Chicago Electric 46376 User manual
ROTARY TUMBLER
ASSEMBLY and OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our Web site at http://www.harborfreight.com
Copyright © 2001 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of
this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape
or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
For technical questions and replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353
Model 46376
Distributed exclusively by
Harbor Freight Tools®.
Revised Cover Page 05/05
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SKU 46376
Specications
Capacity 3 lb.
Barrel Size 4-3/4” H x 4-1/2” OD
Motor 120 V~ / 60 Hz
Power Cord 18 Gauge / 3-Prong
Note: Performance of this tool (if powered by line voltage) may vary depending on variations
in local line voltage. Extension cord usage may also affect tool performance.
Save This Manual
You will need the manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly instructions,
operating and maintenance procedures, parts list and diagram. Keep your invoice with this
manual. Write the invoice number on the inside of the front cover. Keep the manual and
invoice in a safe and dry place for future reference.
Safety Warnings and Precautions
WARNING: When using tool, basic safety precautions should always be followed to
reduce the risk of personal injury and damage to equipment.
Read all instructions before using this tool!
1. Keep work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries.
2. Observe work area conditions. Do not use machines or power tools in damp or wet
locations. Don’t expose to rain. Keep work area well lighted. Do not use electrically
powered tools in the presence of ammable gases or liquids.
3. Keep children away. Children must never be allowed in the work area. Do not let
them handle machines, tools, or extension cords.
4. Store idle equipment. When not in use, tools must be stored in a dry location to
inhibit rust. Always lock up tools and keep out of reach of children.
5. Do not force tool. It will do the job better and more safely at the rate for which it
was intended. Do not use inappropriate attachments in an attempt to exceed the tool
capacity.
6. Use the right tool for the job. Do not attempt to force a small Tumbler to do the
work of a larger industrial Tumbler. There are certain applications for which this
Tumbler was designed. Do not modify this Tumbler and do not use this Tumbler for a
purpose for which it was not intended.
7. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they can be caught in
moving parts. Protective, electrically non-conductive clothes and non-skid footwear
are recommended when working. Wear restrictive hair covering to contain long hair.
8. Use eye, ear, and face protection. Always wear ANSI-approved impact safety
goggles. Wear a full face shield if you are producing metal lings or wood chips. Wear
a NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator when working around metal, wood, and
chemical dusts and mists.
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9. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Do not reach over
or across running machines.
10. Maintain tools with care. Keep tools clean for better and safer performance. Follow
instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Inspect tool cords periodically
and, if damaged, have them repaired by an authorized technician.
11. Disconnect power. Unplug Tumbler when not in use.
12. Avoid unintentional starting. Be sure the switch is in the Off position when not in
use and before plugging in.
13. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, use common sense. Do not operate any tool
when you are tired.
14. Check for damaged parts. Before using any tool, any part that appears damaged
should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its
intended function. Check for alignment and binding of moving parts; any broken parts
or mounting xtures; and any other condition that may affect proper operation. Any
part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by a qualied technician.
Do not use the tool if any switch does not turn On and Off properly.
15. Guard against electric shock. Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces such as
pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerator enclosures.
16. Replacement parts and accessories. When servicing, use only identical
replacement parts. Use of any other parts will void the warranty. Only use accessories
intended for use with this tool. Approved accessories are available from Harbor
Freight Tools.
17. Do not operate tool if under the inuence of alcohol or drugs. Read warning
labels on prescriptions to determine if your judgment or reexes are impaired while
taking drugs. If there is any doubt, do not operate the tool.
18. Use proper size and type extension cord. If an extension cord is required, it must
be of the proper size and type to supply the correct current to the tool without heating
up. Otherwise, the extension cord could melt and catch re, or cause electrical
damage to the tool. This tool requires use of an extension cord of 0 to 10 amps
capability (up to 50 feet), with wire size rated at 18 AWG. Longer extension cords
require larger size wire. If you are using the tool outdoors, use an extension cord
rated for outdoor use (signied by “WA” on the jacket).
19. Maintenance. For your safety, maintenance should be performed regularly by a
qualied technician.
20. People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before use.
Electromagnetic elds in close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause pacemaker
interference or pacemaker failure.
Warning: The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual
cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be under-
stood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be
built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
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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 owing 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 ne
powder sized grains, up to large sized grains. By changing (usually by weekly intervals) the
grain size, rotating from coarse, medium, to ne, 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 nish, 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 any2.
ammable 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 crawl3.
when placed on a smooth slippery surface.
Only use the tumbler in an extremely safe location such as a concrete garage oor. 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 the6. Rubber Barrel (#22) will freeze and become unbal-
anced, overloading the motor. Avoid extreme temperatures.
