Lortone 33B Rotary Rock Tumbler Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Lortone 33B Rotary Rock Tumbler is a dual-barrel unit designed for polishing various materials such as rocks, jewelry, glass, and beads. Each molded-rubber barrel has a 3-pound capacity, providing a total capacity of 6 pounds. The unit features a robust steel body and a 115V motor, ensuring consistent operation for your tumbling projects.

Figure 1: Lortone 33B Rotary Rock Tumbler with barrels.

2. Safety Information

• Electrical Safety: Always disconnect the power supply cord before performing any maintenance, cleaning, or removing barrels. Ensure the tumbler is plugged into a grounded 115V outlet.
• Adult Use Only: This product is not a toy and is not intended for use by children. It is designed for adult operation only.
• Moving Parts: Keep hands, hair, and loose clothing clear of moving parts during operation to prevent injury.
• Ventilation: Operate the tumbler in a well-ventilated area.
• Chemical Handling: When handling abrasive grits and polishing compounds, follow the manufacturer's safety instructions for those materials. Avoid inhaling dry powders.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all components are present upon unpacking:

• Lortone 33B Rotary Rock Tumbler Base Unit
• Two (2) Molded-Rubber Barrels
• Two (2) Barrel Lids with securing hardware
• Power Cord (integrated)

4. Setup

1. Placement: Place the tumbler on a stable, level surface. Consider a location where continuous operation noise will not be disruptive, such as a garage or basement.
2. Inspection: Before first use, inspect the unit for any signs of damage. Ensure the rollers are clean and free of debris.
3. Power Connection: Plug the power cord into a standard 115V electrical outlet.

Figure 2: Tumbler base with rollers.

Figure 3: Rear view showing power cord.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1. Preparing the Barrels

1. Select Materials: Choose materials suitable for tumbling. Harder materials like flint or quartz are generally recommended. Avoid soft or porous materials that may degrade quickly.
2. Load Barrels: Fill each barrel approximately 2/3 to 3/4 full with your chosen material. A variety of stone sizes can improve tumbling action.
3. Add Grit/Polish: Follow the specific instructions provided with your tumbling grit or polishing compounds. Ensure the correct amount of water is added to create a slurry.
4. Seal Barrels: Ensure the barrel rim is clean. Place the rubber gasket and lid securely on the barrel. Tighten the securing nut firmly but do not overtighten. Proper sealing prevents leakage.

Figure 4: Two Lortone tumbling barrels.

5.2. Tumbling Process

1. Place Barrels: Carefully place the loaded and sealed barrels onto the tumbler rollers. The dual-barrel design allows for simultaneous tumbling of different stages (e.g., coarse grit in one, fine grit in the other) or different materials.
2. Start Tumbling: Plug in the tumbler to begin operation. The barrels will rotate continuously.
3. Monitor Progress: Tumbling cycles typically last several days to weeks, depending on the material and desired finish. Do not shorten tumbling times, as this can compromise the final result.
4. Check Barrels: Periodically check the barrels for proper rotation and listen for any unusual noises.

Figure 5: Single Lortone tumbling barrel.

6. Maintenance

6.1. Cleaning

• Barrels: After each tumbling cycle, thoroughly clean the barrels. The barrels are designed for hand washing only. Remove all grit and slurry residue.
• Unit: Keep the tumbler base and rollers clean and free of grit or debris. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.

Figure 6: Disassembled barrel components.

6.2. Lubrication

Regular lubrication of the motor and moving parts is essential for optimal performance and longevity. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for specific lubrication points and frequency. Squeaking noises often indicate a need for lubrication.

7. Troubleshooting

• Excessive Noise: While the tumbler operates with some inherent noise, excessive squeaking often indicates a need for lubrication. Ensure the unit is placed on a stable surface. Some users place the tumbler inside a sound-dampening enclosure to reduce noise.
• Barrels Not Turning: Check if the motor is running. Ensure the barrels are properly seated on the rollers. If the motor appears to have lost strength, disconnect power and inspect for any obstructions or mechanical issues.
• Barrel Leakage: Ensure the barrel rim is clean and free of grit before sealing. The rubber gasket and lid must be seated evenly, and the securing nut tightened firmly to prevent leaks.
• Poor Tumbling Results: Verify that the correct grit stages are being used for the material. Ensure barrels are filled to the recommended level (2/3 to 3/4 full) and that sufficient tumbling time is allowed for each stage.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty & Support

The Lortone 33B Rotary Rock Tumbler typically comes with a one-year limited warranty. For specific warranty details, claims, or technical support, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact Lortone customer service directly.

For additional resources and product information, you may visit the official Lortone website.