Stainless pin tumbling update.

by John K., Friday, June 28, 2013, 13:37 (4170 days ago)

As previously noted, these have a phenomenal ability to clean cases, inside and out. However, the generic Thumbler's Tumbler just isn't up to the job - no slight, it just wasn't designed for this amount of weight. It utilizes 5/16" shafts running in nylon bushings and the drive is a 1/15hp motor. I discovered that, with the pins and the requisite amount of water, I could not tumble even 30 45-90 cases. The belt would slip.

So.

Rummaged around in my junk and built a new base and drive, buying only a few pieces. I had the aluminum, 1/3hp DC motor, Allen-Bradley 1365 motor drive, shaft collars and thrust bearings. Had to purchase the 3/8" Thompson rod for the shafts, needle bearings, pulleys and belt. Re-used the original drum. I mention this because it would be relatively easy to cobble something like this together if a fella was handy. Anyway, the shafts were up-sized to 3/8" and now run in bearings, not bushings. The thrust bearings take any end load extant. Actually, I probably could've re-used the original tiny motor after removing a lot of friction from the system, but since I had a larger one not earning its keep..., besides, the motor was remotely mounted on the bench itself in case another gizmo presents itself in the future. I can easily swap out the tumbler base for another fixture.

Granted, it is somewhat crude and basic, but I didn't want to spend a ton of money on the project. And it WORKS! I filled (overfilled, actually) the tumbler with pins, 100 45-90 cases and filled it up to the top with water just to see. Didn't even slow down. This could drive a much larger drum with ease.