It is possible for the7. 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 rst use, and once a month following, put a few drops of oil on the 1. Driving
Shaft Set (#12) bearings.
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SKU 46376
Operation (continued)
Check the2. Belt (#37) tension. It must be kept as loose as possible without allowing it to
slip on the Driving Pulley (#35). Check before each use.
Make sure the exterior of the3. Rubber Barrel (#22) is clean so that it doesn’t slip on the
rollers. Wipe it with a soapy cloth, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth, and dry thoroughly.
Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
Make sure that the Stop (#6) is lightly touching the Barrel Lid (#28). This will prevent the4.
Barrel Lid from rubbing against the housing and will reduce friction.
General Use.
To open the1. Rubber Barrel (#22), remove the Knurled Nut (#24) and the Washer (#26).
Next, remove the Barrel Lid (#28).
Note: It is imperative to load the Tumbler with the proper amount of materials, or the process
will not be successful, and the motor could be damaged. An underloaded barrel will not lift
rocks up the inner side walls allowing the cascading effect. Also, the abrasive material in an
underloaded unit will tend to form a slurry and will not be effective. An overloaded Tumbler
will not allow the rocks to cascade. Lastly, too much water will cause the abrasives to oat
and not do their job.
“Charging” a barrel means loading it. Charge your barrel from 1/2 to 3/4 full. More pointed 2.
or abrasive rocks or stones will require closer to 3/4 full, leaving a 1/2 full barrel when it
comes time to polish.
Note: During tumbling, the stones will be reduced approximately 20% in size.
Choose stones that have a similar surface condition. They should have a mix of sizes3.
ranging from small (3/16” to 3/8”) to large (3/4” to 1”). 25% of the stones should be in the
smaller range. Split the remaining volume between medium sized (3/8” to 5/8”) and large
sized (5/8” to 1”) stones.
For best results use a four step polish process. First, use a silicon carbide grain, 60-904.
grit size. Second, use a ne silicon carbide grain, 220 grit or a little ner. Next, use a 600
grit silicon carbide grain or a pre-polish. Lastly, use a polish of Tin Oxide, Cerium Oxide,
or Titanium Dioxide. When tumbling hard materials, it might be necessary to repeat the
steps.
Note: More specic instructions for each step are covered on the next page under “Specic
instructions”.
Amounts of abrasive (for 3 Lbs. Tumblers):
Coarse Grind Medium Pre-polish Polish Burnish(soap)
4 Tbls. 4 Tbls. 6 Tbls. 6 Tbls. 1 Tbls.
Note: An Abrasive Kit (not included) is available at Harbor Freight Tools, Item # 30956.
This kit includes 4 oz. of coarse grit abrasive, 4 oz. of ne grit, 2 oz. of pre-polish abrasive,
and 2 oz. of polish.
Add enough water to reach the bottom of the top layer of rocks.5.
Seal the6. Rubber Barrel (#22), and replace the Barrel Lid (#28), Knurled Nut (#24) and
the Washer (#26).
Set the7. Rubber Barrel (#22) on the rollers and turn on the Power Switch (#13). Make
sure you check during the rst ten minutes to make sure the tumbler isn’t leaking.
Note: Although this manual primarily deals with rock/gemstone tumbling, you can use this
Tumbler to work with metal and metal jewelry (without gemstones). This Tumbler may be
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Specic Instructions.
First Grind: Run the Tumbler for 24 hrs. and slowly open the Barrel Lid (#28), releasing the
small amount of gas that builds up during the process. Check the stones, which might show
a little rounding, but not much. Clean the seals and close. It is important to release the gas
as it will turn thicken the abrasive slurry. After another 24 hrs. check again. If the slurry is
thickening, add a little water. Run for one hour and check again. If it is still thick, add some
more water. Let the Tumbler run continuously, but check daily. Continue this process for 7-10
days to remove the sharp edges and rough areas. Be patient. This is the most important
step. When all of the edges are rounded you are ready for the next step.
Note: Between steps you must clean the Rubber Barrel (#22) and stones. Pour off the slurry
into a disposable container (ie: milk carton) and take care that the stones remain in the
Rubber Barrel (#22).
Warning!! Never pour the slurry into your home plumbing system.
Next, ll the Rubber Barrel (#22) half full with water and remove the remaining slurry.
Next, remove the stones into a clean container or plastic bag. Finally, ll the Rubber Barrel
(#22) 1/2 full with water and clean out the remaining slurry and grit. Wipe it clean with a wet
paper towel and then wipe it dry. To clean the stones, gently slosh them around in clean water
and remove them a few at a time checking for breaks or cracks. Discard broken or cracked
stones. Place the stones in a plastic colander, or old nylon sock and rinse them completely
off. There should be no slurry or grit remaining on the stones.
