Page 4
SKU 46376
Unpacking
When unpacking, check to make sure parts on page 7 are included. If any parts are miss-
ing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number on the cover of this manual as
soon as possible.
How a Rotary Tumbler Works.
The motion in the Barrel of a Tumbler simulates the natural action of flowing water or ocean
waves. Beaches and riverbeds contain rocks and pebbles smoothed by water and the abra-
sive sand it carries. As rocks grind upon one another with constant water and sand in the mix,
they begin to round and smooth. Although this is a constant process, it does not however,
naturally polish the rocks.
The Tumbler uses an abrasive media instead of sand. It is graded by grain size, from fine
powder sized grains, up to large sized grains. By changing (usually by weekly intervals) the
grain size, rotating from coarse, medium, to fine, the rock or gemstone is smoothed much
more quickly than the natural process.
To polish using a Tumbler, you add a metallic oxide compound (see step 4 on page 5). The
complete process for a gemstone or rock to go from rough to a smooth, polished finish, usu
-
ally takes from 4-6 weeks.
Operation
Location
.
Note:
The Tumbler will be working 24 Hrs. a day for several weeks at a time, and needs to
be in a convenient and safe location that will not interfere with family activities. It generates
a slight humming sound. The motor becomes hot to the touch. This is normal.
Make it accessible. You will need to open it daily, in some cases.
1.
Locate it near a power outlet. It must be located in an open area that is away from any
2.
flammable materials.
Do not use the Rotary Tumbler outdoors.
Do not put the tumbler on a table. The vibration of the unit may cause the tumbler to crawl
3.
when placed on a smooth slippery surface.
Only use the tumbler in an extremely safe location such as a concrete garage floor.
4.
Do not put it in a closet or drawer as it has a fan cooled motor and needs proper ventila-
5.
tion.
Do not let it freeze, as the water in the
6.
Rubber Barrel (#22)
will freeze and become unbal-
anced, overloading the motor. Avoid extreme temperatures.
It is possible for the
7.
Rubber Barrel (#22)
to break open and spill. Make sure the location
is safe for that possibility.
Caution: Always check on the tumbler on a regular basis to make sure the unit is run-
ning properly and is not over-heating. Make sure that conditions around the tumbler
are unchanged, and that the tumbler continues to operate in a safe location.
Before Use
.
Before the first use, and once a month following, put a few drops of oil on the
1.
Driving
Shaft Set (#12)
bearings.
