Harbor Freight Rotary Rock Tumbler Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ค. 2024
- My review on the Harbor Freight Rotary Rock Tumbler.
#kevinrobinson6688 # RotaryRockTumbler
Chicago Electric Power Tools 67631 Rotary Rock Tumbler, 3 lb amzn.to/2S6eAIi
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Thanks, lots of detailed information and a thorough review!
You are a lifesaver! I couldn't get the top on my Harbor Freight tumbler (the directions are lacking) until I saw your video. Thank you!
Your welcome thanks for watching glad to help.
I read about how to make an industrial tumbler out of a rear axle of a big semi truck with the rims and tires in place. You want to cut an opening in the highest part of the rim to load rocks. The article said a cover is not needed but I always thought if I was going to do one I would have a hinged door sealed with inner tube rubber. The idea is to set up a motor geared down so the tires rotates slowly and all the rocks stay in the lowest part of the tire at all times tumbling over each other. Each tire can hold about 100 lbs of rocks and you have 4 tires going at all times each one with a different grit. Always use same tire for the same grit. You rotate the rocks once a week and you have a 100 lbs of polished tumbled stones each week. I have been wondering if you could use quartz sand as grit for the first stage to do the rough rounding off? I am posting this on all videos about rock hounding to spread the idea, if this is you channel and you do not like that let me know.
The fact that the tumbling will all take place in a rubber tire should help keep the noise down. The rocks should never touch the rim. I have suggested to people that they make a sound proof shed just big enough to be practical so the noise will be minimized. Plus the rubber in a tire is thick and should absorb a lot of the noise. Also you should have a small fan on the motor to keep it cool. A high quality motor will be a must as it will run 24 hours a day. I am no expert but with the proper gearing the motor should not be under too much stress.
I would sell the tumbled stones. Once tumbled, you grade them by quality and type. Some would be really valuable. I bet you could average $10 usd per pound with just good found material and more if you have high grade material. Definitely not for the weekend rock hound but if you sell stones or want to, what a cheap way to start. You could tumble other people's rocks for a fee or shares too. You could make one with car tires for a smaller scale operation. There has to be a lot of people with a 30 year in the making, 3 ton pile of rocks out behind their house. With this they could see results from all that collecting.
Thank you for all the information.
Thanks for sharing, I have the same one, but only use it for stones I find while hiking. I run it for days at a time, so I built a little stand that it can't vibrate off, and run it in the shed so I can't hear it. I use my brass reloading tumbler for my coins, only because it was the only one I had until I got this. Enjoy.
Thanks Hatch61 good tool.
Bianca
Thanks, Kevin! Great review. I was struggling with the top.
Thanks for the comment glad to help
Great video. Thanks. As a metalsmith, may I suggest a drop or two of Dawn original dish liquid and stainless steel shot in at least 3 different shapes. You are destroying your coins by using anything else as an abrasive.
Thanks Kevin Was always curious about rock tumbling. Looks good 👍🏻
It's working good for me thanks for the comment Mike.
It comes with extra belts that the electric motor seems to eat through them often. It is the best tumbler on the market though. Wish I still had mine, going to buy a new one soon.
I just bought one I am on my third belt are there any alternatives to the stock belt.
Best tumbler on the market? Like seriously? I had one of these, returned it, and bought a Lortone. A night and day difference. I use it for burnishing small steel parts. The HFT machine turned them black and, yes, I tried every methodology imaginable to remedy the issue. The solution was to buy a tumber with better quality barrel.
But for 47... no, 50 smackarollas, who can complain! 🤏🍻🛹🍽🌊🎼🤏😢⬆️🤏🍗🤏😢😢😢
You saved me from wrecking my barrel. I was trying to pull the rubber off the edge of the barrel to get the barrel out because it called it the inner lid. I was perfectly happy thinking Gaskets are Rubber and Washers are Metal. Plus, the parts expansion does not show the post on part #10. We might get a decent deal, but we have to work for it.
Thanks for the comment glad to help.
My Husband bought one years ago.. love it..
Mine is working great to thank you for the comment.
