djsparkles
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since June 2010
Posts: 79
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Post by djsparkles on Apr 21, 2012 8:23:24 GMT -5
I don't need a big one; just something to throw what I find along the tracks in *LOL*
That doesn't sound very good, what I mean is that I prowl the railroad tracks near my home (as well as other places) for gypsum and the like. Found some really nice quartz that way, too.
But I'm interested in making my own tumbler, so if anyone has suggestions/instructions, I'm all ears...
Thanks in advance!
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Post by jakesrocks on Apr 21, 2012 10:42:09 GMT -5
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djsparkles
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since June 2010
Posts: 79
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Post by djsparkles on Apr 21, 2012 10:43:27 GMT -5
Thx for the help. I'll have a look! And I've noticed that folks here are really helpful... which is a plus!
Thx again!
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Post by Jugglerguy on Apr 21, 2012 18:04:41 GMT -5
I'm thinking about building a tumbler too. I can handle woodworking ok, but I've never built anything with a motor and pulleys and belts. I wouldn't know what kind of motor to buy that wouldn't burn up with continuous use. I'd be worried that a homemade PVC barrel would make too much noise in the basement. I'm afraid I'd end up spending more money than I could buy one for.
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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 22, 2012 9:56:13 GMT -5
One thing I would offer to small-tumbler pvc-barrel homebuilders: use a real pipe cap on the back end [round ended one] rather than the flat test cap. They are as thick as the pipe itself. I made some by cutting the round part of the cap that goes over the pipe in half lengthwise, giving me a pipe cap for one end and a band for the open end, glued these on a piece of 4" pipe. This makes the diameter the same at both ends so it will run straight. I used screw type test plugs for the open end. Cutting the 4" pipe at 4 7/8" long will give very close to one quart capacity, or ~3lbs. of rock. Bevel the inside of the pipe at the closed end to make cleaning easier. This makes a very durable barrel. I keep my barrel capacities at a known amount, as I base my grit loading at 1/4 cup per quart of barrel capacity, rather than by weight as some people do. Works for us. As tojugglerguy not knowing what kind of motor; it should be self cooled with an internal fan, and say cont. duty on the motor tag. I've read of people running a seperate fan to keep motors cool, don't consider that good economy. I have cooled an air-over motor by attaching a car alternator fan to the drive pulley, and it has worked out very well, pic. back a ways on forum.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Apr 22, 2012 14:30:40 GMT -5
Thanks for the info, quartz. Is there a size motor that's a good compromise between power and energy efficiency?
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Apr 22, 2012 18:18:22 GMT -5
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Post by Jugglerguy on Apr 22, 2012 19:12:21 GMT -5
I've seen your tumbler pictures, Chuck, and I like it! I remember having a discussion about the motor costing a lot to run each month. I would probably make mine with a smaller motor even though it wouldn't run as many barrels. I'd be happy with a couple of six pounders or maybe four three pound barrels. If you had to replace your motor, what size would you use? I'd also only build a tumbler if I could get a used motor for cheap. I considered talking to a plumber to get something out of a furnace or water heater power vent but I'm not sure if that's the right type of motor.
Where is a good place to buy pulleys and pillow block bearings? I assume that belts are purchased at an auto supply store, but I don't know if that's the best place. Where did you get the shafts?
If the motor and lumber and barrels were free, about how much would the rest of the parts cost?
There. I hope you were serious when you said I could ask any questions!
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Apr 22, 2012 19:42:05 GMT -5
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Post by Jugglerguy on Apr 22, 2012 20:01:01 GMT -5
Wow, that's the most specific information I've seen on this subject! I've been doing some searching lately and I just come away with a bunch of questions. I think I can figure out the rpm stuff myself. I just didn't know where to buy this sort of stuff. I've done some woodworking, but not mechanical stuff. Thanks for all the help!
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blessed
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by blessed on Apr 23, 2012 18:57:03 GMT -5
jugglerguy; I bought my shafts from a machine shop. They were cheaper than what Lowe's have. Ordered my bearings on line. Bought my pulleys and motor from Grangers and the link belts from Harbor Freight. The test caps for the 4" pvc barrels came from Lowe's. Test caps go on outside of the pvc pipe. James
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Post by Jugglerguy on Apr 23, 2012 20:42:40 GMT -5
Thanks James!
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Jon
starting to shine!
Member since June 2011
Posts: 41
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Post by Jon on Jun 16, 2012 9:48:48 GMT -5
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Post by MrP on Jun 16, 2012 20:21:43 GMT -5
Try Fastenal for the bearings. They had the best price when I built mine. I see there .com site is down at this time.........MrP
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