Be sure RCBS has parts before you buy

[searcher]

I have recently run into another example of the need to check on, prior to purchase, whether one can buy parts for a gadget when it breaks. Recent case is an RCBS Sidewinder tumbler I bought for doing moly. Bought several extra tubs and have probably $750.00 in it. Recently the belt broke and I e-mail RCBS about availability of a new belt. After two requests of availability, they gratiously sent me a free belt pully - the wrong part. I sent several more emails and a written letter - none of which have been answered - and no listed available part in their online catalog. It pays to check on whether a company offers parts for something before you buy it.

 

[CatShooter]

I have recently run into another example of the need to check on, prior to purchase, whether one can buy parts for a gadget when it breaks. Recent case is an RCBS Sidewinder tumbler I bought for doing moly. Bought several extra tubs and have probably $750.00 in it. Recently the belt broke and I e-mail RCBS about availability of a new belt. After two requests of availability, they gratiously sent me a free belt pully - the wrong part. I sent several more emails and a written letter - none of which have been answered - and no listed available part in their online catalog. It pays to check on whether a company offers parts for something before you buy it.

Did they tell you that they didn't have parts, or are you asssuming it.

How the hell did you get into a used Sidewinder for $750????

 

[CJ6]

If you know the size of the belt ,look in McMaster/Carr cat.

 

[Longone1]

I find a phone call to work the best 1-800-533-5000. They have always made me glad I went "Green".

Longone

 

[Joe Salt]

I would have sold you mine for $500.

Joe Salt

 

[searcher]

I bought the sidewinder new - and that is what they cost $400.00 + $85.00 per extra tub +/-. RCBS may even have a shelf-full of these belts and otherparts. When their service support is unresponsive and the item is not listed in their online parts catalog, it makes it tougher to know - that's for sure. I wrongly assumed major wear parts for this "heavy duty" tumbler would be replaceable. That was my fault - not that of RCBS. Just a good idea to check out the parts situation before a purchase.

Thanks for the info PJ6

 

[Duster_360]

Bought mine new as well with a spare drum to do dry moly coating - less than $250, but that was in "96.....

You can find the belt on McMaster-Carr - they call it a timing belt, look for .25" wide ones...guessing that since my belt has 130 in the number on the belt, you want a 130 belt - check the outer circle of the belt and what their online catalog says for that size.

Since RCBS didn't list the belt in the catalog, I figured it was not a serviced part, so I didn't pursue RCBS, but folks are right - call them, with spam/junk filters today, you can never be sure emails are getting through. Your letter may be sitting in some ones inbox that's a half foot deep with mail.....

My belt didn't break, thought it has stretched and was loose since drum was slipping. Turned out to be the back and forth adjustment of the drum sitting in the cradle - new drum was rubbing at the front of the cradle and dragging. Mine is back to running fine now.

 

[Longone1]

Searcher, RCBS Timing belt part# 87042. Give them a call on Mon. and they will ship it right out N/C.

Longone

 

[amlevin]

If you can't get the belt from RCBS look for an OEM Part number on the old belt and check Grainger for a replacement. These belts are used in a lot more items than a Sidewinder Tumbler.

 

[searcher]

I greatly appreciate the feedback from all! By the way, I have called and was put on hold for a while - something I don't hang around long with. I felt it better to e-mail or send a letter - that way they could respond when they had time. I'll grit my teeth if put on hold again for long Monday so I can get what now seems to be an available part (?). Thanks again!