dirtybill
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2021
Posts: 13
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Post by dirtybill on Aug 18, 2021 10:39:29 GMT -5
Even us new guys can contribute!
Having joined our group here a little over a week ago, I got down to tumbling my 1st load in my ancient Model B, having received my 1st order from the Rock Shed. All was going well for the 1st 24 hours, and noticed a clicking sound with the tumbler. Turned it off, and saw 2 rather large cracks in the belt, one of them 90% through. Spent a lot of time online looking for replacements for the Model B, as well as O ring style vacuume cleaner belts, which this is. The local vacuume cleaner shop is no longer open, and very few O ring style belts are available these days. The ones that are, give vac model #'s, not sizes. No regular O rings, the right size available locally. I did find an Ebay supplier for belts that have good reviews for the Model B, and many others. Placed an order for a 10 pack, but will be waiting a week to receive. Soooo! Put my brain to work.
I cross cut strips of duct tape, wide enough to wrap 2/3 to 3/4 around the thickness of the belt. Start on the outside of the belt with the tape centered over the crack, and "roll" it around each side towards the belt's underside. Next, repeat centering the tape on the underside of the belt, and roll the tape upwards, and over the 1st piece of tape. Try and keep the wrinkles to a minimum.
The result is, my tumbler is again running with a full load, and has been going for 5 or 6 hours so far. No changes in tape or any unusual wear. My thinking is, why wouldn't this work for anyone else who finds themselves in a jam? Hope this helps!
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Post by perkins17 on Aug 18, 2021 10:42:12 GMT -5
Even us new guys can contribute! Having joined our group here a little over a week ago, I got down to tumbling my 1st load in my ancient Model B, having received my 1st order from the Rock Shed. All was going well for the 1st 24 hours, and noticed a clicking sound with the tumbler. Turned it off, and saw 2 rather large cracks in the belt, one of them 90% through. Spent a lot of time online looking for replacements for the Model B, as well as O ring style vacuume cleaner belts, which this is. The local vacuume cleaner shop is no longer open, and very few O ring style belts are available these days. The ones that are, give vac model #'s, not sizes. No regular O rings, the right size available locally. I did find an Ebay supplier for belts that have good reviews for the Model B, and many others. Placed an order for a 10 pack, but will be waiting a week to receive. Soooo! Put my brain to work. I cross cut strips of duct tape, wide enough to wrap 2/3 to 3/4 around the thickness of the belt. Start on the outside of the belt with the tape centered over the crack, and "roll" it around each side towards the belt's underside. Next, repeat centering the tape on the underside of the belt, and roll the tape upwards, and over the 1st piece of tape. Try and keep the wrinkles to a minimum. The result is, my tumbler is again running with a full load, and has been going for 5 or 6 hours so far. No changes in tape or any unusual wear. My thinking is, why wouldn't this work for anyone else who finds themselves in a jam? Hope this helps! Wow! That's really smart. I wouldn't have thought that.
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Wooferhound
Cave Dweller
Lortone QT66 and 3A
Member since December 2016
Posts: 1,432
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Post by Wooferhound on Aug 18, 2021 16:33:28 GMT -5
If in Doubt , Whip it Out Duck Tape that is . . .
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Post by rockpickerforever on Aug 18, 2021 16:46:12 GMT -5
I can't hear "whip it out" without thinking of Sheriff Bart in Blazing Saddles.
"Let me just whip this out," followed by gasps from the wimmenfolk!
Great movie, not PC now, but one of my favorites. I'm sure the cast had a blast making that movie. Back when movies used to be fun, not something whiners today would tear apart.
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Post by perkins17 on Aug 18, 2021 17:15:49 GMT -5
If in Doubt , Whip it Out Duck Tape that is . . . That my motto! Lol. ๐
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Uriah
starting to shine!
Member since August 2021
Posts: 38
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Post by Uriah on Aug 18, 2021 20:51:43 GMT -5
"If you can't duct it, chuck it"
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dirtybill
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2021
Posts: 13
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Post by dirtybill on Aug 18, 2021 20:56:17 GMT -5
I remember Blazing Saddles very well. Laughed my a$$ off! My date couldn't understand what was so funny. Needless to say it was a 1st and last encounter.
As a follow up, the frictional heat started getting the better of my "repaired" belt. It succumbed after about 15 or 16 hours due to the adhesive of the tape giving out. A very fitting end to a belt that lasted decades. It didn't tumble a tremendous amount of rocks, but many thousands of ammo casings were put through my Model B. Another substitute would be a makeshift belt made from a piece of pantyhose. Again, not sure how long it may last, but works great as an emergency belt on boat or car engines (non serpintine). ๐
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dirtybill
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2021
Posts: 13
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Post by dirtybill on Aug 22, 2021 18:16:36 GMT -5
FWIW, received my pack of 10 belts from EBay. Looks like these are the real deal. Very pliable! I saw nothing but bad reviews on the ones on Amazon. I believe the brand I got was Bar27. Reviews were pretty decent.
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