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All Forums >> [Bottle Forums] >> Cleaning and Repairing >> build my own tumbler

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build my own tumbler - 4/4/2004 11:52:47 AM    fsperry   Posts: 66 Joined: 4/4/2004 From: north central PA Status: offline Have decided to build my own tumbler and I need some info, especially on the electric motor, bearings, etc. Is it worth the effort ? Thanks in advance Post #: 1

RE: build my own tumbler - 4/4/2004 2:21:29 PM    Gunsmoke47 Posts: 1155 Joined: 12/29/2003 From: TEXAS Status: online Hi fsperry and welcome to the Forum. In my opinion, having a tumbler is very much worth the effort. Building one is not. Unless of coarse you just enjoy a Grand challenge and are able to except temporary setback and failure with ease. Seriously, by building one you will save some money but there will be a lot of trial and error associated with your first attempt. Check out Eddies link here. He has some pretty good info. http://www.privydigger.com/cleaning.htm Hope this helps, Kelley PS. Good luck on your project should you decide to undertake it. (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 2

RE: build my own tumbler - 4/4/2004 6:15:49 PM    fsperry   Posts: 66 Joined: 4/4/2004 From: north central PA Status: offline Hey thanks Kelley. I'm kinda handy (in the Tim the Toolman way) so I would still like to try and build one. I have some ideas after looking at a few available on the market, and altering someone elses unit doesn't seem fair. I'lll check the link you sent and thank you again for the help ; it is appreciated ! (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 3

RE: build my own tumbler - 4/5/2004 10:51:47 AM    Bottle tumbler   Posts: 370 Joined: 4/5/2004 From: Noxen pa Status: offline Let me ask you some thing before you build one. how much are you going to spend on building one? costs,time, trials.errors. (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 4

RE: build my own tumbler - 4/9/2004 8:35:41 PM    fsperry   Posts: 66 Joined: 4/4/2004 From: north central PA Status: offline I really haven't given cost/time/trials and errors much thought. My nephew is an electrician, I've worked as a carpenter , and I have friends who have a machine shop, so with our "collective heads" together, we may be able to come up with something ; maybe even something newer, better, improved. Who knows ? Sounds like a fun challenge. (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 5

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/8/2004 12:15:30 PM    old digger   Posts: 65 Joined: 5/15/2004 Status: offline Sure would like an update on "build my own tumbler", how's it gone so far? (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 6

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/8/2004 4:31:06 PM    BRIAN S.   Posts: 1468 Joined: 5/27/2003 From: The Mountains of Tennessee Status: offline Hi fsperry ! Go for it ! You can save some money if you have the ambition and a little know how ! Ask the forum member Brad S. to post some pics and info on his tumbler .( he built it himself and it tumbles 2 bottles at one time). He built my one bottle tumbler and picked up almost all the parts " Cheap " at the local flea market. Of course he bought the tube and the ends that hold the bottle from a cleaning/tumbling supply dealer. Brad even cuts his own copper with a gadget he uses on his drill press. Copper is exspensive to buy already cut !!!!!!! Brad do you want to help him out and save him a lot of head scratching ????? Brian _____________________________ Tennessee Hillbilly Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most ! Always looking to buy or trade for Drake's Plantation Bitters and Drake's go-withs . And Tennessee Bottles and Jugs ! (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 7

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/8/2004 11:00:48 PM    Brad S.   Posts: 21 Joined: 10/18/2003 Status: offline I would be more than happy to help out. You can save some money building it your self but its the challange thats the most fun. I hate to buy anything that I can build myself If you want a parts list and some pictures just let me know. I can guide you through it step by step. I bought my tube and stopples from a dealer because I couldn't find the clear tube. I highly reccomend the clear tube so you can see how much copper you have in the tube and if the bottle is in the right position. When tumbling a bottle with a value of over 1000.00 you better know its in tight Brad S. (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 8

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/9/2004 12:34:35 AM    flasherr Posts: 538 Joined: 5/7/2004 From: Abilene Texas Status: offline I would definitely like to see your list. I especially would like to see how you cut copper I can get a hold of copper wire but wasn't sure how to cut it. Please share if you don't mind. I have people looking out for parts so I can build mine. Brian _____________________________ Know anyone around Abilene Texas that digs? (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 9

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/9/2004 12:26:09 PM    Maine Digger   Posts: 823 Joined: 2/4/2004 From: Augusta, Maine Status: offline Hi Guys, I'm in the process of building my own tumbler as well. We have an 'event' in our city called "Spring Clean-UP' every year. Residents can throw anything away on the curb, and the city will cart it away. Those of us in the know, refer to it as the great week-long 'Swap Meet' You wouldn't believe the things people throw out, I've 'picked' some great bottles (people toss out boxes of those old dsty things dad collected), fantastic antique furniture. etc.,my wife and I sold $470 worth of this 'stuff' at a yard sale. But back to the subject, this past spring I picked up 3 electric motors, 2 -1/3hp, 1-1/2hp. They came out of a building being renovated, were used on the heating/circulating systems. They look new and run great. I decided then and there to use one to build a tumbler. No offense to Tumbler', I just want to try it myself, as said above, the enjoyment is in the challenge. And I thank the professionals who do it for a living for sharing photos and design tips in advance! I will continue to guide people their way who don't have the abuilty or the desire to attempt building their own. _____________________________ Norm Miller (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 10

