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Post by broseph82 on Jul 27, 2016 12:21:17 GMT -5
So I've decided that my Lot-O is too fast for specific pieces. I have melted the glue (or whatever it is) holding the wooden dowel down, but what do I do next? The dowel doesnt seem to move freely forward and for some reason all my wrenches seem too big or too small for that tiny nut inside the red frame. Do I loosen the two nuts closest to the dowel move the rod up, glue back in place and then tighten it all back up?
Anyone who has already done this please chime in. Thanks
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Post by broseph82 on Jul 27, 2016 19:18:47 GMT -5
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Post by orrum on Jul 27, 2016 20:02:48 GMT -5
Do not move that stick! To slow it down use a thicker slurry. Reference Jamesp threads on b different slurries.
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Post by broseph82 on Jul 28, 2016 12:21:09 GMT -5
Do not move that stick! To slow it down use a thicker slurry. Reference Jamesp threads on b different slurries. Why shouldn't I move it? This is from the instructions from the rock shed: "The unit as it is shipped from the factory is resonantly tuned to provide the maximum amplitude of vibration under a full load condition. The tuning is accomplished by the position of the tuning bar which is underneath the springs on the motor end of the unit. Moving the tuning bar changes the amplitude of vibration. It is not recommended that this be done until the operator has become familiar with the unit. With the tuning set for maximum vibration it is important to have a full load of agate. Anything less than the four pounds which the unit is designed to tumble will generate an action that is too aggressive and could result in damage to the unit or to the agate. Do not attempt to tumble small quantities of precious material without providing a filler to bring the weight close to four pounds. Use a tennis ball with a hole, set in barrel instead of the cap for a few stones. be sure to add agate to the regular barrel." I know how to make a thick slurry. I still want my stuff to roll like it does but a bit slower. Please provide information as to why I shouldnt move this bar please.
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Post by orrum on Jul 28, 2016 17:08:48 GMT -5
Get it wrong and the Loto breaks itself apart!
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Post by broseph82 on Jul 28, 2016 23:36:18 GMT -5
Get it wrong and the Loto breaks itself apart! Why is nobody else chiming in? I know others have done this. Even with a thick slurry (which takes a little while to happen) my two or three pieces in a sea of ceramics may get chipped up and I cannot have this
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Jul 29, 2016 6:36:01 GMT -5
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Post by captbob on Jul 29, 2016 8:25:46 GMT -5
Hey Jimi, don't have a Loto, so I have no suggestion, but why not give Shawn at The Rock Shed a call?
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,561
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Post by jamesp on Jul 30, 2016 16:39:07 GMT -5
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Post by broseph82 on Jul 31, 2016 11:38:17 GMT -5
Hey Jimi, don't have a Loto, so I have no suggestion, but why not give Shawn at The Rock Shed a call? I'll do that. Thanks Bob
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Post by oregon on Aug 1, 2016 12:56:22 GMT -5
I have an old version that is gray instead of red. It has a movable pc of 3/4" wood under it, all looks pretty original. I also picked up a new one for a few bucks at a sale that came without a mount, so if anyone can shoot a picture of how they are attached to the base board that'd be great. Looks like the springs are screwed down with a 1/4-20 bolt spacer and a small dowel is factory adjusted and screwed in place - does that sound about right?
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Post by orrum on Aug 1, 2016 14:14:36 GMT -5
Look at pics on The Rock Shed.
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ataraktos
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2020
Posts: 140
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Post by ataraktos on Jul 15, 2020 19:04:18 GMT -5
Ahhh, I know this is a very old thread but I'm looking for similar advice - I want to tone my Lot-o down just a bit because it's chipping my stuff up (in a sea of media) but, fortunately for me (not so for him) I know someone who moved the stick and after months of trouble, just gave up and bought himself a mini-sonic. So "DO NOT MOVE THE STICK" resonates. broseph82 what happened with this? Did you move the stick? How does the story end?
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Jul 15, 2020 19:40:43 GMT -5
Ahhh, I know this is a very old thread but I'm looking for similar advice - I want to tone my Lot-o down just a bit because it's chipping my stuff up (in a sea of media) but, fortunately for me (not so for him) I know someone who moved the stick and after months of trouble, just gave up and bought himself a mini-sonic. So "DO NOT MOVE THE STICK" resonates. broseph82 what happened with this? Did you move the stick? How does the story end? Move the stick toward the chassis to increase the action, move it backward to decrease the action. There is a point of no change, when you move it back enough. You will likely need a new stick soon, if you move it around enough. I recommend 3/8" steel rod. You can also break the springs if you move it too far to the aggressive side.
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Post by aDave on Jul 15, 2020 20:08:21 GMT -5
Ahhh, I know this is a very old thread but I'm looking for similar advice - I want to tone my Lot-o down just a bit because it's chipping my stuff up (in a sea of media) but, fortunately for me (not so for him) I know someone who moved the stick and after months of trouble, just gave up and bought himself a mini-sonic. So "DO NOT MOVE THE STICK" resonates. broseph82 what happened with this? Did you move the stick? How does the story end? I replied in your other thread.
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,561
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Post by jamesp on Jul 16, 2020 5:30:18 GMT -5
Easier modifications to understand in a vibrating system change the motor speed. add or subtract weight from the hopper. add or subtract weight from the off-balance generator. change to a stiffer or softer spring.
Moving the pivot point can get complicated.
By moving the dowel on a Loto both the spring stiffness changes and the pivot point changes. Outcome likely complicated.
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Post by grumpybill on Jul 16, 2020 8:55:52 GMT -5
Easier modifications to understand in a vibrating system ... add or subtract weight from the hopper. ... This^^^^ I've found that the best way to damp the vibration, and at the same reduce the chance of chipping delicate stones and glass, is to add as many pea-sized pre-polished pebbles as possible, filling every gap between the larger pieces. This not only adds weight, it cushions the load.
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Jul 16, 2020 9:03:49 GMT -5
Moving the bar toward the rear increases upward pressure on the Rear spring's mounting point on the frame.
This decreases the movement in the barrel because the weights on the motor now have to do more work to move the load, as there is more upward force being applied to the Front springs (which are what limits how far the barrel moves up and down with each revolution of the motor). This is essentially "adding weight to the hopper" on a Lot-O, without actually adding weight.
If you want less movement in the barrel, you could accomplish the same thing by adding another spring on each of the Front springs, without moving the dowel.
However, having an adjustable dowel allows you to dial it in, in a more precise manner. Just as they try to do at the factory. Apparently they get it right somewhere near 50% of the time.
From what I have seen on other people's machines that function as designed, 1/8" to 1/4" between the frame and the dowel is about standard.
There is nothing magical or mystical about the dowel. You may break a few springs or chip a few rocks moving it (if you move it a lot), but that isn't the end of the world and can easily be fixed. I would say having a machine that works the way YOU want it to work is worth the time it takes to make it adjustable. This also opens up the door to use VERY thick sugar slurry if needed for glass or other delicate material (>3T per barrel).
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JBe
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2019
Posts: 103
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Post by JBe on Jul 16, 2020 9:33:29 GMT -5
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Jul 16, 2020 9:59:28 GMT -5
I'd leave the dowel where the best action is obtained and use an inexpensive motor controller to slow the motor to the desired action level if it were me. Unfortunately that raises the load on the motor, and by slowing the speed also decreases cooling from the fans. Wouldn't want to be buying new motors all the time
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