Enigman
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 163
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Post by Enigman on Nov 5, 2020 19:05:16 GMT -5
Hello All, I'm looking for Opinions on the New Tumble-Bee TB-14 4 lb Rotary tumbler with the 4 pound long barrel. This is a relatively new line of tumblers made with ABS chassis parts and a reinforced polyurethane cogged drive belt. It appears to use the Lortone barrel design and uses either 2 x 2lb barrels or 1 x 4lb barrel. I'm interested in hearing from anyone having one or knowing someone who has one or heard about one regarding how well it works/is made/etc. Any feedback appreciated. Thanks.
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chapslv
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2020
Posts: 56
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Post by chapslv on Nov 5, 2020 22:46:24 GMT -5
I have two units that I bought because I was on a long waiting list for my Lortone 33B. I have the 4 lb barrels and I like the bigger size.
The good is the customer service has been excellent. Also, these machines have run almost 24/7 for 6 months. The barrels are a copy of the Lortone barrels. The timing belt is easy to adjust (adjust the three black screws shown in your picture above) if necessary.
The bad is that I had one motor fail after almost 6 months. (It failed within a week of my Lot-O vibe motor failing.) Also, one barrel wore through at the bottom at around 5 months. Customer service sent a new barrel and a new motor immediately. Easy to replace the motor and the replacement barrel was significantly thicker and more rigid.
I would say that I am happy with these units, other than being out of commission for almost a week awaiting a replacement motor.
I hope this helps with your decision.
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Enigman
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 163
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Post by Enigman on Nov 6, 2020 11:14:07 GMT -5
I would say that I am happy with these units, other than being out of commission for almost a week awaiting a replacement motor. I hope this helps with your decision. Hello,
Thank you, yes that does help.
I have two Lortone 45C barrels but no 45C chassis. I've been watching used sources for a couple of chassis, but even used they are far more than the Tumble-Bee brand new, so I was thinking of going with the TB-14 instead.
Thanks again.
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chapslv
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2020
Posts: 56
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Post by chapslv on Nov 6, 2020 14:40:10 GMT -5
Good, glad it helps. Overall, it is a good product so far. Time will tell how long it lasts. Even with a motor failure, it did outlast my Lot-O motor and replaced it much more quickly (and without the need to send the bad motor back before starting the warranty replacement).
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petoskeycheryl
starting to shine!
Can't wait for spring in Michigan.
Member since November 2019
Posts: 25
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Post by petoskeycheryl on Nov 6, 2020 16:44:08 GMT -5
You know, I looked at this one too but I was worried it might not hold up. I was happy to see your thread. I hope you get more responses. How is the noise level?
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chapslv
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2020
Posts: 56
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Post by chapslv on Nov 6, 2020 17:29:38 GMT -5
The noise level is the same as my Lortone 33B. Once the timing belt became loose and it made a noise until I adjusted it.
My opinions are based on 6 months of use, so I hope someone else chimes in and validates or contradicts my findings.
Another honest opinion/observation is that from the feel of the unit, I expect the Lortone to last longer.
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chapslv
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2020
Posts: 56
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Post by chapslv on Nov 6, 2020 17:33:57 GMT -5
Sorry to keep going here, but I also like the On/Off switch. It is nice to be able to turn the machine off without the need to unplug it.
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Nov 6, 2020 19:34:24 GMT -5
Sorry to keep going here, but I also like the On/Off switch. It is nice to be able to turn the machine off without the need to unplug it. The switch can be a weak point. The load of turning on an electric motor under load can be more than the switch contacts can handle, and melt the contacts in the switch, creating another hazard. It's convenient, for sure! Just another thing that can fail, however.
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Post by uwharrierhyolite on Jan 8, 2021 17:21:03 GMT -5
They are a child’s toy , I bought one , wanted my money back within 5 minutes (Which they gave a refund) . I own a Lortone , Harbor Freight and a Thumlers . The tumble bee is loader and vibrates more than them all . When it came, there was no padding. All the screws were loose and the belt had fallen off. The cheap metal attachment the barrel lid rides on had fallen off one side. The rod pulley and the fan and drive shaft pulley are all plastic with gears that belt notches sit in. If anyone has bought an old Sears tumbler and seen the dry rot those gears got, you’re better off spending a few more dollars and buying a Lortone , at least it will last 50 years, tumble bee might last 6 months to a year
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