jdubs
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 54
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Post by jdubs on Jul 10, 2016 9:33:30 GMT -5
Because I have the most amazing wife, an early birthday present was ordered for me last night, the QT66. After realizing just how long that stage 1 tumble truly takes, we agreed a bigger unit would feed our new addiction better than our new 33B. We contemplated the Model B, but settled on the QT66 because we liked the double barrel aspect of the unit for additional options.
My question is regarding the durability and life of the unit. I have come across threads where people are burning out motors and some even giving up on Lortone all together. It has me a little worried now. Are the newer models coming with better motors these days? Any tips for keeping this unit running happy other than oiling the bearings? I am assuming just like the 33B a 2/3 barrel will be weighin more than the listed weights so perhaps I should underfill with stone and add lighter plastics so i dont burn it out? Any advice from you who has been running a QT66 is much appreciated! Thanks in advance!
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jul 10, 2016 11:10:46 GMT -5
Mine has been running for about three years straight with no problems, except I've had to replace the rubber liner on the inner lid. All I've done is oil the bearings. My 33b has been running for about one extra year. I did have e problem where the bearings wore all the wY through and ruined the shaft. I replaced both and it's been doing fine ever since. I do take it apart occasionally to make sure that doesn't happen again.
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jdubs
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 54
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Post by jdubs on Jul 10, 2016 11:18:30 GMT -5
Ok good to know, Juggler! I appreciate the feedback! They seem like simple enough machines. I think I will do the same and take it a part in between loads to check on the bearings/shafts! An ounce of prevention as they say!
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Post by Garage Rocker on Jul 10, 2016 11:53:02 GMT -5
Nice, you'll love the larger barrels. Not only do you get more volume, the grinding action is enhanced. More rocks moving through quicker, what's not to like? My 33b has been running since Christmas and the QT12 since end of May with no problems. Just a little oil and a repurposed bicycle training wheel to prevent barrel creep on the 33b.
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jdubs
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 54
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Post by jdubs on Jul 10, 2016 12:00:57 GMT -5
Awesome GarageRocker, you guys are making me feel better about our choice! As far as the training wheel goes, did you just stick the wheel flat between the two barrels on the 33b? Clever use regardless of how!
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Post by Garage Rocker on Jul 10, 2016 12:34:41 GMT -5
Nothing fancy, or permanent. I had the wheel and the ladder was there, so it just happened.
The barrels kept creeping one way or another and rubbing on surfaces that were gouging the rubber. Where the tumbler is now, they want to move to the one end, if they move at all, so this keeps them from hitting the frame. There are other ways to handle the problem, but as you can see, this required minimal effort. Which leads to more time playing.
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jdubs
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 54
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Post by jdubs on Jul 10, 2016 13:17:07 GMT -5
Ohhh gotchya! Hey, what ever does the trick!
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jul 10, 2016 18:20:45 GMT -5
Garage Rocker, I think you have your barrels on backwards. I run mine with the lids to the outside so that the smooth metal runs against the little white plastic washer thingy. Did you notice on the QT66 that the lids go to the outside so that one nut sets in the little metal guide? It's been running that way for four years without a problem, no training wheel required. jdubs, I wasn't suggesting that you take your tumbler apart weekly. I check mine like once year. Six months would probably be safer though.
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Post by adam on Jul 10, 2016 18:26:07 GMT -5
I had the problem of my 3A collecting black debris. I probably overloaded my tumbler and strained the belt, so in the future I will only do half a barrel full.
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Post by Garage Rocker on Jul 10, 2016 18:39:25 GMT -5
Garage Rocker , I think you have your barrels on backwards. I run mine with the lids to the outside so that the smooth metal runs against the little white plastic washer thingy. Did you notice on the QT66 that the lids go to the outside so that one nut sets in the little metal guide? It's been running that way for four years without a problem, no training wheel required. jdubs , I wasn't suggesting that you take your tumbler apart weekly. I check mine like once year. Six months would probably be safer though. Rob, I've had them facing out for the longest time, but the nut on top of the barrel was grinding on the white tabs. If I put them end to end, the nut rubs on the bottom of the barrel in front of it. This set up has been working for a couple weeks without problems, but I'm sure something else will come up. I do like the metal guide on the QT12, wish the 33b had them.
