chadman
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2008
Posts: 106
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Post by chadman on May 19, 2008 18:37:50 GMT -5
Working on a design concept for a large tumbler like a cement mixer for doing some bigger rock. I can make the barrel. I can probably get a scrap used differential to cut up. So I'm formulating this idea: Use a car axle on a tilt pivot to empty and clean the barrel. The barrel will be pretty easy to make. Probably 3/16" steel. The car axle should be robust enough to carry the weight easily. The axle pumpkin will be my counter balance. What do you think? Think I'm crazy? (Okay so I am).
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on May 19, 2008 21:16:49 GMT -5
If your wanting to do large or heavy loads, ok. otherwise the inefficiency (drag/friction) of the gear assembly will cost too much to run it in all practicality. Planning a trip? Take the differential with wheels and tires add a rectangular frame to attach a hitch to, point the drive shaft flange at an angle upward and attach the barrel to it and drive around (they made concete mixers like this at one time). I'd like to see your idea come to fruition, just imagining the size rocks you could polish!!! Dr Joe .
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chadman
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2008
Posts: 106
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Post by chadman on May 20, 2008 0:24:45 GMT -5
If your wanting to do large or heavy loads, ok. otherwise the inefficiency (drag/friction) of the gear assembly will cost too much to run it in all practicality. Planning a trip? Take the differential with wheels and tires add a rectangular frame to attach a hitch to, point the drive shaft flange at an angle upward and attach the barrel to it and drive around (they made concete mixers like this at one time). I'd like to see your idea come to fruition, just imagining the size rocks you could polish!!! Dr Joe . My budy wants me to make it. He brings up stuff from a beach that is nothing but 3" rock or bigger. He brings up about 50 or more pounds at a time. It's about 800 foot vertical drop to this beach. Very treacherous. I'd like to make a windmill drive this. We have constant winds here on the coast. eeve All I need is 30 rpms on the barrel? I have a 16" sheave. Mo?
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on May 20, 2008 21:01:58 GMT -5
Now it's a do-able endevor!
Check out vertical windmills or turbines, everything's on the ground so service it easy and permits may not be needed.
Make the speed variable as you may need to go to 45-50 rpms dependig on the material.
Dr Joe
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UtahRockHound
spending too much on rocks
Sometimes your the Windshield, sometimes your the Rock.
Member since May 2008
Posts: 301
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Post by UtahRockHound on May 22, 2008 2:53:02 GMT -5
Interesting concept, but I have to agree with moving to much mass that it will put a strain on the motor, and long term cause it to overheat. Or if wind driven, would only turn in high winds.
over 30 years ago, I made a cement mixer along this line. Using a front shaft and hub from an old car. The Flywheel (Automatic) is drilled to match the lug pattern, then the starter drive gear is mounted to the a short shaft with a 12 inch pulley on the other end. Then I use a 1/4 hp motor to turn it. Very little to any drag, and the double reduction makes it turn the right speed for a tumbler. I can fill it with as much mix as it will hold, and it never lugs the motor down. I have on several occasions run the mixer from sun up to sun down, and never had a problem with heat.
If a larger mixer is desired, you could use the same concept, and use a outer hub and axle from a 3/4 ton pickup.
If you like, I can post some pictures.
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on May 23, 2008 13:19:05 GMT -5
Please do !
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Post by fishenman on May 23, 2008 22:10:05 GMT -5
Yes, please post some pictures.
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UtahRockHound
spending too much on rocks
Sometimes your the Windshield, sometimes your the Rock.
Member since May 2008
Posts: 301
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Post by UtahRockHound on May 25, 2008 11:46:37 GMT -5
After years of use, I finally broke the spindle. A quick weld, and re-align, and all is well again, but this is why I mentioned the larger hub in the previous post. I think Chadman is on the right track. Using auto parts or axles is a good move. The only concern I have is the bulk in both moving it, and turning it. By no means am I undermining his concept, only offering a different approach to the drive portion. Here is the mixer I made 30 years ago. The hubs and fly wheel are the only pre-made things on this. Everything else is made from scrap I had laying around. Normal operation of a spindle is to be stationary. By turning it around and mounting the hub part to the frame prevents the bearings from being in the tub and destroyed by the grit. Just Clamp two round plates (one for tub, and one for spindle) and the flywheel together, and pre-drill you pattern, then start to fabricate and weld to them. The starter drive is easy to make. When you disassemble the starter drive, it is designed to fit over a 1/2 shaft. Just drill and pin it. Get a couple $1 brass bushings from the hardware store, press them into a piece of pipe(weld pipe to frame first after fitting), then mount the pulley on the other end of the shaft. Mount your motor, and the drive portion is complete.
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tippy1
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2008
Posts: 15
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Post by tippy1 on Oct 2, 2008 6:06:13 GMT -5
I just made a , I think 600lb tumbler thats run by only a 1/2 hp mtor
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tippy1
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2008
Posts: 15
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Post by tippy1 on Oct 2, 2008 6:07:54 GMT -5
Im very busy right now, but will elaborate later
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