[TheForge] Tumbler

[Bob Ehrenberger]

I finished my tumbler today and plan on testing it tomorow.

When faced with the prospect of power brushing 230 fence pickets I decided
it was time to get serious about a tumbler. I had scavenged a section of
steel pipe a couple years ago to make one but it wasn't long enough, so I
optioned for an old water heater core. While trying to figure out a mounting
and turning mechanism I remembered that I had a device for cold twisting
bars in the weeds by the barn. I had gotten this device six years ago in the
deal for my trip hammer, and had never set it up. To my amazement the thing
wasn't locked up.  All I needed to do was make a special tail stock for it
to support the end of the tumbler.

I mounted a 5/8" bar down the center of the drum (water heater) to support
it. The only detail yet to work out is what to use for a fin inside the drum
to keep the stuff from just sloshing around at the bottom. I would like to
put in a couple pieces of small angle iron, but all I have is big angle
iron. So maybe I'll just use a piece of square stock.

I timed it, and it turns at 20 rpm which may be a little slow. I'll see how
it works before I dink around with the gearing.

Now I have to find a place for it. My shop is already pretty full which was
part of the reason I never set it up. Also if it turns out to be dirty and
noisy I may have to build a shed for it to keep it out of the shop. First I
need to get through this job.

Bob Ehrenberger
Shelbyville, Mo