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Post by rocklicker on Mar 6, 2010 22:22:47 GMT -5
I recently expanded my big tumbler to accomodate 2 more barrels. I went with my favorite rock machine building material... superstrut. It makes tumbler building a breeze. A second set of shafts were added along with a new motor mount. The whole thing is bolted to a metal table. It may require upgrading to a 1/4 hp motor. It had a 1/6 hp motor when I was running two barrels. It took about a week of evenings and about $100 to complete. With the extra barrels this baby can do 65 pounds. Notice the half sized barrel on the first set of shafts! This tumbler build was not without casualty. A belt sucked up my thumb and had to be stiched up Looks like i will be adding belt guards! Steve Here it is before: Add some parts: And here it is fully expanded! Once my thumb heals I'm going to load it up with rocks!
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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 7, 2010 0:46:45 GMT -5
That's fantastic Rocklicker! I'm thinking that I want to build a decent tumbler myself and for the same money it would take to invest into commercial units, it'd likely be cheaper to DIY. They really are simple machines. I found a forum post from awhile back where you said you liked the superstrut material. Good to see it in action...or at least almost there. Hope your thumb feels better. That's sucks!
Curious what bearings you used in the original design - they seem to fit the superstrut nicely. And on the second? They look slightly different. Could you describe the design a little more or point me to a post where you might have described it previously? Maybe post a few more pictures that reveal construction details?
Thanks much...so glad people like you out there post their setups!
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Post by rocklicker on Mar 17, 2010 14:38:58 GMT -5
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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 17, 2010 21:29:06 GMT -5
Nice! The pictures are helpful. Also good to know that a pillow block is a pillow block. Hahaha. I've been studying the tumbler designs here and I agree that they appear remarkably easy to build. I started my DIY tumbler last night. Been in planning for almost a month now...but I've finally started on the frame!
I opted to go with a wood frame in lieu of super strut...my local HD didn't have many connectors for the SS. Plus, it's just easier for me to work with wood. Originally I was going to do a vertical unit with room for four 12lb barrels, but I decided to go simpler and just do a three barrel horizontal unit. (Didn't want to deal with the extra drive transfer and additional pillow block expense....not to mention, the GRIT!) I plan on using 3/4" shafts and am still debating between a 1/3 or 1/4 HP motor.
I'm also curious about the material you're using to cover your shafts. I've been looking at various hose locally and I'm not confident how it'll hold up. Finding abrasion resistant, hard hose in this town is not easy! I'd like something that is going to last...and I can get a lot of stuff through my local Fastenal or industrial supplier.
Glad your thumb is healing! I'm hoping to get through my project unscathed! Hahaha.
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Post by rocklicker on Mar 19, 2010 13:52:48 GMT -5
Oh yes, wood is just as sturdy and much lighter to work with if you want to save your back ;D Superstrut fittings and all those bolts add up too. Sounds like you have great ideas. A 3/4 inch shaft is a great idea. I kinda wished I went with one that size but there wasn't one that big available. The shafts are covered with black reinforced hose. 5/8" ID and 1" OD. It's the kind used for hooking up your dishwasher... don't know how else to describe it. It's really strong and difficult to get on there (soaped up the shafts and that seemed to help). My first tumbler had the clear tubing. It held up OK. The black stuff holds up great. I think you can use garden hose too.
Great to hear you started your tumbler! Be sure to post some photos so we can see the progress. It's great when someone builds a tumbler. Hope your tumbler build goes well and you are rolling in no time! BTW check to make sure you got all your fingers when you're done ;D Steve
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Post by rockrookie on Mar 27, 2010 10:24:46 GMT -5
Nice set up !!! --paul
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Post by rocklicker on Apr 2, 2010 16:02:21 GMT -5
Wanna see it in action?
Steve
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,341
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Post by quartz on Apr 3, 2010 10:10:00 GMT -5
Nice to see you gave thought to the end thrust limiters, bent over carriage bolts [seen several] are crude in my opinion, and hard on barrels. One thought on running a breakapart tumbling system, i.e. one that can be run in segments off a common motor, is to use roller chain [#35 works good] on the drive to be broken off. The chain is easier to remove and replace than a belt, doesn't cost a lot more. On our one breakapart unit, I soak the chain in oil when not using it.
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