635 replies to this topic

[Karl]

Are you sure you are looking in the right place?

I've got one of these lying around in the shed! But IIRC mine is from a lathe. Are they ok for Ball-Mills?

[fishy1]

I've got one of these lying around in the shed! But IIRC mine is from a lathe. Are they ok for Ball-Mills?

yep, they are good.

[s2525]

What about those toy style rock tumblers?

[fishy1]

What about those toy style rock tumblers?

not great, but they will work for small amounts.

[jellywerker]

I have given up on finding a cheap motor, and I plan to buy a mill. Does there seem to be anything wrong with one like this: http://www.harborfre...temnumber=46376

It is the same one that was sold on ebay as a black powder mill (from a recent thread).

[Ritual33]

You have to note that it isnt a ball mill, its a rock tumbler, its a very cheap alternative to making or buying a ball mill and will be far less superior.

Drew

[karlfoxman]

Rock tumblers make very good ball mills, i know quite a few that use them i used to use them until we made a ball mill. We also now make our own media and it all works very very well.

[jellywerker]

Ritual: Have you used it? If not, refrain from such a derogatory comment, as it seems to have worked quite well for another advanced pyro user...

[Ritual33]

Whooaa easy dude, no I havn't used one - But I do know there not as good as the real thing, which is a fact. I didn't say they couldnt be used, I just said they wouldnt be as good as a good strong homemade one.
Chill!

Drew

[fishy1]

i agree with ritual, while they can be used, some of then will overheat or not turn when loaded up with media and BP.

[Ritual33]

I hear about alot of people having the motor burn out after a day of heavy use, this might not be the case with everyone, but it happens alot.
But if you can make your own, by all means do so, custom made to your liking and you'll get much bigger loads.

[jellywerker]

Perhaps I was a bit nasty, sorry. It has a 3lb jar, plenty for my needs. The problem with making one is that I am unable to find a good motor. The ones on ebay seem to big, I am looking for something very compact.

All I need is something that will make small batches, but has the power to crush charcoal. Since I only use small quantities, a small jar is fine, but if that is the case, do I still need the recommended 1/2-1/3 hp motor? Or could I get along with a 1/8 or so?

[Ritual33]

Thats a very good point, I've never seen a nice compact ball mill done before, maybe you could be the first?

[jellywerker]

I very well could be, with the correct gears, it could be done with a rather small motor. I don't know how long a small motor would last though, as I have never seen them in an application were they are meant to run for hours (excepting cheapo kiddy rock tumblers)

[chris.h]

You need to use a "continuously rated" motor. If you get one out of an old washing machine or similar, build a bit of a box around it to stop the dust getting into the working, and hey-presto, you have a motor that will run all day.