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My Home made rotary tumbler for stainless media

sst04

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 17, 2010
84
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48
Milledgeville Ga
Decided to make a Home made rotary tumbler for stainless steel. My dad works on typewriters and has a nice selection of old parts.

The Motor and paper rollers are off IBM selectic models. The rollers already had bushings on them, the only thing I really had to do was cut one of the hand wheels off and install the gear.

The Motor is a 1/35hp 1625rpm, It has a clutch on it that will engage the drive gear once the motor gets some speed. Dad said these motors dont go bad, so we will see.

I tried it today with 500+ 40s&w brass just to add some weight to it and there was no difference, seems like it will have enough power to tumble the 5lbs of stainless, water and brass.

If I can not get the cooler lid to seal, Im going to go with a 9in piece of PVC pipe. I installed some paddles inside the cooler to move the media around.

I will end up making everything again so it will look nicer, but only after I see how it will do tumbling for a couple of hours.


So far I only have about 4 hours tied up in it and zero dollars.


Suggestions are welcome!

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Re: My Home made rotary tumbler for stainless media

I'm glad I came across this. I have been pondering making my own rotary tumbler as well. Now to tear apart a few old printers I refused to throw away and see if I can throw one together.
 
Re: My Home made rotary tumbler for stainless media

Back in the 1960's I worked for IBM fixing typewriters. I think your dad is right about the Selectric motors. They loads they carried were probably several times what your rig will generate.

Greg
 
Re: My Home made rotary tumbler for stainless media

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sunnyside Scott</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So, Dad was cool with the motor parts, right?
Was Mom cool with taking the cabinet door off so you could screw all the parts to it? LOL
Looks like a great project.
SScott </div></div>


Nah, that was some old table that was thrown in the dumpster!

I have been known to dive in sometimes
laugh.gif

My wife has a fit everytime I bring something home.
 
Re: My Home made rotary tumbler for stainless media

I've been trying to convince the girlfriend that a rotary tumbler would be a good use for the treadmill............
 
Re: My Home made rotary tumbler for stainless media

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rrflyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been trying to convince the girlfriend that a rotary tumbler would be a good use for the treadmill............ </div></div>

You fucked up when you asked her. Good idea and just do it.
 
Re: My Home made rotary tumbler for stainless media

We have an on old rock tumbler tht my girls don't use anymore. Would something like that work with SS media. I know it would be small but I may give it a try.
 
Re: My Home made rotary tumbler for stainless media

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 95LTZ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like a good working machine. I'm sure that you have spawned many other machines. </div></div>

X2
 
Re: My Home made rotary tumbler for stainless media

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: heydavemd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">now if you can just get the typewriter to ding when the brass is done </div></div>

Funny, my wife said the same thing
 
Re: My Home made rotary tumbler for stainless media

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Match308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd add a safety shield to cover the belt. </div></div>


I am going to mold a piece of Lexan around the motor and a piece for the belt.