@@Robinson-Homestead too bad we can't post pictures on here..I am loving how my rocks are turning out especially the ones I found at the Diamond Mine here in Arkansas and in North Carolina..
Top notch shit huh?! 🤘
I have the dual drum model and running it as I watch this great video.
Really good video. Thanks for your time and effort!
Thank you Dakota
Thanks Kevin! I just bought one, and nowhere in the instructions does it clearly say how to get the top off! (The inner top). Mine was so tight I thought it was fused or something, and before I cut, I watched your video.
Thanks for the comment and watching Rebecca.
great video, congratulations! can this tumbler be used to mill soft rocks into fine dust using a different media like glass marbles or steel balls? any information or comments will be helpful for me.
I'm not sure I don't use mine to much sorry but thanks for the comment Carlos.
How many times do the manufacturer's instructions say to not let slurry down the plumbing pipes?
Thank you for that video I just bought one of those today and now I know how to use it because I metal detect myself and I was wondering how I can clean the coins thanks again
Thank you for watching Ronald.
Thanks for sharing! I bought the same model a few years back to polish metal jewelry I make, but I haven't tried it yet, partly because I misplaced the user manual. I drug out the tumbler tonight and couldn't figure out how to get the top off. Thanks for sharing that because I couldn't figure it out.
Metal detecting is something I have always wanted to do. I will have to check out your channel. I love setting ancient coins in nice settings for pendants or earrings. By the way, I'm not sure if you have tried stainless steel shot, but that's what jewelers use. It has to be stainless with assorted shapes. There is also burnishing compound you can put in there or dish soap and vinegar.
Thanks for the information Amanda glad to help.
If you use any grits, DO NOT put the slurry down your sink ! It will destroy your pipes.
Having smaller hands, I find it hard to release the inner seal plate. My brand new tumbler came without extra plates. Wish it had some. Should it have some?
I'm excited to try our new tumbler thus weekend. Your video helped. Thank you.
Screw the little black handle on the inner seal and use it to open your barrel. Less stress on the inner plate.
I bought the double barrel ver. 1 barrel was cracked, but it works anyway. I took off cover for air flow, it over heated with it on. Adjustments for belt is easy, make sure you drip oil onto bearings, wipe them clean after...
Thank you.
Thanks for your review
Thanks for watching glad to help
They have something I don't know the name of it to clean brass for reloading bullets!
I wonder if it would work better? Good video
Also use the cap screw when opening and closing barrel, saves the fingers on screw shaft
Thank you for the info.
when I clean my coins I use bar keeper friends. I soak the coins in the sink or a bucket over night . Then I rub them till they shine.
Cool thanks karen lindsay for the info.
You can buy walnut medium used for gun brass polishing which would clean and polish your coins with out so much abrasion. You should be able to pick up walnut medium any where reloading supplies are sold.
Thank you Doug good idea.
Yee. I'm hearing you. Turned out very well. But how about a close up show to us and let us be the judge?
I was also worry about your home pipe, once letting that solution drain into them. Guess your garden would be a better place.
So will it be able to shine and round stones well, if it is left for a week or two?
Not sure Thanks for the comment.
It's not exactly an industrial operation, lol pipes will be fine
If you want to get a little less harsh cleaner that still works great is lemishine. It's in the dishwasher isle at Walmart. Try running it next time for 1:30- 2 hours. I'm getting the dual drum to clean ammo brass.. you can try brass bb's. Heard that works great or the stainless steel media
Thank you for the info.
Great video!
Thanks Hoover.
I had one. The price is definitely very attractive. I may be fine for rocks, but I tumble small steel parts. The pigment in the barrel discolored the water to the point of leaving a dark film on all the metal. Very frustrating. I tried cleaning the barrel using every method imaginable, did not use an alkaline soap that can degrade the rubber...nothing helped. Took it back and bought a Lortone. A night and day difference in the results for my application. Planning on buying a bigger Lortone in the future. Not cheap, but it is a value.
Thanks for the comment and watching Felix.
I’ve heard Lortone is the best!
