rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
|
Post by rockdewd on Apr 2, 2008 10:12:12 GMT -5
I've been thinking (dreaming) of a mega rotary tumbler for some on my bigger rocks. Especially the river rock I picked up in Montana that has a lot of crap to be cleaned off. Last weekend I was in Harbor Freight and saw they had a small cement mixer on sale for $99.99. The blades inside the barrel are just bolted in so I would remove those and seal the holes. It would probably be noisy as hell and I don't know how long it would hold up under constant use. I would also have to come up with some kind of cover to keep evaporation and splashing down but that could be as simple as a bungee cord and heavy plastic sheet.
Whadda-ya-think?
Rick
|
|
Simon
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2009
Posts: 352
|
Post by Simon on Apr 2, 2008 10:55:22 GMT -5
I've been thinking about the same thing, painting the inside with rubber sealant may cut the noise down. The cover idea will work. I can see it now one for coarse one for fine and one for polish. Neighbours what neighbours.
|
|
rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
|
Post by rockdewd on Apr 2, 2008 14:38:30 GMT -5
Here's the link to the mixer I'm talking about: tinyurl.com/2nk4vfThe base of the barrel sounds like cast iron when you knock on it and the top half of the barrel is thinner sheet metal. Maybe rhino coat the inside to sound proof it a bit and get a bit more wear out of it. Now to come up with the $'s and sneak in the garage so my family won't think I've totally lost my mind... Rick
|
|
scottyh
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2007
Posts: 181
|
Post by scottyh on Apr 2, 2008 18:15:08 GMT -5
Hi all, Awhile back I sent the following link through. If you go to the equipment/machine section you will see that Vince uses a couple of cement mixers (a large one and a small one). All I can say is that the results speak for themselves. www.birdlingsmuseum.741.com/Cheers Scott
|
|
WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
|
Post by WarrenA on Apr 2, 2008 20:36:42 GMT -5
I would coat the inside with a herculiner or simular truck bed liner stuff
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Apr 2, 2008 22:05:31 GMT -5
I think I'd try it with the mixing blades in. I think it would speed up the process. The truck bed liner would be good too.
|
|
Saskrock
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2007
Posts: 1,852
|
Post by Saskrock on Apr 2, 2008 22:40:53 GMT -5
A little while back I saw a similar small mixer but it had a heavy plastic drum. It made me think tumbler imediately. It was at Peavy Mart though so I don't think they are in the USA. It was similar to this but less expensive. www.toolfetch.com/Category--Cement_Mixers--59000D.shtmlProbably last better and be quieter than a steel drum
|
|
|
Post by cpdad on Apr 2, 2008 22:43:56 GMT -5
i have already been this route....i brought up the same thing 2 years ago....and i new better ;D....but i asked anyway ;D....not beleiving...i took the idea to our motor guy....he kinda laughed at me ;D
the motor with this unit will not handle the constant running needed....a motor that will handle a load of rock as you suggest....is more expensive than a 15 lb tumbler....buy a 15 pounder ;D.
i can go on and on....but it aint near worth it....buy the tumbler you want....ya i can build all ya want....but believe me it aint worth it ;D....kev.
|
|
rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
|
Post by rockdewd on Apr 2, 2008 22:56:39 GMT -5
Scott,
Thanks for the link. I read about their cement mixer tumbler and found they had slowed he barrel down to 14 rpms. I never thought of it being too fast. I would mean doing some math and changing some pulleys but it would be do able.
Warren,
Yep. I think lining it is the only way to keep my neighbors from running me out of the neighborhood on a rail. I wonder if you can put on multiple coats do build up a liner of about 1/4 thick.
John,
The fins look pretty cheap. I'm thinking of tumbling some pretty big rocks like 3 and 4 pounds. I'm thinking the would get bent and eventually break.
Maybe I can keep my eye out for a used electric cement mixer with a heavier barrel than the Harbor Freight one. It would probably have a nice coating of cement on the inside that would make for some nice slurry until it wore off.
Rick
|
|
|
Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Apr 3, 2008 2:38:43 GMT -5
Hi Rick
You could line a shed out with polystryne as used for insulation in the building trade this would cut the noise down.
Ever put a couple of bricks in a cement mixer to help clean it out !!!! It IS VERY noisey
I looked at the link of Scott's and saw it had a rubber lining in it
I used Rubber off cuts from flooring used on horse box ramps simular to Auto car mats to line my paint barrels before I started usingThumbler/ Lortone rubber barrels
When all is said and done I would think KEV's advice is pretty good !!!
Jack Yorkshire UK
|
|
rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
|
Post by rockdewd on Apr 6, 2008 18:46:24 GMT -5
I was in Home Depot today and they sell a large and a small cement mixer that has a 1/2 inch thick plastic barrel. That would work perfect. Well I need to make some money this year before I go spending money. So this project will be put of hold for the time being due to lack of funding.
Rick
|
|