Central machinery vibratory tumbler issue

[slim1836]

My above-mentioned tumbler was humming away last night and I noticed a different type of hum cadence. Thinking that the lid might be getting loose, I attempted to tighten the wingnut on top of the bowl. To my surprise, the wingnut burned me causing a tiny blister on a finger in the process. I shut the unit down not knowing what happened, and still don't.

The tumbler had only been on less than an hour, but the stem and nut were very hot. I unplugged it and that's the way it stays for now. I have two vibratory and 2 wet tumblers so this one will be for teardown when I get very bored.

Anyone have a similar experience they care to share?

Slim

[45_Colt]

My guess would be a motor bearing is going out. That could cause the difference in the sound, along with generating a lot of heat. I've always wondered how well the motors would hold up to the imbalance imposed on them.

That being said I still use a vibratory tumbler.

45_Colt

[wv109323]

Is the motor shaft mounted vertically? If so, the motor bearing ( which is actually a bushing) is not designed to take any thrust. In this case the weight of the rotor will eventually wear the bushing. The bushing will get hot or the armature windings will hit the end bell of the motor and short it out.
I would not use this tumbler again, especially left unattended.

[Winger Ed.]

I'd check into getting a new motor for it.

[slim1836]

I don't intend to use it again and will probably tear it down to salvage parts. I'm a hoarder, save nut and bolts, nails, screws, and anything else I feel like. That's saved me a lot of trips to Home Depot. Life's too short to risk burning my shed down, it's my second home. I'm blessed to have back-up wet and dry tumblers so it's no big loss, just mystifies me as to how the center stem and wingnut could get so darn hot.

Slim

[Sasquatch-1]

If you are going to scrap it and the bowl will fit your other tumbler, you can always use the bowl for powder coating.