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How to Make Rock Tumbler

If you've found some rocks that you think are promising, your next step is to polish them up. But you may not be in a position to spend a few hundred dollars on a commercially made rock tumbler. Fear not: a little ingenuity, some easily obtained parts, and a bit of elbow grease and you'll be admiring your new specimens before long.

Things You'll Need

  • Sheet of plywood
  • 1/2-horsepower motor
  • 2-inch pulley wheel that fits on the motor shaft
  • 5-inch pulley wheel
  • Drive belt
  • Steel rod, 1/2 to 5/8 inches in diameter
  • 2 pillow block bearings that will fit the steel rod
  • Equipment roller
  • Screws
  • Plastic mayonnaise jar or something similar
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the parts before you cut. Position the motor at one corner with the shaft leaning over one edge. Next, position the steel rod so about three inches of it hangs over the edge; the large wheel pulley will need space to spin here. Mark spots for the pillow block bearings that will hold the rod.
      Position the equipment roller so it is parallel to the rod. Test the location by resting the jar on them. If it touches the plywood, move the roller closer to the rod. Be sure, though, that the rod and roller aren't too close together; you don't want the jar flying off when the machine is turned on.

    • 2

      Attach the motor to one corner of the plywood sheet. Make sure there's clearance for the wheel and for the power cord.

    • 3

      Check that the steel rod and the pillow block bearings are square with the edge of the plywood. Once you're sure of your measurements, fasten the bearings to the plywood with screws. Pass the steel rod through them, making sure there are at least 3 inches of overhang.

    • 4

      Put the 2-inch wheel pulley on the shaft of the motor. Put the 5-inch wheel on the end of the steel rod. Run the drive belt between them. Check that the tension isn't too loose.

    • 5

      Fasten the equipment roller into place. Put the plastic container in place; turn on the tumbler and see how everything works. Make any adjustments needed before putting rocks and grit into the container for polishing.

    • 6

      Place your rocks and grit into the plastic container and rest it on the equipment roller and steel rod. Turn on the machine.


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