pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Mar 31, 2018 16:34:17 GMT -5
Anyone who has followed this newbee (that B me) more than likely knows I'm all for alternative methods to arrive (achieve) the same results as the "pro's" here without the expense, TIME or overwhelming learning curves.......Some may consider that "under achieving"........but not having "disposable" amounts of "liquidity", patience and involved in other "more" expensive" hobbies/passions like firearms, musical instruments and my family, little is left for bills.....lol
Anyway, back in May of 2017, I purchased two Harbor Freight "Chicago Electric - China knock-offs".......duel 3lb barrel rotaries. They have been running continuously (outside of occasional shut-downs during time away). The only thing I have previously done to them is sort out roller-bar issues........nothing else.
Well, one had started to make "not-good" noises........motor...........So today, I tore into both of them and found a few surprises.......not really surprises, after all they are China knock-offs and we all know they seldom complicate anything at this expense, use quality material or otherwise quality control.........LOL
The pic below is the unit's motor that had the issue.......no washers at either ends of the armature bearing cases........figured that out by reverse "engineering" the other quiet unit....:
It's a wonder these run at-all.......poor material and absolutely no lubrication......or washers....lol
Took a couple of hours to break-down both, clean, lube and re-assemble......they are now humming like little barrels should, only the rocks making noise....lol
Note: Lucky I had washers this size....I've re-built a few elect. motors in the past........all-in all, for the money and a little "know-how", I'd buy these again (if one is into small batches).........the barrels are well made and durable, the roller bars are not difficult to modify, and if the need comes, parts are available and not much expense........for less than 1/2 the price of an (equal size) Lortone and a little maintenance.........the casual rock hobby guy could enjoy this along with his other hobbies......lol.
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salpal48
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2015
Posts: 136
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Post by salpal48 on Apr 2, 2018 10:26:55 GMT -5
This is Typical HF junk . You may Get One good One and The next is junk.. I have one . when I got it , it made more noise than my lawn mower. took it all apart. and tighten it all up . now it works Fine. But they don't last. now I only Buy Lortone
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Apr 2, 2018 11:31:35 GMT -5
Ya.....Price is usually a good indicator of quality, especially with specialized products........I got into this hobby on a whim. Didn't really know if it was going to pan out, so I researched and shopped. The wife, I and kids had been rock hounds for years.
Cleaning a closet out one day, she came upon 6 shoe boxes (I actually tripped over them and they did not move....lol).....so I snooped and to my delight they were filled with stones she had been collecting when our kids were into it........over 25 years ago.....lol.......So, I started looking for a place to store them and remembered I had packed away several boxes of "stuff" me and the kids collected as well.
One thing led to another, pulled out all of my boxes and she and I stated reminiscing for over an hour.....lol.......she asked why I had not ever considered polishing (your so good at every hobby you get into).....lol......I pointed to the small garage/shop we have and said.....where...how and when.....? If you knew my wife, you'd quickly discover she is optimistic about almost everything in life.......even with me after 32yrs.
So, for almost a year now (in May), I've been tumbling and she has been the quality control distributor.......we're making refig. magnets and providing a couple of her friends, who wire wrap, with pieces she selects.......I'm stuck with the +C material.....lol......But I now have photo albums of everything we collect and polish.
As for buying or "investing" in quality equipment.......I do that with other "passions", those I get a "return" on my investment......until such time (if ever), the rock hobby can provide more than personal enjoyment to us, our friends and family......If I can fix it, maintain it, accomplish quality results and still juggle my time, I'll continue to find alternative methods to save money and keep the learning curve KISS......Besides, that's been half of the fun when comparing my results with others who have more time and are invested much more heavily........This Forum has helped tremendously with that aspect....!
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rads
spending too much on rocks
Making clay each day!
Member since April 2018
Posts: 318
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Post by rads on Apr 11, 2018 12:53:30 GMT -5
I bought one for doing smaller stones and immediately took it apart and took the plastic fan off and replaced it with a metal one I fabbed up with larger fins. Also did nylon washers on the armature. Haven't had problems with it with a little oil every month. I'd tear it down to show the fan, but right now it is in winter hibernation in my shop. The original fan is just glued on, I used tin to make the circle and carefully cut the blades out with a small hacksaw. Drilled the center to the old fan size and used "Goop" (my fav) to glue it back on. I did balance the new fan blade out by removing small amounts from blades until it spun freely and did not come to rest in the same spot each time. Hope it helps everyone. They aren't bad for the price if you address the problems right outta the box.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,688
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Post by Fossilman on Apr 11, 2018 14:15:08 GMT -5
I got a HF sitting in my shop and that's where it will stay...LOL piece of crap, someone gave me to keep and fix.. I give it a go and said hell no, not worth my time... LOL
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Apr 11, 2018 15:09:07 GMT -5
Ya, like someone else here pointed out, the HF's are hit or miss........If you keep them maintained they'll run just fine....I figure if they last me a couple of years, I've got my monies worth and able to save up for a couple of Covington's rotary's......!
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