sford13
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2009
Posts: 119
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Post by sford13 on Feb 3, 2010 8:40:29 GMT -5
Ok I have two Lortone 33B's. And I want to get something that will help do more rock at once for the course grind. I am thinking of making the barrel out of PVC pipe. Would like something that would handle at least 12 lbs of rock with the possibility of even more. Now for my questions.
What kind of motor. Are bearings needed for the rods? How much power is needed to turn that much weight. And is it really cost effective to build myself and not just go and buy a Lortone?
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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 Feb 3, 2010 9:28:47 GMT -5
1).What kind of motor. continuous duty enclosed, with ball or needle bearings not bushings would be best. 2).Are bearings needed for the rods? Yes, bearings, not bushings (unless you want to oil them frequently). 3).How much power is needed to turn that much weight. 1/3 - 1/2 hp 4).And is it really cost effective to build myself and not just go and buy a Lortone? If your handy, you can make exactly what you need and don't have to settle for something that doesn't match how you work. (if you have a good junk pile it's even better). Have you read the other DIY builds on here, there are some fantastic machines built here! One is even built with wood and NO bearings! Here's a guy who used bicycle parts and a bed frame. cr4.globalspec.com/blogentry/2166/DIY-Rock-Tumbler Do a cost comparison on building a large drum (getting it put together straight etc.) vs buying one. Dr Joe .
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blessed
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by blessed on Feb 3, 2010 20:16:44 GMT -5
Dr Joe is correct, if you are handy with tools, you can build one yourself, bigger, better, and cheaper. You can build just what you want, and what size barrels you need. The cheapest place I have found to buy bearings is www.bearingsdirect.com. I recomend pillow block bearings.The shafts can be bought at any good hardware store. The barrels can be made from PVC pipe and flexable pipe caps, or you can use factory built barrels. There are some nice ones on the DIY page. It don"t have to be fancy to do a great job. Blessed
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bendsum
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 140
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Post by bendsum on Feb 3, 2010 21:39:01 GMT -5
if you have a farm supply near look there for bearing i bought everything i needed for my saw minus blade and arbor from lowes home depot and the farm supply (cant think of the name)
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Post by rocklicker on Feb 22, 2010 20:11:44 GMT -5
The best way I found to build tumblers is with superstrut aka unistrut. You can get it from home depot in the electrical area and at industrial supply places. It runs about 1 to 2 dollars a foot, has lots of brackets and fittings avaialble, and is really strong. You can bolt pillow blocks to it then bolt the whole thing right onto a table or leave it free standing. I've built a couple tumblers with it. I'm even getting ready to expand one of them! Steve
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Mar 12, 2010 13:57:21 GMT -5
I'm late in posting this, but just wanted to point out that I built a 50lb. tumbler that uses a 1/12 hp motor. Bigger is better, of course, but you can get by with a small motor.
The bearings were the most expensive part of my build.
Chuck
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revco
starting to spend too much on rocks
Another Victim Of The Rockcycle
Member since February 2010
Posts: 162
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Post by revco on Mar 12, 2010 15:27:22 GMT -5
To add to this, if you're looking to keep those 33B's full at all times and are using each barrel for a separate stage, you'll definitely need 24 to 36lb total capacity for your rough. I have a similar setup with (2) 33B's, a 3A and a QT66 and the holdup for me is with the rough stage in my QT66/3A. Been thinking along the same lines of a DIY because cost-wise, to get another 24lb capacity, it's cheaper to DIY.
The cost break (if you have to buy everything new) appears to occur somewhere after 12lb, but before 24lb. You'll be into a DIY project about $150-$200, possibly more, if you do it right and have to buy everything. Commercial units that can do 24/36lb are upwards from $300+...so a DIY option is definitely less expensive. I'd recommend building something you can expand later, if need be, because one thing is for certain - this hobby is addictive.
Good luck & keep us updated on what you do!
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 12, 2010 23:23:25 GMT -5
I owned a Highland Park 40 lb. tumbler for a while. It had a 1/3 hp motor and sleeve type bearings (similar to swamp coolers but smaller shaft size). It turned the 40 lb. barrel loaded with no problem. I oiled the bearings at beginning of each batch 1st stage.
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Post by rocklicker on Mar 17, 2010 14:18:13 GMT -5
I have been using a home built tumbler with a 1/6HP motor. It easily hangled 2 15lb hex barrels. It barely got warm except in the summertime and even then it was nowhere near overheating. I am going for a 1/4 HP motor with 60lbs after a tumbler mod. I am guessing it wll be fine. Remember the bigger the motor the more electricity you will use. Steve
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