"Tumbler" Dresses Up Metalwork

Tumbler Dresses Up Metalwork FARM SHOP Miscellaneous When blacksmith Brian Johnson finishes a custom metalworking job he likes to soften edges and polish the steel His homemade parts tumbler filled with waste from a metal punch press does just that “It gives the pieces I make a nice burnished appearance before I clear coat them ” he says “I made some pot and pan hangers out of steel strap and square stock for clients recently The tumbler took the sharp edges off and added eye appeal ” The tumbler drum which rotates at about 42 rpm’s is fashioned from a 30-lb propane tank Johnson cut one end off – after first purging all gas from the tank – and remounted it with hinges and a latch It rides on steel bearings mounted at the ends of four arms made from square tubing A fifth bearing mounted to a rear arm rides against the tapered end of the barrel “That fifth bearing helps to keep the tumbler from walking as it rotates ” says Johnson “I covered the bearings with rubber hose material I think that along with the drive belt it helps hold down the noise ” Power to rotate the tumbler is supplied by a 1/2 hp electric motor A worm drive gear reducer transfers the power with more than enough torque to the drive belt “I picked up a 20-in pressed steel pulley and cut out a hole roughly the size of the tank ” says Johnson “I pounded it in place over the tank and it fit tight I’ve never had to weld it or secure it in any way ” A 3/4-in belt runs from the pulley on the gear reduction pulley and around the tank pulley Belt tension is maintained automatically “I mounted the motor and the gear reduction case on a steel plate and hinged one end of it to the frame ” says Johnson “The weight is enough to keep the belt tight ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Brian Johnson 16777 County Rd 75 N W Clearwater Minn 55320 ph 320 558-6898

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