Requesting Design Feedback/Suggestions for Rotary Tumbler

[gr8lksfan]

Hi All, looking for advice for this 2x4 and ¾” plywood frame design. ½”shafts with shrink-wrap sleeve, effective OD 0.56” (14.2mm). 1/4hp motor, L-series timing belts. Calculated surface speed for both size barrels 59.5 fpm (18,155mm/min). small barrel 50.7rpm, large barrel 28.5rpm. Will add belt covers after finalizing structure. Maybe will add sound-abatement housing later, it will be in a workshop where we currently run 2x2 small barrels and double loto vibratory, might not need it.

Thanks for the suggestions!

imgur.com/a/QAmXPZS

[pauls]

14 pillow block bearings, I think I would beef up the rollers to 3/4 inch and lose a few bearings. I have never found the need for sleeves on the rollers. Only one driven roller sleeves might be necessary, but both rollers driven, not necessary. If it was my build it would be all steel but that's just me, Apart from that it looks good.

[stefan]

Any reason for gearing over belts? I would worry about an unforeseen jam ( barrel lid popping off, barrel jumping the rollers) and burning up the motor (belt driven would only burn up a belt- a lot cheaper to replace than a motor). Just thought. Very nice design

[gr8lksfan]

Jan 11, 2023 16:34:15 GMT -5 pauls said:

14 pillow block bearings, I think I would beef up the rollers to 3/4 inch and lose a few bearings. I have never found the need for sleeves on the rollers. Only one driven roller sleeves might be necessary, but both rollers driven, not necessary. If it was my build it would be all steel but that's just me, Apart from that it looks good.

Thanks for the feedback, I'll consider the bigger shafts.  I went back and forth about shaft size tbh.   For the sleeves, they're cheap and easy, seems to be the standard in most machines.  I might build without, will think about it.  I wanted to drive only one shaft, but was advised against, so I figure easier to design it in now than add later.  Thanks again!

[gr8lksfan]

Jan 11, 2023 18:53:25 GMT -5 stefan said:

Any reason for gearing over belts? I would worry about an unforeseen jam ( barrel lid popping off, barrel jumping the rollers) and burning up the motor (belt driven would only burn up a belt- a lot cheaper to replace than a motor). Just thought. Very nice design

Thank you for taking time to reply.  They're timing belts with internal teeth, but thinking about it, they might stall the motor too which would be a bummer.  I'll review it more.  I just don't care for vee belts, generally prefer timing belts.
Thanks again!