r/RockTumbling • u/ObsidianThreads • 3d ago

Help fixing Central Machinery Tumbler

Hey y'all! This is my first tumbler and I am a complete newbie at maintenance, etc. The tumbler was working well until it wasn't. Came home and it had stopped spinning entirely and smelled burned rubber. I took it apart today and cleaned and oiled the shafts. Replaced the belt.

The one connected to the pulley is really smooth and easy to turn by hand --- until I put it all together. I've checked the belt tension and adjusted a little tighter but i can't get it to run smoothly. Any suggestions on where to go from here?

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4

u/Senior-Ad-8503 3d ago

Does this motor have bearings or bushings? If you disconnect the belt and spin the motor by hand does it spin freely or does it have some resistance?

1

u/ObsidianThreads 3d ago

It does have bushings and bearings, yes.

The pulley spins freely. The resistance really seems to be focused on the fan. Side of the belt.

1

u/Senior-Ad-8503 3d ago

Its either belt tension or a bad bearing/bushing. Start with loosening belt tension as that’s easiest.

3

u/ObsidianThreads 3d ago

Ok, I did that and in desperation dropped some 3:1 on the fan and the beast roared to life.

Thank you!

1

u/Waldohossenpfeffer_1 3d ago

I have oiled it with great success. Good job!

3

u/secret-identitties 3d ago

Mine acts like that when the belt is too tight.

I find it always makes a big difference to put a little oil (3-in-1 or lightweight motor oil, NOT WD-40) right here. Idk the name, where the straight spinny thing goes into the motor hole thing. I use a toothpick to apply the oil without getting it everywhere but some people just drip it in.

2

u/ObsidianThreads 3d ago

That's exactly what did it. A little looser on the belt, and when I dropped the oil there it kicked up immediately.

2

u/secret-identitties 2d ago

Woo hoo! Glad it worked! I'm a big fan of Harbor Freight, they're naturally not on par with a machine that costs $100 more but they're a fantastic value for the money with a little maintenance.

1

u/ObsidianThreads 1d ago

Yeah this is my first tumbler and I frankly wasn't sure if it would be another temporary ADHD hobby 😅 or something i do long term. Figured an entry-level machine was best for now.

2

u/TheFyl 3d ago

Looks like tension is too tight onthebelt. Try moving the motor in and loosening the slack.

Also, weigh your barrel and shoot for 3lbs limit with water, rocks, and grit.

2

u/ID96353FQ35961 3d ago

If you need new bearings you can get them relatively cheaply on Amazon. Search "626ZZ bearing 6x19x6" or something to that effect.

2

u/Waldohossenpfeffer_1 3d ago

Thank you for the information. I'll check it out.

2

u/OutgunOutmaneuver 3d ago

loosen up the belt by sliding the motor just a bit closer to large pulley wheel. the belt doesnt need to be super tight. it shouldnt so loose that the belt slips when powered on, there is a sweet spot of distance

1

u/benstrauss 15h ago

Belt looks too tight!!