PVC Pipe - block tumbler

[hornet]

Just spent the day putting together a block tumbler using PVC pipe and end caps. Had to cut the end caps down a bit but it works well. The whole thing comes apart by taking one nylex nut from the end of the shaft. Bearings were obtained very cheaply on EBay. Added a small 12 volt motor and now I can tumble a handful of blocks very quickly. 

 

Cheers

Steve. 

[Bob Cleek]

Very nice. It looks like "the Rolls Royce of block tumblers!"

[jct]

Hi Steve,

Very interesting how long do you usually let it run with a load of blocks??  Do you have any pics of the finished blocks you can share?

J

[hornet]

I use the variable speed control from my Domanoff serving machine ( which I also use on my home made rope making machine) I experimented with different grit sandpaper in the tumbler and ended up deciding on 180 grit. I tumble them for a couple of minutes but because I use the variable speed control the number of revolutions in the tumbler depends (obviously) on the motor speed - not too fast, not too slow. I check the blocks as I go. Another pic of tumbler and some tumbled blocks below.

 

Edited November 16, 2018 by hornet

[cog]

That is marvelous, wouldn't have thought about Domanoff's variable speed control, nice touch that one

[jct]

THX much for the update...the blocks look good

[mtaylor]

I'd say a food mixer might not be the best idea.   The two blades intersect in the middle and offen run pretty close to the "bowl" and the blades are rigid.  Most of the tumblers (see above photos) just use sandpaper.  But give it a try.  It might just work.

[John Allen]

Y.T.

 

There are many mini food mixers on the market, some like the pic have a plastic spindle. Remove the blades from the spindle scribe lateral lines on the spindle wide enough to slide sandpaper in. Use PVA to hold paper which would be easy to u remove when paper lost its abrasive. Advantage some have variable speed, or use a speed controller.

 

Someone may have already posted this, have not figured what the cons would be if any.

[AON]

the Admiral may have something to say about that  

[hornet]

7 hours ago, Y.T. said:

I am trying to find a simplest solution as I only need to tumble 1 set of blocks every 5 years. Building a tumbling machine from PVC is too much work. If I can use mixer without ruining it this is best for me.

Building the PVC tumbler was a bit of work Y.T. but it was a fun project and gave me a sense of achievement (not dissimilar to building a model).  I have to agree with Mark though, the inflexible blades on a food mixer may be a little harsh for the job. You might like to consider making a whole new sandpaper ‘impeller’ to replace the blades on the spline completely or cut the blades off the attachment and replace with something more flexible. Post your  endeavours as I would be interested to see the results. 

Edited November 20, 2018 by hornet

[vossy]

PVC pipe is great for our hobby. I use a length about 1200mm long capped at one end with plumbers resin and glue. I fill it with water and soak planks prior to bending. The uncapped end has another non glued cap on it to stop the planks popping out before they are soaked. I have used this for about 12 years and it has never leaked.

 

Cheers

 

Chris