[TheForge] Cleaning components

[Cindy and James]

I have a bunch of component parts (small and a bunch of them 3-4 feet 
long) for a project that need cleaning, deburring, etc.  My current 
method is to chuck them up in the vise, 1 by 1, wire brush, etc., etc., etc.

I got the idea from a conference to build a tumbler.  Just dump all the 
stuff in along with ball bearings for media and turn it on.  Probably 
overnight would do the trick.

Question for the group... Have any of you used/built a tumbler for this  
process?  If so, what size was it?  How did you power it?  How well did 
it work and was it worth the effort?  What approx. RPM did you run it.

My thoughts on building one is to buy a piece of 24 to 30 inch diameter 
pipe, weld plate to the ends, weld trailer or auto axle stubs in the 
center of the plate and use the running gear portion (bearings, etc), to 
support the whole thing welded to a framework of some sort.  Put a 
pulley on it and a motor and away you go.

Another idea, a little more challenging (for me) would be to mount it on 
2 auto differentials with wheels and tires, mounted parallel, they would 
support the rig and permit turning, either by powering the gearbox or 
with a pulley direct to the tumbler.

Right now, I like method 1 better.  Seems simpler, quicker, easier, 
smaller footprint.

My scrap yard has a 16 or 20 foot stick of 20" for about $10 a foot.  
I'd use about 5 or 6 feet, keep the rest for BBQ smokers/pits.  They 
also have a 5' piece of 29" for about $14/ft.  Both are around 5/8 to 
3/4 wall pipe, I didn't measure, just looked.  Either one would be 
pretty heavy and require a pretty good motor to start it going.

Probably pretty noisy.

I've thought about getting an old clothes dryer to use for small stuff 
till I get this thing built.  It would also tell me if it would work, 
and how well.

Ideas, comments?

James Allcorn
Bois D'Arc Forge Blacksmith Shop
Paris, TX