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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jan 19, 2009 13:57:46 GMT -5
I'd like ideas on a DIY barrel in the 15-20 lb or larger range. I don't have access to welding equipment, so that may be a limitation.
Here are things I've tried already: Large plastic bottles (like Citrucel and Metamucil)---the sides fatigue on the shafts 2 gal. and 5 gal. buckets---the sides fatigue on the shafts paint cans---the lid seams didn't hold PVC---limited to 4" diameter; bigger diameters are spendy
I may go back to an idea I tried briefly: cut plywood circles larger in diameter than a plastic bucket and use threaded rods to secure them to the ends of the bucket. The barrel rides on the plywood on the rollers, which solves the problem with wearing on the rollers. They may still fatigue, however.
I've also heard of use soda fountain syrup tanks.
Finally, I have an empty helium tank (similar to a propane tank) and was thinking of getting a 4" hole cut in it so I could use a plumbing test plug. Not sure whether I could get it to seal and would be loud.
Thanks! Chuck
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88pathoffroad
spending too much on rocks
Oregon ROCKS!
Member since August 2008
Posts: 305
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Post by 88pathoffroad on Jan 19, 2009 14:09:31 GMT -5
I was thinking about trying out a gallon-size powdered protein bottle. They're big, plastic, fairly cheap if you can find them, dunno about durability but if it held up to a month's worth of fine to polish cycles, they may well be worth it. Buy some Weight Gainer 3000 today and drink your shake while tumbling rocks!
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Saskrock
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2007
Posts: 1,852
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Post by Saskrock on Jan 19, 2009 16:09:54 GMT -5
Go long with the 4" PVC. Mine holds about 15-20 lbs. Its 4" PVC and about 3.5 ft long. You still can't do big stuff but lots of smaller ones fit in. Its easy to extend shafts, so really the only thing limiting you it is handling it. As in a 8' long barrel could be awkward.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jan 19, 2009 18:05:58 GMT -5
88: I forgot to mention I've used Citrucel and Metamucil large bottles (like the Weight Gain bottles). They don't last very long (maybe a month?), you have to use vaseline to get a good seal, and they make a big mess when the fatigue cracks appear.
Saskrock: I would like a larger diameter to do some bigger stones, but I may have to relax that requirement. I've thought about that a lot and may end up going that way. I already have the pipe and test plugs. I'd need a couple fittings.
Chuck
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syfun
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since January 2009
Posts: 85
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Post by syfun on Jan 19, 2009 20:43:30 GMT -5
How about a pony keg? It's been a while since I bought one, but I remember the deposit only being about 10 bucks. Buy one, drink the beer, convert it to a barrel. They are aluminum, so it would be loud. I don't know how well the aluminum would hold up either. I may have to try that myself. My tumbler is out in the barn so the noise isn't a problem.
Steve
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syfun
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since January 2009
Posts: 85
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Post by syfun on Jan 19, 2009 21:54:56 GMT -5
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dreamweaver
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2008
Posts: 20
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Post by dreamweaver on Jan 19, 2009 22:25:00 GMT -5
How about one of the new mini beer kegs . I am sure it would not be to hard to figure a way to seal the top you could glue rubber inside to cut down oh the noise .
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Jan 19, 2009 23:22:10 GMT -5
I've also been thinking of using a tire for a barrel. I have a pair from the front of my lawn tractor. They're a 15 x 6, so I'm assuming (haven' checked measurements, just guessing) it would be in the 9-12 lb range, and should still fit on my Thumbler base. The only thing I'm worried about is cross contamination from the seams where I'd seal up the bead.
Nate
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Post by Woodyrock on Jan 20, 2009 18:37:25 GMT -5
A PVC solution to the four inch diameter would be to find a commercial plumber, and ask for scraps of larger diameter pipe. I have, for other purposes, obtained large diameter PVC pipe scraps just for the asking. You would have to fabricate your own ends, but that should not be difficult. Woody
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jan 20, 2009 19:26:10 GMT -5
Thanks for the ideas, all. Keep them coming!
I had completely forgotten about tire tumblers.
The tough part with the mini keg would be getting and adequate seal. I tried lining a paint can; it's harder than it seems. The liner came right off. Maybe Rhino-liner would work better.
Yeah, we had our sewer lined last year and the sewer guys said they had some scrap pipe. Maybe create plywood ends like I described for the plastic bucket? Maybe use sheet rubber for the removable end?
Chuck
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syfun
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since January 2009
Posts: 85
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Post by syfun on Jan 20, 2009 20:21:06 GMT -5
The mini keg would be easy to seal if you know someone that can weld aluminum. Lucky me, my dad and I have been welding for years. If there is a marina in your area, there should be a couple guys there that can weld.