Second Grind:
Carefully replace stones into the Rubber Barrel (#22). If the Rubber Barrel (#22) is less
than 1/2 full, add plastic pellets (not included) to make up the difference. Add medium grit
(according to the chart on page 5) and water to the bottom of the top layer of rocks. Reseal
and tumble. Run it for 2-3 days before checking. They will begin to smooth. After seven
days they should have a smooth nish. If not, let them go another 2-3 days. Clean again as
you did after grind one.
Pre-polish:
Place stones into the Rubber Barrel (#22) adding the correct amount of pre-polish and plastic
pellets (not included) if necessary, and water. Let it run for a week, checking every other day.
After a week take out 2-3 stones to test the progress. On a dampened piece of leather, old
rug, or towel, sprinkle a small amount of polishing compound, and rub the stone vigorously
with it. You should see a denite shine in a few moments. If they shine, clean the Rubber
Barrel (#22) and you are ready for the last step. If not, pre-polish and check in 24 hrs.
Operation (continued)
used to take the jagged, sharp edges off of small metal parts. To polish brass, gold, silver, or
copper, use polishing media designed for that specic purpose.
Note: For more in-depth information on polishing jewelry, we recommend you purchase a
jewelry polishing handbook.
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Operation (continued)
Maintenance
Before the rst use, and once a month following, put a few drops of oil on the 1. Driving
Shaft Set (#12) bearings.
Check the2. Belt (#37) tension. It must be kept as loose as possible without allowing it to
slip on the Driving Pulley (#35). Check before each use.
Make sure the exterior of the3. Rubber Barrel (#22) is clean so that it doesn’t slip on the
rollers. Wipe it with a soapy cloth, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth, and dry thoroughly.
Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
Polish:
Gently set the stones in the Rubber Barrel (#22) . Charge the tumbler with fresh water, pol-
ishing compound, and plastic pellets to help cushion the stones. Make sure the volume is at
least 1/2 full, preferably 3/4 full. Tumble for 5 to 7 days. If they look the same dry as they do
wet, then they are nished. If they have a slight lm, they need to be burnished.
Burnishing:
Remove the stones, clean the Rubber Barrel (#22) and remove and recover the plastic pellets
(set aside). Place the stones back in the Rubber Barrel (#22) and replace the same pellets.
Use powdered soap such as Ivory®or White King®(see chart on page 5). Do not use liquid
detergents or dishwasher powders that have bleach. Add water as in previous steps and seal
the Rubber Barrel (#22). Tumble for four days, and clean the barrel.
Notes to remember:
You must clean between steps.1.
When polishing or burnishing you must use plastic pellets.2.
It is recommended to use a log book to keep track of each step.3.
If you start with stream worn or smooth stones, you may be able to eliminate the rst 4.
step.
It is advised that you purchase a mineral book which goes into more detail about selection5.
of stones for tumbling. As you learn about relative hardness of each stone you will achieve
greater success by not mixing soft and hard stones.
Always dispose of material properly.6.
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Parts List
Part Description Qty.
1 Bolt 4
2 Top Cover 1
3 Upper Pad 4
4 Bolt 2
5 Middle Plate 1
6 Stop 1
7 Lower Pad 4
8 Nut 3
9 Bolt 2
10 Flat Washer 3
11 Bolt 2
12 Driving Shaft Set 1
13 Power Switch 1
14 Shaft Sleeve 4
15 Power Cord & Plug 1
16 Idler Shaft Set 1
17 Motor 1
18 Retaining Clip 4
19 Pad 2
20 Base 1
21 Round Cap Nut 2
22 Rubber Barrel 1
23 Flat Washer 4
24 Knurled Nut 1
25 Spring Washer 4
26 Washer 1
27 Bracket 1
28 Barrel Lid 1
29 Motor Fan 1
30 Boot Gasket 1
31 Ventilating Cover 1
32 Inner Lid 1
33 Nut 2
34 Rubber Foot 3
35 Driving Pulley 1
36 Bolt 3
37 Belt 1
NOTE: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only and are not available individually as
replacement parts.
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SKU 46376
Assembly Drawing
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS DIAGRAM IN
THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DIS-
TRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER
THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT OR THAT HE
OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANU-
FACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS
REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS
AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF
HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO,
OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.
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SKU 46376
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality
and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from
defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days from the date of purchase. This
warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or
accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation,
normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death,
injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages
arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion may not apply to
you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with
transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint
must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection veries the defect, we will either repair or
replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot
readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return repaired products at our
expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not
within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • (800) 444-3353
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