kokosnood
starting to shine!
Member since April 2020
Posts: 37
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Post by kokosnood on Apr 12, 2020 17:41:17 GMT -5
Hi, New to Rock Tumbling. I have an old Sears "Gem Tumbler 1418." It seems like a solid piece of equipment. I got everything ready for my first tumble; but it seems to running really hot. The heat is coming from the motor and the shaft coming out of the motor. In 10 minutes the motor was too hot to touch for more than a split second, so I unplugged it and am seeking advice. Is this normal? If not, can it be repaired? Here are some pictures of the unit and my rock room Thanks in advance, Stefan
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Apr 12, 2020 17:57:02 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum! Nice to see that you can already post pictures! Love your rock room as well.
Do you have an infrared thermometer that you can measure the motor temp with? It's not uncommon for the motors on tumblers to run in excess of 130 degrees, which is difficult to touch for very long.
Also those wire nuts and the connections within may have degraded causing un-due resistance, which could heat up the entire circuit including the motor and cord. I would eliminate those even if they are not causing an issue. Some seamless un-insulated butt connectors, solder, and some adhesive lined heat shrink tubing would work nicely. If the copper looks dull or corroded trim the wire back until it's bright
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Apr 12, 2020 17:59:20 GMT -5
The good news is there is still paint on the motor housing, so it's not running hot enough to burn or discolor that!
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Post by knave on Apr 12, 2020 18:59:27 GMT -5
Is there a plate or tag on the motor with info?
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Post by pauls on Apr 12, 2020 21:12:52 GMT -5
My guess is you have a siezed or dry bearing, take the belt off and the barrel and try turning the motor and each shaft by hand, they should turn freely. Even if they are turning, it would be prudent to dismantle and oil all the bearings anyway.
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Post by fernwood on Apr 13, 2020 4:34:04 GMT -5
If I remember correctly, this unit was manufactured by Thumlers for Sears. Circa 1970's? Maybe a search of Thumlers Tumbler troubleshooting will provide some additional guidance.
I am running a 1970's Skilcraft tumbler that was purchase from Montgomery Wards. It was a Christmas present when I was a child. Many tumblers offered via catalog in the 60's-70's were manufactured by well known companies. My research and observations show my Skilcraft tumbler was almost identical to a Lortone. Even the barrel is a Lortone one.
I wish you well on getting this unit to roll smoothly.
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kokosnood
starting to shine!
Member since April 2020
Posts: 37
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Post by kokosnood on Apr 13, 2020 16:28:46 GMT -5
Thanks for all the replies! So I bypassed the switch and redid the (very simple) wiring. It seemed like the belt was a little tight. I lubed (with silicon) and let off a little tension from the belt. The motor turns freely (when no belt.) I'm gonna let it run for a while and see if it gets too hot or not!
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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 30, 2020 13:25:32 GMT -5
Judging from you Photo. You entire machine needs a Good Cleaning. a lot of Caked on oil and Grease . Therefore the motor is just as dirty. My advise Clean the motor . take it off the frame. Submerge completely in Mineral spirits Overnight. next day remove it and let air Dry for several hours. Then plug in DO NOT PLUG IN When it's submerged Sal
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Post by rmf on Apr 30, 2020 13:57:12 GMT -5
kokosnood the first thing you said was you were running a Sears tumbler ... The fact that a 70 year old tumbler is running is a good sign. second the motor on new rock tumblers runs hot to the touch. this is normal but since the tumbler is old it could be age, dirt, etc.
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