Replacing the bushings on the tumblers, again.

Friday's Rock! Ep. #10.
It was time to replace the bushings in the Chicago Electric dual drum tumbler. Rather than replace with the cheap plastic bushings that only last about six months of continuous use, I upgraded to some more permanent bearings from a company on Amazon. This video is just a quick "here's what to do". I will be releasing a full tutorial soon, so stay tuned if you have more questions about how to make these adjustments.
For the bearings I used: www.amazon.com/dp/B08H28TPWY?...
I am not an Amazon affiliate.

[@bapasrcadventures3619]

Thanks for info on bearings. They should last for a long time.

[@kengensjewelry]

I hope so! I get tired of watching those plastic bushings wear out.

[@sweettreasuresbycindy8996]

Thanks for the information on the bushings. Definitely a learning process for myself and many. Very interesting. Have a good weekend to you and your family 😊

[@kengensjewelry]

Yeah, not a useful step if you just go for a higher end tumbler, but not that difficult if you're willing to get your hands dirty.

[@mikesiletta3363]

For others doing this mod, buy a cheap right angle adapter for your drill. Let's you get in those tigh spaces better. Haven't tried it myself yet, but plan to modify mine. If it doesn't fit, I'm going to use an extension. Should make it easier to drill the holes in this tight spacing. Not everyone can afford a right angle drill, but we can make one ourselves!

[@kengensjewelry]

The right tools make the job easier, for sure.

[@mikesiletta3363]

@@kengensjewelry I just bought mine yesterday. The right angle adapter just came to mind so I thought I would share. Love the mod video, these bushings are terrible. Will definitely be replacing them with bearings. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@kengensjewelry]

Merry Christmas to you and yours, as well!

[@Shazzamm1971]

All that rubber dust and various dirt is exactly why the bushings fail in both HF and Lortone rotary tumblers. No contamination and they last years and years. Grease with winter spec light grease. Keeps contamination out and the flow characteristics allow lubing from startup and handles continuous duty better than the typical 3in1 most people use.

[@kengensjewelry]

I'll have to try that next time. If I ever get another tumbler with bushings, at all.

[@Shazzamm1971]

@@kengensjewelry Those bearing installed are they a type 6 or angular contact type 7’s?
If they are a type 6, standard conrad bearing, they can’t handle side loads. Every tumbler had thrust loads…

[@kengensjewelry]

I couldn't tell you, I'm afraid. Given their price, I would lean towards the type 6 as you've described.

[@johnsherinian158]

What size bearings did you purchase please? Perhaps link to the ones you purchased? 🙏🏼

[@kengensjewelry]

Here it is: www.amazon.com/dp/B08H28TPWY?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

[@johnsherinian158]

Thanks for the info on this. I ordered them after receiving your response. What kind of step bit did you use?@@kengensjewelry

[@kengensjewelry]

A standard sized bit, oddly enough. I think I went to the 3/8" mark, but don't quote me on that. I really just kept going each step until the bearing fit.

[@johnsherinian158]

@@kengensjewelry thanks man!