Getting a tumbling machine

[willong]

I put all 7 on this morning. She’s turning all with no issues. I will let you all know how the first clean turns out. It rotates 70 rpm and I was told run for 4 days. Run two days one way and flip and run another 2. Does that sound right? I hope I loaded everything right. I put a few crows and common blobs so no loss of not. I hate the hurry up and wait game

Looks like you got a nice setup there!

It is driven by a single motor, right?

Flipping the tubes halfway through the tumbling is a nice tip. Offhand, I wouldn't have thought to do it on my own. But once I read the tip, the rationale is obvious for evening out any wear that does occur. It could also make a difference in how thoroughly some oddly-shaped bottles might clean, especially any that have niches or cul-de-sac pockets incorporated into their design such as Codd bottles or some figuarals and inkwells.

Is the copper media all small cylindrical bits; or, did the guy use round shot as well?

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Merle]

Yes, it’s a single motor operating the machine. It’s all cut copper that came with it. I filled all 7 4” tubes and still had plenty for more. I get to take my first run off when I get home tomorrow. Looking forward to see how they come out. I put 2 on at the beginning that just needed dusted off and took them off last night when I got home. They didn’t brake and looked good. Didn’t get before pics so kind of messed the pooch there. I do though on the other 5. Will post as soon as possible

 

[SKS.TUSC]

I’m picking it up tomorrow. I’ll follow up after I get it set up and going.

Might be in my own head, but man I think I could build one a little more simpler , but that thing is nice!!!

 

[SKS.TUSC]

Guys I was wrong. You set the different size tubes on top the machine and they turn on it. I made out good. About 14 doffing size tubes and over 200 lbs of copper and boxes of cleaner powders. He’s been a cleaner for the state archeologists for over 30 years and hung up his hat. I believe I got lucky

Lucky indeed, right place @ the right time. Iv built a small one but after seeing that, my mind is traveling warp speed on line looking up parts to build a heavy duty one.

 

[Merle]

Might be in my own head, but man I think I could build one a little more simpler , but that thing is nice!!!

It was built to last. I hope my wife don’t want to move any time soon. I don’t want to go through that anytime soon. It about killed me getting it in the basement

 

[SKS.TUSC]

It’s a really neat set up. I couldn’t get anyone to help me get it in so didn’t get to mess with it that much. Here’s what it looks like in operation.

How much did you pay for it, may I ask?

 

[Merle]

How much did you pay for it, may I ask?

Got it all for 1000.00 like I said right place right time

 

[SKS.TUSC]

Got it all for 1000.00 like I said right place right time

I'd like to make this reply worth while, but alls I can say is Wow!!!!!!!

 

[Len]

"Do members of our organization get a discount?" Congrats.

 

[hemihampton]

When I purchased my machine, the doctor suggested that I flip or turn the canisters around to reverse direction, that way both sides of the embossing are tumbled equally. Easy for me to do as I only have a one tube machine.

I never noticed any uneven wear on mine & don't flip it but I mostly use the very fine Aluminum Oxide Polish which removes very little glass. If you got a heavy duty sick Bottle & use heavy duty Tumbling Compound like 1500 grit Silicone Carbide or anything coarser for Cutting, you know, the stuff that can Frost/Dull your bottle then I can see that possibly helping. LEON.