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  1. #1
    . Dickie's Avatar
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    Default DIY Rotary Tumbler

    Hi guys

    I am in the process of building my rotary tumbler and I thought I would share my design with you for some input. I already have most of the parts, I had the shafts tuned this morning. Hopefully I can have the base cut and the drum built this week.

    Any input would be appreciated.












  2. #2

    Default Re: DIY Rotary Tumbler

    Solid design Dicky, what motor are you using? Are the shafts or drum rubberized for "traction"?

  3. #3
    . Dickie's Avatar
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    Thanks, got the idea from a Thumlers Tumbler design, just made it stronger. I am putting rubber hose on the shafts. I don't know if it is necessary to drive the back shaft as well?

  4. #4
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    Default

    I am using a 1/6 horse power motor from a old drill press.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: DIY Rotary Tumbler

    Nice design.
    What about making a guide for the tumbler on the 2 axis they are running on so that the tumbler or frame doesn’t wear out?
    How fast will the tumbler run? I am just thinking that if the speed is too high, the efficiency will be low and vice versa.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: DIY Rotary Tumbler

    I was thinking of putting a rod either side of the Tumbler, mounted to the base, with a pilot bearing to keep the tumbler running true. I will play with the pulley sizes until I get about 80RPM on the tumbler. From what I read 80 gives the best efficiency, would this be correct? Does anyone own a Thumlers Tumbler that could check this for me?

  7. #7
    . Dickie's Avatar
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    Default Re: DIY Rotary Tumbler

    I have mounted the motor and bearings to a piece of formica I had lying around to test it.


  8. #8

    Default Re: DIY Rotary Tumbler

    You don't need power on the 'idler' shaft. Just check the direction of rotation of you drum, I've found rotation to be easier when the drum rotates 'out' of the drive shaft ie in the picture above the drive shaft should rotate counter clockwise. 80RPM is good if you don't have lifters in the drum, but that would also depend on your drum diameter (larger drums need less RPM, small ones more). What media you planning to use?
    Nice work btw.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: DIY Rotary Tumbler

    Awesome
    I have been trying to get a friend to build me one like this for a while

    Keep us updated

  10. #10
    . Dickie's Avatar
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Chops View Post
    You don't need power on the 'idler' shaft. Just check the direction of rotation of you drum, I've found rotation to be easier when the drum rotates 'out' of the drive shaft ie in the picture above the drive shaft should rotate counter clockwise. 80RPM is good if you don't have lifters in the drum, but that would also depend on your drum diameter (larger drums need less RPM, small ones more). What media you planning to use?
    Nice work btw.
    I will check the rotation direction tonight when I get home, thanks for the suggestion. I am hoping to get some stainless pins locally, but no luck so far, any suggestions?

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