Enigman
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 163
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Post by Enigman on Feb 20, 2015 14:11:25 GMT -5
Hello,
I am considering adding a second larger capacity rotary tumbler (my current is a CE twin 3 pound) and I have tentatively landed on the Lortone QT66. The two six pound barrels might be a good fit for me.
If you currently have this model, please tell me how you like it compared to other similar capacity tumblers. How about noise? Quality of construction? Ease of maintenance? The whole shootin match.
Thanks.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Feb 20, 2015 17:35:31 GMT -5
I've had a QT66 for a couple of years. I like it. I also have a 33b and a Lot-O tumbler. The QT66 is the only one that I can really hear upstairs. The Lot-O makes a humming noise that is pretty quiet. The 33b makes a rumble that I can sort of hear when it's very quiet. But the QT66 makes a louder rumble since the rocks have to fall farther in the bigger barrel. Right now I can't hear it because the furnace is running and I can hear the forced air heating duct right behind my chair. If the TV is on I can't hear it. If the refrigerator is running I can't hear it. So it's not that loud, just louder than the other tumblers.
I do like having two barrels as opposed to one 12 lb. barrel. It allows me do run two different kinds of rocks at one time. I haven't had any mechanical problems with it so far. I might have changed a belt, I know I've tightened the belt. I did wear out the center of the rubber lid cover once. It was no big deal, nothing leaked, I just notice that there was a hole in it and replaced it. The Rock Shed carries all the replacement parts. The only other maintenance is putting a drop of oil on each end of the shafts when I empty it.
I would definitely recommend it. You should pick up a Lot-O while you're at it.
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,547
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Post by tkvancil on Feb 21, 2015 0:15:50 GMT -5
Had mine for a couple years as well. Same as Rob said about noise. Mine is right under the living room and if TV's on the tumbler can't be heard. I took the belt cover off, I like the belt slightly looser than it came from the factory. The way I had it set it was wearing through the plastic. Belt lasted two years, just changed it last week. Oil the bushings once a month is the way I go and they are showing no wear. The frame is good. Motor might be slightly underpowered but that is common among todays hobbyist type tumblers. You can also run a single 12# barrel on the machine. Gives some versatility.
Like mine a lot and would recommend. Grinds faster than 3 pounders as well.
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Daniel1962
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2015
Posts: 7
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Post by Daniel1962 on Feb 21, 2015 10:43:09 GMT -5
I've just rejoined the forum, I had a QT66 a few years ago and it is Awesome. Matter of fact I just received a new one from Shawn @ The Rock Shed The 33's are great little tumblers but the 66 will do alot more & faster. It does like to eat Grit, so I suggest you buy in Bulk. The noise Is not an issue. It will run & run. I'd keep an extra belt on hand as well. You may never need it, but you'll have it in case you need it. Just a drop of oil on the bearing occasionally is all the maintenance. The Rock Shed has the best prices, and he ships really quick as well
good luck Dave
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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 25, 2015 14:52:49 GMT -5
I have a qt66. one barrel I use for rough or 120/220 grit, the other barrel I use for polish. I painted a couple of white strips on the rough barrel so I don't mix it up with the polish barrel. I also have a qt12# that I use for polish also and the thumbler tumbler 15# for rough. chas
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