Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 13,013
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Post by Tommy on Apr 15, 2022 13:28:49 GMT -5
A while back the motor started flopping around on my Gemstone tumbler and I pretty much just parked it for around four years I think. The motor still works good and the bowl and lid are in good shape so it would be shame if I had to scrap the machine. Back when I parked it I thought I would eventually buy a new large unit but opted for a Lot-O instead. So the plastic platform that the motor attaches to is broken, split apart and it lost one of the motor mount standoffs. I also lost one of the rubber spring grommets that had a threaded collar embedded to fasten the springs to the base. I highly doubt if these are parts that I can source, or if a similar part from a modern brand would work as a replacement so I'm looking for input if anyone has any. I don't have a metal mill nor would I know how to operate one if I had it, so the best idea I have at the moment is to cut and fashion a new one out of hard wood, maybe walnut but I wonder how much the extra density of the platform would alter the tumbling action. Any feedback or advice is welcome. The fun part is the bowl was loaded with flats (and trim scraps) that I had prepared for making jewelry and since I have zero recollection of what the load was I'm excited to see what's in it.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Apr 17, 2022 15:34:31 GMT -5
The rubber spring bushing should be a fairly easy fix with some off the shelf bushings. That cracked base is a bit of a problem. The only thing I could think of is possible fabricating one out of acrylic or lexan? maybe even attached the old base to a thin steel plate to maintain the hole spacing but offer support for the mounting brackets. Very cool older machine for sure
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Post by Lazy Perfectionist on Oct 7, 2023 12:03:51 GMT -5
Tommy, did you ever fix your Gemstone Tumbler? A neighbor very kindly loaned me his, and after months of tumbling the motor died. My husband couldn't repair it (he's a pro with electronics) and couldn't find a replacement. So I was wondering if your motor might be available.
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