Comments for Just Barrettes Blog

Comment on Problems with my Rock Tumbler by Brad

Brad — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:07:51 +0000

I have the 3 pound Chicago Electric piece to trash! I keep going through belts left and right. My brother has the same tumbler and uses it all the time with no issues. I guess maybe I should just break down and get a Lortone huh?

Comment on Barrette made from Tin by mrstinylady

mrstinylady — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:09:07 +0000

JEEPERS! These barrettes are just breathtaking! PLEASE show some tins before you cut into them. Are the pieces then dremeled and glued to the clip or what?

Comment on Other Barrette Ideas by e

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 04:06:54 +0000

what is the name of the book you used on polishing seashells

Comment on Recycling Old CD-RW’s With Clay by Cooper Foster

Cooper Foster — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:02:24 +0000

recycling should always be implemented to avoid to much pollution in the environment “-

Comment on How I Make Lentil Beads by chamilia

chamilia — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:55:16 +0000

thank you for your article, i have tried this once but i couldnt really get a round shape, next time i am going to use a glass light bulb like you suggested. thank you!

Comment on How I Make Lentil Beads by chamilia

chamilia — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:07:55 +0000

very good instructions, easily followed. thank you!

Comment on Continuing Rock Tumbler Problems by rj

rj — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:30:55 +0000

I’ve have the dual drum model for only a week and so far I have had to break it down 4 times. First the drop of oil on the shaft sleeve did work its way down and under the rubber rollers forcing me to take it apart and clean after the first 6 hours. Next the belt broke on day 2. Then there was an issue with the plastic guides that squeak and have started to wear down to about half size even though they barely touch the barrel. Just to be safe I removed some of the material so it’s on ½ full hoping that would help but alas no. Yesterday I noticed an odd noise and took it apart again and the plastic shaft sleeve has worn completely away on one side so it’s turning against the metal housing.

Does anyone have any idea where you can get replacements for the plastic shaft sleeves before I chunk this thing out the door and waste 50$ in machine and supplies?

Comment on Continuing Rock Tumbler Problems by Nick

Nick — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:51:45 +0000

Yes MINE IS CLANKING POPING AND MAKING ALL KINDS OF NOISES 2 weeks of running 3 belts and countless rummberbands

Comment on Barrettes from another Tin by Ria

Ria — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:24:09 +0000

Hi Helen I hope this is you. I found your barrette blog and thought I have to try this. I was hoping you would share some tips with me saving me the trial and error part. What works best for cutting the tins? What kind of tin snips do you use? How do you smooth the edges, or do you? What kinds of gluing methods work best. Thanks

Comment on Continuing Rock Tumbler Problems by Mike Ault

Mike Ault — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:09:11 +0000

Try taking a Hoover Style 200 vacuum cleaner belt, use a sharp exacto knife to trim a bout 1/4 inch off the outside diameter. Seems to be working, just put it on.

Now the damn thing is making a clatter, seems like it is because of the play in the drive rod, anyone else seeing this?

Comment on Thoughts on Donna Dewberry and Polymer Clay by marsha heath

marsha heath — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:08:15 +0000

i love working with the polymer clay and teaching Donna’s techinque to seniors. It’s easy to teach and the seniors love their results.

Comment on Continuing Rock Tumbler Problems by Jeff

Jeff — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:28:47 +0000

I have also had a lot of problems with the Chicago Harbor Freight double barrel rock tumbler. The belts kept breaking, so I used gumbands. They would break every day or so. Two weeks ago I installed a 13 1/2 ” Singer sewing machine “V” belt. These belts are reinforced, so they are not flxible. Just loosen up the outside adjustment screws, place the belt on the pulleys and readjust to a firm fit. Do not overtighten or the pulleys won’t turn. This belt has lasted two weeks with no signs of wear. You can purchase these belts at a vacuum cleaner or sewing machine repair store. Mine cost $9.99, but well worth it.

Comment on Problems with my Rock Tumbler by Zachary

Zachary — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 07:19:22 +0000

Hi I was looking for solutions to a different problem with tumblers when I cam across your post, the Chicago electric tumblers, AKA “Chinese trash”
nearly burned down my house, you cannot trust them, the belt break for a reason, the rollars bind and the motor overheats, then the motor wile stop tuning all together making it into a very nice heater that can start a fire, the unit has no fuse protection and cannot be trusted. I have two Lortone brand ones and they have ran now for 6 months with no problems. If you want a belt that will fit yours for short use, get a belt that will fit a Lortone 45c its the same size but will not break on yours. It will however overheat the motor… you do get what you pay for.

Comment on Continuing Rock Tumbler Problems by Sad dude

Sad dude — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:45:57 +0000

My single barrell C.I. tumbler from Harbor alos busted the first belt in like 2-days. The replacement belt also broke in about the same amount of time. I’m gonna try the rubber band fix. If the tumbler busts and I’m still interested in the hobby, I’ll just buy a “real” tumbler from a hobby or rock shop. I would not reccomend the C.I. tumbler to anybody. It’s belts are turds.

Comment on Continuing Rock Tumbler Problems by Rat

Rat — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:35:18 +0000

I have the Harbor Freight single tumbler, which comes with O rings. Both of mine have broken, and when repaired (super glue) failed again. This unit is the same design as the double, with two barrels inline. I’ma try the fishing line stitch.

Comment on Continuing Rock Tumbler Problems by mase

mase — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:56:58 +0000

try a little krazy glue right where the belt breaks. will give you couple more days.

Comment on Working with the Herkimers by laura levandoski

laura levandoski — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:42:20 +0000

I love this design, and would really be interested in purchasing this barrette? How much would it be and how could I go about it?

Comment on Continuing Rock Tumbler Problems by Helen

Helen — Sun, 17 May 2009 21:18:55 +0000

I can’t remember what size the tumbler takes. It does not need to stretch.

Comment on Continuing Rock Tumbler Problems by ionymous

ionymous — Sat, 16 May 2009 17:11:00 +0000

What size o-ring should I use?
The same size as the stock belt? Or does it need to stretch?

Comment on Larger Barrette Backs for Thick Hair by Helen

Helen — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:10:53 +0000

Karen,

I would be willing to make some that will work for you.

Helen