Thumler's Tumbler Model B Hi-speed belt -equivalent o-ring size

[Bayou52]

Hi, All -

From a previous post, I noted that I was having problems with Thumler's Tumbler Model B Hi-speed belts breaking all too frequently. The replacement belts are $5-$6 a pop, so this was getting expensive. I went on the search for the equivalent o-ring size in hopes of getting both a cheaper and longer lasting belt.

I measured a new replacement belt and researched the matter. It appears the standard sized o-ring that corresponds with the Thumler's belt size is o-ring number .343 with the following dimensions:

O-ring Size: 3 3/4"ID X 4 1/8"OD X 3/16"CS

I ordered several ethylene propylene o-rings in this size. I'm told this composition resists stretching. They were 80 cents apiece. After my first tumble today using these o-rings, I can report they fit perfectly on my tumbler and works no different than the replacement belt.

Time will tell how long this o-ring will last with continous use, but I'm going to find out. I have a hunch it won't be any worse than the actual replacement belts, and hopefully, will be much better.

I hope this info helps. I haven't seen this equivalent size info posted anywhere else.

Bayou52

[dbosman]

Great find.
You forgot to tell us where to order from though.

[Bayou52]

Great find.
You forgot to tell us where to order from though.

Sure, dbosman -

Here is the web page to the exact ethylene propylene o-rings I purchased. They were prompt in shipping. Had no issues with the order.

http://www.theoringstore.com/index.p...oducts_id=6511

Good luck and happy tumbling....

Bayou52

[Wally]

My Thumler's Tumbler Model B is from 1980...have the original "O" ring belt on it. I always remove the belt from the pulley when not running it...it is 33 years old now.

[Airman Basic]

Shows to go ya. Mine's about 30 also, but I've never pulled the belt. Worried about stretching it, don't ya know.

[Bayou52]

My Thumler's Tumbler Model B is from 1980...have the original "O" ring belt on it. I always remove the belt from the pulley when not running it...it is 33 years old now.

Wally -

I also have been pulling off the belt after each tumble, but I've had very short belt life and for no apparent reason!

I wish I had your luck with those tumbler belts lasting so long. I really think these o-rings are going to have a longer life span than the factory replacement belts - at about 7 times cheaper!

Bayou52

[ColColt]

I think I'll order a few of those...thanks, Bayou.

[dbosman]

Thank you bayou52.

[captbligh]

I had an old thumler given to me that had no belt. Went through multiple varieties of vacuum cleaner belts with no good results. Finally went to Home Depot and bought some GE UCRING o-rings for GE filtration units. Don't remember the exact price, but very inexpensive and the first ring I put on has lasted nearly a year with no visible wear. Of course, that might be because I bought about five bags with two rings in each. I'm sure if I only had one it would probably break right away.

[LUBEDUDE]

Thanks Bayou, I went ahead and ordered six at .80 each. Even though I've had no problems with either of my two units. But it's a matter of time.

[Bayou52]

Thanks Bayou, I went ahead and ordered six at .80 each. Even though I've had no problems with either of my two units. But it's a matter of time.

Sounds good, LubeDude -

Never hurts to have a few spares in the hip pocket. I certainly won't be ordering factory repacement belts anymore. Not at $5 - $6 apiece!

Bayou52

[gwpercle]

I had an old thumler given to me that had no belt. Went through multiple varieties of vacuum cleaner belts with no good results. Finally went to Home Depot and bought some GE UCRING o-rings for GE filtration units. Don't remember the exact price, but very inexpensive and the first ring I put on has lasted nearly a year with no visible wear. Of course, that might be because I bought about five bags with two rings in each. I'm sure if I only had one it would probably break right away.

What department of Home Depot, I'm not familar with a filtration unit. I want something I can buy locally but home depot is a big place to wander around aimlessly looking for something I have no idea what it is or looks like. Do you have a home depot or manufacturer's product number ? would appreciate it.

Gary

[Airman Basic]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-Carbon...RING/202061299

[Bayou52]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-Carbon...RING/202061299

Good info, thanks -

Bayou52

[xman777]

Good post here! This is why forums are such a good thing for everybody.

By the way, a few things I did to improve belt tracking/reduce wobble are to firm up the motor mount and to use a dab of silicone grease on the white bushings that the tumbler rides on. Those two things really make it run much better in my opinion.

[Bayou52]

Good post here! This is why forums are such a good thing for everybody.

By the way, a few things I did to improve belt tracking/reduce wobble are to firm up the motor mount and to use a dab of silicone grease on the white bushings that the tumbler rides on. Those two things really make it run much better in my opinion.

Xman777 ,

Can I ask how you firmed up the motor mount on the model B? There are no motor mount adjustments on my tumbler.

Thanks -

Bayou52

[xman777]

I made a bracket and fastened it to the rear of the motor. Be careful you get it tracking correctly before you snug everything down!

[Bayou52]

I made a bracket and fastened it to the rear of the motor. Be careful you get it tracking correctly before you snug everything down!

Thanks -

Bayou52

[plainsman456]

Most good auto parts stores should have that size o-ring in stock.

I also have a tube of super glue for when it breaks,in a pinch.

[Bayou52]

I also have a tube of super glue for when it breaks,in a pinch.

Does super glue actually work to hold tumbler belts together? It just seems thst the glue wouldn't hold under the load, but I've never tried it.

Bayou52