stevenzawicki
off to a rocking start
Member since May 2021
Posts: 2
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Post by stevenzawicki on Jun 5, 2021 19:53:46 GMT -5
I was gifted a Chicago Electric (Harbor Freight) tumbler and apparently some sort of rock addicting drug.
4 weeks in. Went to check my rocks and the barrel wasn't turning. Broken Belt!!!
Is this common this quickly or am I doing something wrong??
My friend is now also encouraging me to get a Lot-O Tumbler, but they seem sold out everywhere. Are they usually hard to fine?
A new rock hound stuck in Kansas, Steve
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Post by mohs on Jun 5, 2021 20:35:36 GMT -5
Some where way back in the archives I had posted about my Harbor Freight Tumbler I’ll be back if I find those pictures …mostly
Not sure you have the same one
Anyway mine was Constantly breaking that cheap little black belt
I had crafted a new pulley on the motor spindle I really lucked out because I found this secondhand pulley electrical part. Same spindle size hole. It was considerably more sturdy
Connecting that up then allowed me to use a super duper belt. Well a more heavy duty one.
It seemed to be a fix. I was only using it for fine grind. But my patience and space for tumbling were limited End up giving the tumblers away. But it seem to be a fix
Anyway those HF are known to a problem \ Good luck And Welcome to RTH
Ed
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Post by greig on Jun 6, 2021 20:04:05 GMT -5
With the belt removed, spin your parts (hehe) by hand to see if there is resistance. No reason a belt fails that fast, except maybe it was made in China. Lube the bearings if necessary or do it anyway. Get another belt and continue with your tumble. Good luck.
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Brian
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2020
Posts: 1,512
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Post by Brian on Jun 7, 2021 7:09:37 GMT -5
You may want to check to make sure everything is properly aligned. I’ve read that those tumblers often need to be re-aligned so that you are not putting unnecessary force on them.
Also check the spacing to make sure there isn’t too much tension on them. I had to turn up my Lortone when it was new to make sure everything was lined up and properly tensioned. In my case, the belt was too loose and I needed to move the motor farther away. The loose belt was rubbing on the sharp edge of the pulley.
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gatorflash1
spending too much on rocks
Active in Delaware Mineralogical Society, Cabchon Grinding and Polishing, 2 Thumlers B's and a UV-18
Member since October 2018
Posts: 375
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Post by gatorflash1 on Jun 8, 2021 13:21:36 GMT -5
I was gifted a Chicago Electric (Harbor Freight) tumbler and apparently some sort of rock addicting drug. 4 weeks in. Went to check my rocks and the barrel wasn't turning. Broken Belt!!! Is this common this quickly or am I doing something wrong?? My friend is now also encouraging me to get a Lot-O Tumbler, but they seem sold out everywhere. Are they usually hard to fine? A new rock hound stuck in Kansas, Steve Steve - I buy belts by the dozen and seem to break one every month or two on my large 15lb tumblers. They may have a larger load than they are designed for.
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Post by fernwood on Jun 8, 2021 15:05:44 GMT -5
I replaced the belt with an O-ring before use. Have had no problems.
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reeniebeany
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rotary Only
Member since January 2020
Posts: 125
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Post by reeniebeany on Jun 10, 2021 20:08:03 GMT -5
I also have the CE (dual drum). My hubby took off the end caps of the spindles so I can grease it. Otherwise it rubs and squeaks like crazy. Mine has a belt adjustment thingy that we needed to tighten after about a year. If yours has the same adjustment maybe it can be loosened up. A quick search shows possible belt replacements: www.amazon.com/Freight-Chicago-Electric-Rock-Replacement/dp/B01DUZLW76Not sure which those are for (single or dual), or which you have but it might not be that hard to find replacements. I don't think any of us here can help you with the rock addiction. Own it, embrace it, revel in it...
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