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/9/2004 4:04:54 PM    Brad S.   Posts: 21 Joined: 10/18/2003 Status: offline Ok, Lets start with cutting the copper. Get a block of steel and drill a hole so the bit comes out the bottom. Then drill a hole that is the size of the wire that you are cutting from the front to the center hole. I use two holes one for 10 guage one for 12 guage wire. The picture should help with my explanation. The drill speed is kind of funny, when you get it right it will cut as fast as you can feed it. Don't laugh at mine it works LOL.... I have cut around 100# with the same bit. If you have a 6" tube you better plan on about 40# of cut copper. If you have 4" tube and are cleaning med.or inks or small bottles you need about 20# Attachment (1) (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 11

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/9/2004 4:37:17 PM    Brad S.   Posts: 21 Joined: 10/18/2003 Status: offline Now the tumbler, Items needed. 4 pilar block bearings 1" center hole 2 pieces of bar stock 1" Clear hose 1" inside dia. 2 pulleys (motor)&(shaft) fan belt Electirc motor (thermally protected) wood bench and 3/8"x 1 1/2" lag bolts -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The pilar block bearings can be found at auto parts and tractor parts. Get the cheap ones made in china they are about 1/2 the price of name brands. The bar stock can be found at machine shops and metal fabracators. (1" solid bar stock) Clear hose can be found at Lowes and other hardware stores. You need enough to cover the bar stock. I have a 11" and a 1/2" pulleys on mine. The big pulley needs to have a 1" centerhole the small pulley needs to fit the motor shaft. The electric motor needs to turn 1140 rpm. You can find them at electric motor rebuilders or maybe find one at the flea market. It must be Thermally protected !!! 45 rpm is the ideal speed for the tube to turn. If you can find a two speed motor at a reasonable price your lucky( I couldn't) Please ask questions I know I'm leaving alot of stuff out but this should get you started. Here is a picture of mine. Attachment (1) (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 12

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/9/2004 4:41:41 PM    Brad S.   Posts: 21 Joined: 10/18/2003 Status: offline If useing a 6" tube the spacing between the shafts is 5 1/2 inside to inside. Not enough space and tube will not turn and too much and it will ware out the tube and the hose. Attachment (1) (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 13

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/9/2004 6:00:46 PM    flasherr Posts: 538 Joined: 5/7/2004 From: Abilene Texas Status: offline That is an interesting contraption for cutting copper. Does it drop the copper out the bottom? You definitely get an A+ for ingenuity and effort. That is unless you stole the idea from someone else then you only get an A. What is clear PVC used for anyway. I have never seen it except in pictures of peoples tumblers. There are a lot of neat ideas and pictures on the following board http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bottletumblers/. This is by far the best board out there keep up the good work guys. Brian _____________________________ Know anyone around Abilene Texas that digs? (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 14

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/9/2004 6:55:48 PM    flasherr Posts: 538 Joined: 5/7/2004 From: Abilene Texas Status: offline How long are your cut pieces supposed to be. I have never tumbled so im not sure how long or uniformed pieces have to be. Can you use shavings from a metal lathe my dad thinks he might be able to get some shavings but not sure if they are uniformed or right to do what is necessary. Thank you Brian _____________________________ Know anyone around Abilene Texas that digs? (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 15

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/9/2004 7:00:37 PM    Maine Digger   Posts: 823 Joined: 2/4/2004 From: Augusta, Maine Status: offline Hey Brad, great post! I'm still trying to figure out that wire cutting set up though. Does the drill bit 'cut' the wire into small pieces, or does it make it into copper dust? How do the pieces of cut copper extract from the block, do they follow the drill up and out, or fall out the bottom? It definately looks faster than the tin snipper process I was using! I have an idea for something else I'm going to try. I believe if you take the largest BBs available, place them on an anvil, and wack them with a 5# sledge, they might be deformed resulting in scoring edges? Up till now, I've been using discarded 12/2 electrical cable, stripping it & cutting it by hand. I'll give your rig a shot, thanks for sharing! _____________________________ Norm Miller (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 16

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/9/2004 8:40:06 PM    Gunsmoke47 Posts: 1155 Joined: 12/29/2003 From: TEXAS Status: online About 1/8" of an inch Brian. I would think lathe shavings would be too thin and wide but I may be wrong. Kelley Attachment (1) (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 17

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/9/2004 9:13:29 PM    flasherr Posts: 538 Joined: 5/7/2004 From: Abilene Texas Status: offline Thank you Kelley. You have such pretty hands are you sure your out digging lol. They look to soft to be digging hands. Are you and pitfinder (I think that's your partner oops better clarify your digging partner) union? He digs you supervise lol. Brian _____________________________ Know anyone around Abilene Texas that digs? (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 18

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/9/2004 10:14:33 PM    Gunsmoke47 Posts: 1155 Joined: 12/29/2003 From: TEXAS Status: online Why thank you Brian. You would really appreciate my heels. Pumice stone followed by copious amounts of a quality lotion of your choice. Thats the ticket! If you asked Richard (Pitfinder) if that was the way things went down, I'm sure he would be the first to tell you that he finds all the pits, digs all the pits, recovers all the bottles, covers all the pits up, and out of the goodness of his heart doles out every one of my bottles to me. Bless his heart... I guess he likes my hands too. Happy Diggin, Kelley (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 19

RE: build my own tumbler - 7/9/2004 10:24:37 PM    Brad S.   Posts: 21 Joined: 10/18/2003 Status: offline copper cutter, The size of the drill bit determans the length of the cut. It cuts with the side of the bit and it falls out the back. I forgot there is a slot cut in the block for the copper to fall out (see picture) I tried to cut it by hand but thats way too slow. You can cut a pound in about 15 min. or less. Attachment (1) (in reply to fsperry) Post #: 20

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