scottiey
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2023
Posts: 7
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Post by scottiey on Sept 1, 2023 16:08:26 GMT -5
I recently acquired a Raytech Gem Maker GSP-8A. It is in great working shape but I am trying to figure out how to change a wheel. I can't seem to find a manual anywhere online. Excuse the sloppy messy photo, this was just after t got home. Thanks in advance on any info that anyone can provide - a manual or a way to change the wheels. If anyone has any suggestions it would be appreciated
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gunsil
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2023
Posts: 325
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Post by gunsil on Sept 1, 2023 16:31:42 GMT -5
These are great machines, I have a couple, just rebuilt one. To change wheels first unscrew the two end discs then loosen the end nuts. Note that the left disc and nut are left hand threads and nut unscrew opposite - right=loose. Then you have to loosen all the way the two big plastic nuts on the top of the machine and take the belt off the motor. Then the top section which is hinged folds back onto provided rests. Now you can remove the complete shaft, take the end nuts off, and the wheels slide off. You will be removing the sealed bearings and you'd be smart to replace those and the belt too. The center spacer in your last photo will remain in place. The nuts on that spacer are held with a wrench to loosen/tighten end nuts. When you have the complete shaft out take good photos so you know how all the bearings and spacers go back together. Grainger has the bearings but I found them cheaper on ebay (brand new). To replace the left side center wheel you will have to remove the belt pulley and it's woodruff key. The pulley has a set screw you will need to loosen. I see that your motor is in the high (low shaft speed) position, you have to lower it all the way to remove the belt. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.
I would also check the water flow before disassembling since sometimes the little hose that connects the water valves is kinked or clogged. While it is opened up it is a lit easier to access those parts and also to replace the wheel wipers which you use outdoor carpet for.
I also see that the paint appears to be worn off the front of the rest. I power washed my housing, lightly sanded the inside and repainted the insides and the front area. Rustoleum no longer makes the hammertone green paint they were painted at the factory, I used Rustoleum silver hammertone paint and it looks pretty good.
Oh yeah, if you google Raytechsaws (one word) you get Rick Scott's website and he has a copy of the GSP-8 manual you can copy and print.
Did you find that machine on the cape? Great score!!
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scottiey
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2023
Posts: 7
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Post by scottiey on Sept 1, 2023 18:03:58 GMT -5
gunsil Awesome - thank you so much! This all makes sense. The water flows pretty good although I am going to replace the hoses as they just look old and drip a bit. I do have a question on the removal of the sealed bearings. There appears to be 2 "screws" that holds them in place however they seem to be rubber. But after re-reading what you wrote, might that just slide off once I remove the 1st wheel? I need to hit the hardware store to get a bigger wrench to handle that nut. I was reading another post and someone recommended these bearings? Yes, I found it on the Cape. Of all things I was BS-ing with another vendor's mom at a craft fair and mentioned I was looking to build my own. She said screw that, give me $500 and come take this beast out of my basement :-) It comes with a ton of accessories that I still need to pick up and she finds them. I've already spent about an hour working with the machine and it has ripped through the backs of the quahog shells quite nicely. 20 shells down and 10 buckets to go :-) Thank you again, I really appreciate your insight and feedback!
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scottiey
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2023
Posts: 7
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Post by scottiey on Sept 1, 2023 18:13:14 GMT -5
Here is a link to the manual for anyone else who may need it! Thanks again gunsil Off to Home Depot to get a bigger wrench
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gunsil
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2023
Posts: 325
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Post by gunsil on Sept 1, 2023 19:13:36 GMT -5
You're quite welcome! I just use big channel lock pliers on the nuts. Harbor Freight will be cheaper than the Depot for large wrenches. Yes, the bearing you show should be the one. You just back out the little plastic screws and they will come off. You will likely need some penetrating oil and a plastic mallet to get them off. Ditto on the belt pulley. Note you should tighten the nuts on the ends of the shaft before tightening the little plastic screws and the set screw in the belt pulley to make sure all wheels, bearings, and pulley are tight to each other. I know a couple of the Vineyard wampum makers, I sell my jewelry through a store/gallery in Menemsha. I think you're gonna love the variable speeds on this machine, in my eyes they beat the Genies for versatility.
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gunsil
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2023
Posts: 325
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Post by gunsil on Sept 1, 2023 19:17:31 GMT -5
You're quite welcome! I just use big channel lock pliers on the nuts. Harbor Freight will be cheaper than the Depot for large wrenches. Yes, the bearing you show should be the one. You just back out the little plastic screws and they will come off. You will likely need some penetrating oil and a plastic mallet to get them off. Ditto on the belt pulley. If you don't have a plastic mallet using a piece of wood as a punch and a metal hammer works well. Note you should tighten the nuts on the ends of the shaft before tightening the little plastic screws and the set screw in the belt pulley to make sure all wheels, bearings, and pulley are tight to each other. I know a couple of the Vineyard wampum makers, I sell my jewelry through a store/gallery in Menemsha. I think you're gonna love the variable speeds on this machine, in my eyes they beat the Genies for versatility. Dang! It double posted when I edited post, don't know how to delete one.
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Post by liveoak on Sept 3, 2023 6:23:38 GMT -5
Great find - congrats !
Patty
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