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jdubs
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 54
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Post by jdubs on Jul 10, 2016 19:25:51 GMT -5
Garage Rocker , I think you have your barrels on backwards. I run mine with the lids to the outside so that the smooth metal runs against the little white plastic washer thingy. Did you notice on the QT66 that the lids go to the outside so that one nut sets in the little metal guide? It's been running that way for four years without a problem, no training wheel required. jdubs , I wasn't suggesting that you take your tumbler apart weekly. I check mine like once year. Six months would probably be safer though. Ok cool, thanks for the clarification! I might try quarterly throughout the year but thats just because i like to play with my toys! Haha
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huskeric
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2016
Posts: 353
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Post by huskeric on Jul 12, 2016 16:18:08 GMT -5
Because I have the most amazing wife, an early birthday present was ordered for me last night, the QT66. After realizing just how long that stage 1 tumble truly takes, we agreed a bigger unit would feed our new addiction better than our new 33B. We contemplated the Model B, but settled on the QT66 because we liked the double barrel aspect of the unit for additional options. My question is regarding the durability and life of the unit. I have come across threads where people are burning out motors and some even giving up on Lortone all together. It has me a little worried now. Are the newer models coming with better motors these days? Any tips for keeping this unit running happy other than oiling the bearings? I am assuming just like the 33B a 2/3 barrel will be weighin more than the listed weights so perhaps I should underfill with stone and add lighter plastics so i dont burn it out? Any advice from you who has been running a QT66 is much appreciated! Thanks in advance! You know, I have a virtually identical story. I am really new to this as well, and I bought a Thumler's Model T off eBay. Within a week, I acquired another knockoff Model T and a knockoff AR-2 from my brother-in-law, who had originally used them for something else. I was planning to buy ANOTHER 33b, but life got in my way and so did the opportunity, so I consoled myself by buying a QT12. It arrived Friday of last week, and I basically sprinted downstairs to set it up and fill it. When I looked at that 12lb barrel, I figured it would consume every rock I owned, but it barely made a dent, and now I have the itch again... I think I want to get a Lot-O next, but I have a buddy who works for a company that builds industrial conveyor systems, and I have some grandiose plans brewing in my head there as well... My wife isn't super gung-ho about this, but she's at least tolerant for now... She just rolls her eyes when we go for a walk around the neighborhood, and I'm eyeballing everyone's river rock looking for another p-p-p-precioussssssss.... Hey, I'll see you in rock rehab, say in 6 months?
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jdubs
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 54
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Post by jdubs on Jul 12, 2016 16:27:18 GMT -5
Yeaaaaahhhhhhh , about that.....My loto came in today so........... LOL. Hi, my name is jdubs and I am addicted to tumbling........its been three days since I have bought a new tumbler lol
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jdubs
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 54
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Post by jdubs on Jul 13, 2016 20:25:17 GMT -5
So according to my instructions I am to put in 10 Tablespoons of 60/90 for my stage one. Has everyone found this to be true? I should have posted first as I did start a load with that amount, then I found a post saying to start with 3TBLS and add 3 more every 2 or 3 days until a max of ten. Did i mess up by following instructions ? That would be a bummer!
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jul 13, 2016 20:34:28 GMT -5
I use one cup of water and six tablespoons of grit in a six lb. barrel. I have used 80, 60/90, and I'm currently using 46/70. I do not weigh my rocks, but fill to about 2/3 full.
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jdubs
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 54
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Post by jdubs on Jul 13, 2016 20:56:44 GMT -5
Ok awesome thanks juggler! Sounds like I could have gone a little lighter with the grit then, good to know. Are you recharging or doing a complete cleanout and regrit every so often?
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jul 13, 2016 21:21:10 GMT -5
I do a complete clean out once a week. We do not all agree on this. If you want more opinions, you should start a new thread with an appropriate title.
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jdubs
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 54
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Post by jdubs on Jul 13, 2016 22:02:03 GMT -5
Ok thanks for the input! I appreciate it, and apologies for branching off.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jul 13, 2016 22:11:25 GMT -5
Ok thanks for the input! I appreciate it, and apologies for branching off. No need to apologize, it's just that with the title being about something else, you won't get as many answers.
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jdubs
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 54
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Post by jdubs on Jul 13, 2016 22:28:40 GMT -5
Ok cool thanks, i really do appreciate everyones help!
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