A Super Simple Home-Made Ball Mill or Rock Tumbler

A simple and inexpensive home-built ball mill for use in fine grinding and mixing chemicals. It can also be used as a rock tumbler. You can find out more about this project at mdpub.com.

[@ericargento4429]

This is just what I was looking for in a DIY Tumblr uncomplicated straight to the point. Thank you very much. 👍

[@allentremper8243]

If you are using this for milling black powder, only use lead balls or ceramic balls, do not use STEEL balls, it can spark and explode.
Just for those who would use this for the above mentioned project.
Thanks, great build.

[@Mascotal]

I like how you have utilized the drum instead of using another pulley. Very smart.

[@FlyinZX10R]

You could use some large diameter pvc pipe with end caps, except on one end install a male adapter to the main tube and then use another end cap as the lid.

[@Deezvf]

Awesomely simple! Thank you so much for the inspiration, and HUGE saving of having to buy an industrial version which would have cost a ton!

[@nathanking9771]

Thanks very much for your video. I love the simplicity and yet very effective.
I made one of these today, quite similar to yours.

[@BobNchannel]

that is a good tool, i like the way you made it from the supplies that you had on hand

[@derrickcheah8968]

Very nice design and effective design. Thanks for sharing.

[@2Langdon]

Great! Nice simple design - wish I'd thought of that! I have the castor wheels and a motor or two, so I guess I'm almost there. Thanks.

[@karlboll]

Great build!
Made something similar using an upside down skateboard once. Had to turn one of the trucks backwards but apart from that, easy.

[@WayneMeador]

Great idea, never needed this but I will remember this awesome little trick! lol

[@joshuaklingensmith7843]

I used a gigantic ball mill to grind tungsten carbide powder. Thanks for the video.

[@tjj5726]

very nice, simple design.... thanks for the video!

[@edperry4235]

The shop bought rock tumblers use a rubber drum. This is much better than using steel as you suggest - would be very noisy! Even if you purchased a rubber drum you'll still have a low cost set up. Thanks for sharing!

[@robertfugate678]

Great idea! I'm planning to use an applesauce container. It's cheap, water tight and has a irregular surface to help in tumbling.

[@rudiratlos6707]

Thanks for the new suggestions

[@elizabethtudor-hart1990]

Great job! really need one of these. Quite pricey to buy, so gonna do this instead! :)

[@IlluminatedWhiteGuy]

You can screw 2 or 3 1/2" x 1/2" square plastic bar stock lengthwise and evenly spaced inside the drum to add some lift and drop action to the balls for better grinding action. A thin bead of silicone on the drum side of the square stock would seal any leaks from the screw holes too.

[@karyhuang2268]

we are a professional machines manufacturer with 30 years experience and three branches factories. All kinds of crusher machines will be shared with you. website: www.zdzg.ccwelcome contact email: [e-mail]

[@FlyinZX10R]

I read for grinding powders, metals etc that about 90rpm is good.

[@csabo1725]

Great way to get rid of human bones

[@MCsCreations]

Really, really great. I'm going to make a smaller one. :) Thanks!

[@karyhuang2268]

we are a professional machines manufacturer with 30 years experience and three branches factories. All kinds of crusher machines will be shared with you. website: www.zdzg.ccwelcome contact email: [e-mail]

[@jasonbrindamour903]

I was about to build the same thing using a $25 old sewing machine and pedal (speed control) and some wheels just like that. I am planning on grinding rocks for powder for the garden. I may weld a stainless cylinder and add some rock wool and another outer shell for sound deadening though....

[@birther1968]

how did it go? I too have a sewing machine motor. Do you know where I can get a plastic bottle.

[@trickcyclists]

The two casters near the 'stop' pole must be ever so slightly wider apart than the other two.. leading to the travel of the drum. Loosen the fixing of one caster, a little bit, tap the caster towards it's mate.. and retighten.. job's a good'un.. :-)

[@swiftarnold8664]

what did you use for the belt?

[@Tudumanu]

awesome!

[@birther1968]

Question would a steel drum be better against the glass than rubber. I would think it would pit into the rubber. Need a hard substance for the balls to hit against.

[@12345678965371]

Hello i have a problem with mi ball mill when i put it on. And the container start tu make a little jumps

[@Bruuski]

Line the inside of barrel with a hunk of inner tube.

[@joebuechel9156]

Thanks for the video is really cool. I am looking to grind glass spheres 6-8mm. Any suggestions would be appreciated

[@beneditolemes2876]

Onde eu posso comprar uma máquina dessa?

[@kennethyoung141]

So the drum what was the name so we can look them up?

[@omarel-zeki7720]

You're intelligent
Why I didn't think of this

[@Skidtire]

i got a cheap 2$ glass jar from the dollar store and it work great for rock tumbler

[@Skidtire]

MimmGigg
im not using metal balls
im using coarse sand

[@birther1968]

What is the name of the plastic bottle and where can I get it????

[@jasonbrindamour903]

Oh and McMaster.com for the steel balls....delivered next day :)

[@clarkfox7961]

It's running far to fast its supposed to tumble thing's around .this would just spin them against the sides

[@Saxonx500]

Clark Fox yes I thought that too

[@magwamagwa45110]

great idea but way to fast.. need to slow it down... :)

[@Africanfrogs]

To fast