repair a lortone tumbler or replace it

[thestripedone]

I have an old lortone 33B tumbler and have been buying parts for it. now the motor died. any advice on whether I should replace all the parts including the motor, or buy a new one? any other small tumblers better, if so can you use the lortone barrels on other brands?

thanks 
Bruce (aka Ref)

[JR8675309]

How many other parts have been replaced? If significant, it may be worth the 37ish bucks for the motor, if it's in stock. I love mine and personally wouldn't run anything different.

What parts can be replaced on these? Is this everything?
Drive axle and covers
Bearings
Motor
Belt
Pulley
Collar thing on shaft (what IS that called??)
Barrel, lid, inner lid, washer, nut x2

[thestripedone]

thanks for the info. I'll see how many parts I need. probally cheaper to replace the motor and any other worn parts..I haven't checked what a new one would be. where do you suggest I buy the parts?

[JR8675309]

The Rock shed has the motor for 37 I think.
They have the drive shafts and bearings as well

[JR8675309]

37 is way cheaper than new, of course, and no one has them in stock'

[thestripedone]

thanks all for the suggestions

[JR8675309]

What did u wind up deciding?

[thestripedone]

I decided to just replace parts...I've looked all over for a motor. everyplace I look is "out of stock" even kingsley North. what gives with that? Is Lortone not making them any more for the 33 machines I wonder? any suggestions?
thanks,
Bruce

[greig]

Another thought is search for another used machine. Usually, you have to set up notifications because a fairly priced tumbler gets snapped up quickly.

[JR8675309]

I think covid drove purchases higher and manufacturing lower. Try Minn Lap Supp maybe? You have to email for info and then call to order FYI.

[thestripedone]

Greig,
thanks for referring me to Minn Lap Mfg. they had the motor at a good price, I ordered it and got it in 3 days. They are great people. The owner Val contacted me directly. I would highly recommend them. They will be my "go to" first, for purchases.
It must be getting cold up there...
btw I live in Florida.
take care and be safe,
Bruce

[rockpickerforever]

Sept 11, 2021 6:04:10 GMT -5 thestripedone said:

I decided to just replace parts...I've looked all over for a motor. everyplace I look is "out of stock" even kingsley North. what gives with that? Is Lortone not making them any more for the 33 machines I wonder? any suggestions?
thanks,
Bruce

Many have had to make this decision about their older cars.  Fix it, or replace it?

Because I love the Lortone machines, I would say to fix it if at all possible, or keep looking for a used one to turn up. Online, Swap meets, garage sales, rock shows, Lapidary clubs, estate sales, Craigslist (ugh).  Just keep looking, and tell everyone you know you are looking.  Wishing you luck in your search.

I am on the fence about my older HP printer. The print head failed, a new one if it could be found is ~$200.  A part of me says, replace that one part, but then what will go bad next? Another voice says, But you love that printer!!  

Living without it for now.......

[thestripedone]

hi all,
another problem with my lortone 33b tumbler
the Idler shaft (the longer one I hope) is moving a little in and out and taking the pully with it knocking the belt off. I cant seem to move the pully closet to the Bering. maybe I did something wrong after I installed the motor with new berings and belts on the existing shafts. I hope this makes sense. I'm perplexed...I don't think I can post a video to show you all.
help, thanks
Bruce

[dshanpnw]

Hello thestripedone, I'm not sure what the problem could be. A video would be a great help. Be sure the pulleys are tight and aligned, and belt has tension on it. There are a few videos about 33B maintenance on YouTube that might help out, but sounds like you have the basics of it. BTW, I think the Lortone 33B is definitely worth repairing and using, especially since they are much harder to come by these days. It'll probably sell easily if you ever have to. Thanks for posting your problems, I hope you get it working properly.

Doug

[thestripedone]

thanks Doug,
do you know how I can post a video?

[thestripedone]

Hey Doug, I did a short video of my problem, but I don't know how to get the video to you. I don't think I can post it on this forum... do you have any ideas?
Thanks a lot

[chris1956]

Sept 21, 2021 12:17:20 GMT -5 thestripedone said:

Greig,
thanks for referring me to Minn Lap Mfg. they had the motor at a good price, I ordered it and got it in 3 days. They are great people. The owner Val contacted me directly. I would highly recommend them. They will be my "go to" first, for purchases.
It must be getting cold up there...
btw I live in Florida.
take care and be safe,
Bruce

He beet me to it.  Val (MLS) always has parts no one else has.  

[mirkee]

They ktreated me real well also.  Had drive and idler shaft, bearings and belt for my q66/q12.  Fast shipping and reasonable price.  Great people to do business with.

[andyiii]

I'm pretty new here to this forum, they use the Cloudinary thingy at the bottom to post photos, but I don't think they want us using that for videos.

So, you could make yourself a YouTube account and post the video there, then post a link to it here.

Or, I assume you could do the same thing on facebook or whatever, but I hate those social media sites so I have no advice for you on that front.

Good Luck,
Andy III