|
Post by fernwood on May 18, 2017 11:29:21 GMT -5
So, here is what I found in storage unit. My go to tumbler for many years. It was the midrange model with the 60 RPM grinding wheel attached, and a rubber tumbling barrel. I discovered that there were some partially tumbled Amethyst and unakite in the barrel. Yes, I know, not a good combo, but, hey, I was young and foolish back then. The Amethyst is beautoful, Colors ranging from deep purple through clean, some banded. Most are teardrop shapes. Plugged in the tumbler after cleaning it up. Motor is running. Shafts for turning barrel move, but only when I move them. Motor is not doing it. I did not take apart the mechanism to clean the motor. Should I? In the box were unopened 1 lb packages of 5 grades of grit which were purchased later, plus 6 unused grinding papers for the grinding wheel. Also instruction manual and all tools/attachments. The included ricks were long gone, as was the included grits. No money now to buy something new, so any pointers on how to get this working again would be appreciated. OK, so cannot upload other images. A skilcraft model 931 in box. Listed as being a "professional toy". LOL. Hey, Life is tough using accommodations to even be able to see to use the computer. But, any input will be appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by wigglinrocks on May 18, 2017 12:36:12 GMT -5
Sounds like the belt might be slipping . Dried out from storage ?
|
|
|
Post by coloradocliff on May 18, 2017 13:14:09 GMT -5
The old electric motor has been sitting for many years. I run about 75-80 motors and at times in an emergency, pull one out of the pile and it has been sitting for so long it needs help just like one that has bad windings or is half gone. A bit of fresh oil and it knocks the dried dust in the old oil residue loose, rust on shaft etc. and it starts on it own if the motor isn't ready to go kaploey. Penetrating oil to clean is thin and might get into and damage internal parts. Might have been a poor choice of words but crud wasn't a good choice either. .grin Motor could be bad if belts don't help.
|
|
|
Post by fernwood on May 19, 2017 9:38:38 GMT -5
Took tumbler apart. There is no belt! Everything else on interior looks and works great. The manual only says that replacement parts were available at the time. Does not give part numbers. Is there a comparable Lorotone belt that will work? Or, does anyone know the belt size for this machine? There is a great hardware store near me which has everything. Lots of old stock back to the 1950's. Was told if they did not have a belt that would work, they would know where I could get one. Thanks
|
|
|
Post by wigglinrocks on May 19, 2017 9:53:52 GMT -5
Take a piece of string or something and wrap around the pulleys to give you a size reference and look for an O ring to use for the belt . Might work in a pinch .
|
|
|
Post by fernwood on May 19, 2017 11:47:35 GMT -5
Hardware store came through. Went in with tumbler and suggestions for a vacuum belt or O ring. Associate found a rather beefy O ring, installed it and adjusted tension. Good to go, for only $1.65! I bought a spare, just in case.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Cannot wait to get it up and running.
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on May 19, 2017 15:17:50 GMT -5
Measure that belt and compare with Lortone. Looks like Lortone product. On used Lortones when I was a Thumler's dealer I used Thumlers belts (A and B models). They were same size as Lortone but I think less prone to stretch. O-rings generally fail pretty quickly as drive belts. Vacuum cleaner belts probably tougher but not sure. A lot of department stores marketed tumblers and other rock equipment made by Lortone, Star Diamond, Scott Murray, and others under various brand names. Never seen one with sanding disc.
|
|
quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,341
|
Post by quartz on May 19, 2017 23:23:34 GMT -5
Urethane O-rings are designed to be used as drive belts, here I have to order them, maybe they are easier for you. I've used vac. belts on a machine very successfully, small tumbler but it has run for years.
|
|
salpal48
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2015
Posts: 136
|
Post by salpal48 on May 21, 2017 13:52:44 GMT -5
Measure The belt . Go to The o-ring store . 3/16 70 DURO . . I have several of those. I think i Put a Lortone 33 belt for there 3 LB Lb will work I also Have use a Harbor Freight. Bely They worlk well and Lat For a Toy
|
|