Tumblers
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 746
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From: Minnesota
Tumblers
All right fellow body work enthusiasts. I am curious if anybody has used a tumbler for small parts and bolts. I have seen them on the Eastwood site, and while I typically do not subscribed to all of their stuff as being as great as they do, I am curious if these tumblers are worth the investment. Thanks for any feed back.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Omaha/Elkhorn, NE
I actually got one for Christmas from the wife. If I have time, I'll try it out this weekend, and let you know. It's from Eastwood also. I've had pretty good luck with their stuff so far.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Divide , Colorado
I bought a cheaper one from HF and used it on my last restore but I broke it before I started on this one. I think they work great if you have the time. I had to run the few parts that would fit in the bucket for at least 24 hrs. But when they come out, blow them off, wipe em down and paint. Oh ya it is a little noisy too.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Northern Indiana
We used one daily at a boat company I worked for years ago. We would put small parts in it that were sheared and had sharp edges, they would come out with nice smooth edges 4 - 5 hours later.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Minnesota
So, with the unbelievable amount of body bolts I need to clean, this is a better option then standing next to the blasting cabinet? I am having a hard time trying to decide if I should invest in one, or use the equipment I have.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Divide , Colorado
I would probably get one I think I just overloaded mine. I know what you mean I wire wheel brush my parts and then blast. The HF one I bought did a whole truck restore it still operates I just need to tinker with it now.
FTE Remembers
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: springfield Missouri area
Has anybody used a vibratory tumbler for cleaning bolts and such? I bought a used HF one from a guy. He had it running when I picked it up. Found out why, it did not last long enough to clean the bolts I put in. Was wondering if they would do as good a job?
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Senior User
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From: Divide , Colorado
Moose I am not sure if you are talking about something different than what this thread is about . So I am not sure how to answer you.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Omaha/Elkhorn, NE
Yeah, he's talking about the same thing we are, the vibrating tumbler. I think these would work great on small parts. It can be a pain blasting them, and it's really a pain to wire wheel some of this stuff.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Divide , Colorado
Like I said I used a HF one for my last project it worked great but it loosened up on me and I need to take 20 mins and disassemble it and tighten it back up with thread lock .Wire wheel brushing is not to bad as long as you don't wont your finger prints.
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From: Omaha/Elkhorn, NE
Posting Guru
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If you have access to a media blaster, I would go that route. I use a small metal basket (like ones found at Staples or Office Depot for desks) to hold a few nuts and bolts, then blast them in the basket. I have seen both the HF and Eastwood tumblers, but for the money you will spend on them, I would either just blast or replace the bolts.
FTE Remembers
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,288
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From: springfield Missouri area
I thought you guys were talking about the rotating tumblers, Sorry. I made a big tumbler out of an old dryer. Strapped a five gallon bucket with a threaded lid to one side of the dryer tub with a rachet strap. Was using play sand as a medium. It worked pretty good on some big brackets off my truck. Have some trouble getting the lid off the bucket though, the sand gets in the threads and locks it pretty good. I have a new bucket my dad got some pool chemicals in, going to try that when I get back to the truck project. Disconnected and removed the heater coils took the door off and install a toggle switch in place of safety switch. Can't load the bucket to heavy cause the small belt doesn't have enough power to turn drum. It is real noisy though. Did not try it on any bolts. Was just using it on U-bolt plates, shock towers and such.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Divide , Colorado
Wow now that is enginuity at it best. If you could perfect that you need to post a diagram. Old dryers that the heater elements don't work or a dime a dozen. A 18 # tumbler is $200 or more.