Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Vibratory tumbler/motor size and load

2004

I own a small business that refurbs golf equipment, and I'm in the market for a vibratory tumbler. I'm trying to decide between two vibratory tumblers, a one cubic foot, and a two cubic foot model. They both use the same 1800 RPM, one HP motor. My question to you more knowledgeable finishing folks is this:

Given that they are both loaded with the same type of media, will the one CF tumbler move the parts faster, and give a better finish in less time than the two CF tumbler, OR will the two CF tumbler, being loaded with more weight, which is directly applied to the parts, give a better finish, and quicker run time, even though the media may be moving slower?

Thanks,

Dave Vanian
Shop Owner - Palm Desert, California, USA

---

You've got a trade off situation here. You are right on both counts. Weight is #2 after HP which determines aggressiveness. Suggestion. Look at the depth of the work chamber. If the height is the same, then you should consider the smaller machine. It's not overall weight capacity, but the depth of the weight mass on the parts that is more important. Naturally there are other considerations as well that you did not mention.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2004