*Yup it's the replacement. Works as well as the old one. I only wish tumbled rocks would ever turn out as well as I imagine they will before they are tumbled.*
Thanks for watching
Good job Kevin
Thank you.
Looks like a nice piece of equipment to add to your metal detection. Thanks for sharing Kevin!
I think so Thanks for the comment Paul.
Is it really ok to clean coins? I’ve been collecting since I was very young and was told to never try to clean them. We’re those just regular coins without much value? It seems that the rock could severely degrade a high value coin. Awesome video!!!! I just bought the Chicago dual barrel, collected some rock and turned it on for the first time just before I stumbled onto your video.
That's what I thought, he's damaging them, a tumbler is meant to remove material, any coin you put in there is ruined
Hand clean your coins, way to valuable to just destroy them, but it was a good video. Just no coins, lol
By the sounds of it, he's only going after face value anyway. Metal detecting certainly not a career like that though.
We aren't talking about cleaning a coin collection. These are just clad coins found while metal detecting. I save all of my finds and I prefer to have the dirt and crud cleaned off. When my kids inherit my stash they can head on down to the bank and cash it in. So far, I think all of my quarters are still worth $.25 and the dimes are worth $.10. Some of my zink pennies are questionable. Otherwise, no loss in value. If I ever find a rare coin under the merry-go-round, I probably won't throw it in the tumbler. Spring is in the air; let's go shoot some coins.
1st time of box when i add the second barrel it slows to a stop .. any ideas ????
Is it over full?
check the drive belt its probably loose
CLR might be too aggressive for the metal in the coins, Try some other soaps/detergents or just water. Good review thank you,
Thanks for watching
I just got this! My first one.
Don't overload it and it will be a machine.
@@Robinson-Homestead My first try, using my Dad's three pound, didn't work. The rocks and stones were smooth but not shiny. A few things went wrong. No enough rocks, too much water, not enough grit and the belt broke but wasn't noticed for about two days. Also, he didn't tell me that drying them between steps was a bad idea. I probably didn't get them rinse well either.
After watching lots of videos, I am hoping I have it all figured out.
I will be making a step one reveal video on Wednesday May 8th. I will probably go to my Dad's to do it. I don't have an outside spicket.
@@Robinson-Homestead I think I did exactly that. I took a few stones out yesterday.
Is it working ok?
@@Robinson-Homestead It seems to be doing better.
Toss in a clump of car polishing compound in there for the coins. Its great to ball-mill tinfoil (dollar store version best) after blender into powder for thermite :) Or so 'they' tell me.
Heavy ext cord? uh, not that needed. Its meant to run for *weeks*. Its *not* pulling 10 amps.
Thanks Hobo Hacker.
Looks just like the Leegol Electric tumbler I just bought. Different color but other than that it looks identical. Have not used it yet.
Good luck with it.
Kool Vid!
Thanks for watching Dj Spinnin.
What's the barrel made out of ? Is it sheet metal?
A hard rudder Jaden Smith thanks for the comment.
Anyone have trouble with the rubber barrels breaking down. I tumble stones and the barrels aren't holding up and the rubber seems to interfere with polishing stones
Not so far thank you for the comment
where do you oil and is there anything else you have to do to this for maintenance
I don't think so Bobbie.
Yes, you should oil the black bushings at either end of the spinning bars. Since I run mine for 24-48 hours, I lube the bushings before each use. Just a bit of Mineral Oil where the bar enters the black bushing. Tip the tumbler and let the oil work it’s way between the bushing and the bar. Do this at each of the 4 points in the well.
Don’t overload the barrel. That can burnout the motor and you need empty space inside the barrel for the tumbling to be most efficient. If it’s over-filled everything just becomes a solid mass turning and no tumbling takes place.
Where and how do you use the belts that it came with?
They are just rubber seals for the barrel to keep it form leaking Clare.
Kevin Robinson They are replacement drive belts for the motor, they’re not seals. You can buy crushed walnut shell tumbling media. That would be less abrasive on your coins and you would tumble them dry instead of with water. I bought the double barrel tumbler and it works great.
