barrel out, start it, then put the barrel in. That got it to spin just fine. So it's possible to overload it I suppose but I wouldn't worry about it.
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 6, 2014 16:27:11 GMT -5
Fill it 2/3 full with rock and bring it to 3/4 full with ceramic media. It should run OK. Lose the scale. Keep the roller bearings oiled and clean.
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meviva
Cave Dweller
Member since July 2013
Posts: 1,474
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Post by meviva on Jan 7, 2014 12:17:24 GMT -5
Thanks for the responses. Next time I will reduce the load to 2/3.
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kaldorlon
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2013
Posts: 413
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Post by kaldorlon on Jan 10, 2014 10:36:32 GMT -5
ok..got a QT6 locally and tried to fire it up this morning...will turn with no barrel but noticed does not take much to stop it. Can't seem to turn barrel 2/3 full and I have taken some rocks out...any ideas?
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Post by pghram on Jan 10, 2014 10:52:49 GMT -5
When it stops, is the motor still turning but the belt is slipping? If so try tightening the belt or replacing the belt. Also make sure there is no oil on the belt or pully. If the motor is stalled, try cleaning & oiling it. If that fails, replace the motor. You said you got it locally, new or used? If new & motor is bad, contact Lorton or the place of purchase. If use, then the motor & belt might need replacing.
Rich
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kaldorlon
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2013
Posts: 413
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Post by kaldorlon on Jan 10, 2014 10:55:58 GMT -5
Maybe a belt tightening then, how do I get the cover off? I see the one nut that comes off, but looks like it's also riveted closed on the other side...??
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Post by pghram on Jan 10, 2014 11:02:27 GMT -5
Just remove the nut & it should come right off.
Rich
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kaldorlon
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2013
Posts: 413
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Post by kaldorlon on Jan 10, 2014 11:08:16 GMT -5
got the cover off and tightened the belt...works like a champ...cover not happy about going back on, so going to leave it off. It's in a closed bathroom and should have no problems...
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Post by pghram on Jan 10, 2014 11:16:24 GMT -5
I'm glad you got it going.
Rich
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 10, 2014 11:45:47 GMT -5
It is very common to find stretched belts. I've bought a lot of used "not running" Lortones that I fixed by replacing or tightening the belt. Clean and check the plastic shaft bushings. It is common to find them worn through and sometimes into the shaft as well. I usually cover the shafts with Tygon or other reinforced hose too.
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Post by Starguy on Jan 31, 2014 19:08:07 GMT -5
You should put the cover back on. It gives some structural strength to the tumbler. Without it the base can flex more and it might cause you trouble.
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