Another thought came to me today. Propane tanks. They're steal, so welding would be alot easier to find. Just make sure to fill the tank up with water for a long time and flush it out several times to make sure it doesn't explode when welding. A couple years ago they switched the valve type inside the tanks and won't refill the old tanks anymore. If you can find a propane company they may have some old tanks that they'll give you.
Steve
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jan 21, 2009 13:24:29 GMT -5
Steve: so, maybe cut the tank and weld a steel sleeve in it for the test plug?
Chuck
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syfun
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since January 2009
Posts: 85
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Post by syfun on Jan 21, 2009 16:33:46 GMT -5
Yeah, make sure there is no gas left in it. Take the valve off and flush out with water several times. Cut a 4" hole around where the valve was. Weld some 1/2" angle iron inside the tank to mix things up. Slip a short piece of 4" pipe inside the hole and run a weld all the way around it. Then use a plumbers/test cap to seal it off.
I just called one of the local propane companies and they told me $10 a tank over the phone. You could probably talk them down to $5 since they aren't used anymore and everyone knows it. I already have a couple so I'm going to get started. I'll post pics when I'm done.
Steve
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jan 21, 2009 19:46:02 GMT -5
Cool!
Wish I had the welding equipment and skills. Can't wait to see the pics!
Chuck
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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 Jan 22, 2009 0:55:06 GMT -5
Yeah, make sure there is no gas left in it. Take the valve off and flush out with water several times. Cut a 4" hole around where the valve was. Weld some 1/2" angle iron inside the tank to mix things up. Slip a short piece of 4" pipe inside the hole and run a weld all the way around it. Then use a plumbers/test cap to seal it off. I just called one of the local propane companies and they told me $10 a tank over the phone. You could probably talk them down to $5 since they aren't used anymore and everyone knows it. I already have a couple so I'm going to get started. I'll post pics when I'm done. Steve You'd pay for them??? People are throwing them away here. Some places it's hard to get rid of them. Try freecycle.org and advertise that you'll pick them up for free. Dr Joe .
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jan 22, 2009 7:41:05 GMT -5
Dr Joe, I've been waiting for you to jump in! :-) Got any additional barrel ideas?
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syfun
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since January 2009
Posts: 85
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Post by syfun on Jan 22, 2009 9:24:38 GMT -5
Dr Joe
No, I wouldn't pay for them. I was trying to offer a source for anyone that doesn't already have them or doesn't know where to get them.
Steve
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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 Jan 22, 2009 16:02:30 GMT -5
6" - 10" dia. PVC pipe (bond tumbling strips inside) with a wooden disk (HD has 16"? pre-cut disks) on each end, full gasket made from truck inner tube between PVC & wood disk, with a threaded rod (rubber/plastic hose covering exposed threads in center) thru the center, double bolted on each end with large fender washers between nuts and wood (like an axle). Screw wood to PVC on one end so it will hold a seal to add water before assembly or install a plug on one end. Use a thin epoxy and soak the wood, edges included.
Add rocks / water / pixie dust and one extra stone to sacrifice to the rock gods and tumble.
The other is a multi-sided (pentagon,hexagon) all hardwood barrel, using the same disks as above, not difficult with a little woodworking knowledge and a table saw. Glue a piece of inner tube to the inside. Sure would be pretty stained with an epoxy clear coat.
I've got a couple other ideas having to with isolating the drums for noise & vibration but I have to try a few things first.
We need something cheap enough so anyone with a tumbler can own one for each grit size.
Dr Joe
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jan 22, 2009 22:03:18 GMT -5
Great ideas Dr. Joe! I knew you'd come through! Lots of good options. I'll have to see what strikes my fancy and what materials I can get together, and may try several. I have a helium tank, but will have to look for a friend who welds. I'll call the sewer people about big diameter PVC. I have a table saw and am comfortable with wood. This is what we do in the winter in Minnesota---build stuff. You never know what will emerge come Spring. www.v8snowblowers.com/id15.htmlChuck
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 693
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Post by docharber on Jan 23, 2009 17:59:21 GMT -5
Another option is the little helium tanks sold for children's balloons. No explosive hazard, and even totally vented we can't get the garbaghe service to cart them off for recycling or anything else. The tanks can be water proofed and sealed with (here I go again) the vinyl tool handle dipping stuff I've been using for a number of little sealing and repair jobs. It is tough, can be poured in-poured out to coat, and several coats aplied. It is viscous enough to seal (like wall paint) and dries fast. it stands up to abrasion well. I only wish I had something other than a dremel to cut it with, and I'd redesign my new tumbler chassis to accomodate it.
Mark H.
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