@@Robinson-Homestead they are extra drive belts . take the top of the machine off and its down inside
@@Robinson-Homestead they are not seals they are drive belts
Water, a dab of Dawn, and a dash of Lemishine for wet tumbling; Petco ground walnut lizard bedding a d a few drops of Nufinish polish for dry tumbling.
cool i will give it a try thanks for the info
LimeAway would work best for your coins and currency as well sir
Thanks for the info.
How's it holding up after all this time?
Still working great thanks for the comment Adam.
how does this hold up for cleaning brass cases. I heard good and bad about the Harbor Freight Rotary Tumbler
It has been a good tool for me.
just wondering why you did not show what the coins looked like BEFORE you put them in the tumbler
Thank you for the comment next time sorry.
When you're cleaning your coins you need to separate the pennies everything will turn copper also use CLR Little bit of salt vinegar and dish detergent two drops and I think you went over 3 pounds
aliluna3714 ok thanks
Keep your eyes out for a 1932 quarter when you're metal detectin!! 😉
Will do thanks.
what is the inside lined with?
rubber
That CLR will clean anything... Including your hands Kevin😲 ! FYI... To get the metal top off, use the washer to help pry it... That goes for ANY TUMBLER😉 I would have to spend my money on a better one....AND, I DEFINITELY WOULD NOT CLEAN MY COINS WITH A TUMBLER.... ANY TUMBLER.. JUST MY OPINION.✌️
Thanks for the information Faith.
Use a dremel and some good buffer and polish to shine up your coins
Thanks for the comment and watching Jay.
8 or 9 inch sifter in stainless steel is best.
want to make sea glass with harbor freight dual drum rubber
This tool is still working great thanks for the comment.
B nice to see someone oil it
Tracy i don't think it needs oiled but i could be wrong.
Don't not wash remains in sink drain will mess up your pipes
Good info thanks Eric.
That’s true it will work like sand paper and wear down the pipes etc
Play sand for a sand box works great for me for cleaning coins the sand gets in the the small space
Thank you for info that helps.
Next time use crushed Walnut shells. 👍
I want to do this with walnut
shells on my silver coins -
That would work thanks for the comment hey you.
Use steel shots...is better than rocks for metal...😊
good idea
Try adding a little ketchup to your coins, allow them to sit, then wipe them. You will be amazed.
I will do that John thanks
I believe your rocks ended up being your grit.
LoLahahahahaha
You are not supposed to dump that sediment down your drain, it may clog it.
Got you good tip thanks.
Never ever dump in the sink....It will turn to almost concrete and then you have an extra cost for a Plummer
Thank you for the the info D Willy.
Nice review of a ROCK tumbler. But coins? Dude! Are you trying to make smooth slugs? That's what a tumbler is designed to do. SMOOTH ROCK. Smoothing coins is a very bad idea.
I just put them in long enough to clean the dirt off not make them smooth.
Now you can figure out how you'll unclog your drain from all those pesky little stones!!
thanks for watching.
just so y'all know, don't tumble coins. to a collector it's an absolute no no. it will scratch and destroy everything you put in there. these are made for rocks, with a mohs hardness of six or seven or better. by using different grades of sand, you can achieve polishing stones that will look like glass when you are done. but don't put coins in them.
You only tumble coins found in the ground metal detecting. They are corroded and damaged, so no numismatic value. You tumble them so you can cash them in at the bank, not to collect.
Don't put your pennies in there with your quarters, dimes, and nickels because it will leave a copper color on them.
Thanks for the information.
Your ruining your coins, if they aren't valuable why would you even clean them? If they are your ruining your coins , that machine is meant to remove material. Good video though, I just hope your not using good coins, so there no point in cleaning them. Idk, just saying
I use it for clad coins only.
You're cleaning your coins? :O
From metal detecting.
Coins that he has dug out of the ground he metal detects !😉
Any numismatists watching? Lol
Thanks for watching.
Speed is very low , sorry not happy with this product.
Thanks for your comment.
7:46. sounds like he swallowed some coins.
Thanks for your comment joshua thomas coins are good.
This man has no idea what he is doing