HF tumbler users, lid gasket replacement options

[PigButtons]

I've had my HF rock tumbler for at least 10 years and the lid gaskets were shot, done, kaput. I looked for new ones at HF and come up empty, so a little Yankee ingenuity, and here are my solutions. First is a thin leather gasket that functions the same as the original rubber gasket. I had a bunch of it left over from recovering some dinning room chairs for the wife. I sized it dry to the size of the base of the tub. It works fine and gets better every time I use it as being wet it stretches some and becomes more flexible.
Second is an "econo-test-plug" from the plumbing supply store for 4" PVC. They are used to seal up PVC so you can pressure test during installation. The 4" works great but with one hitch, the wing nut is so large that I can only run one tub at a time. Not a problem for me as I am a low volume tumbler anyway. The plug option however makes building a longer tub out of PVC trivial. I may build and post that tomorrow.

pics below: .

 

[divingin]

Whack off the stud, lose the wingnut, use a low profile (jam type) nut and keep a nut driver handy.

For the flat gasket, McMaster Carr has rubber sheet that you can buy in fairly small quantities. Roofing or bath section of your local home improvement store may have some as well.

 

[rardoin]

1/8" high density neoprene sheet. Available at most rubber and gasket supply houses...possibly online.

 

[Lone Hunter]

Wonder how the Flex Seal they show on tv would work? They show pouring it in a pan. You could pour it to your desired thickness and size.

 

[PigButtons]

Whack off the stud, lose the wingnut, use a low profile (jam type) nut and keep a nut driver handy.

For the flat gasket, McMaster Carr has rubber sheet that you can buy in fairly small quantities. Roofing or bath section of your local home improvement store may have some as well.

Great idea about shortening the stud and using a self locking nut. I though about just cutting the wings off of the wing nut and using pliers to tighten it, but your suggestion is more professional.

 

[divingin]

I though about just cutting the wings off of the wing nut and using pliers to tighten it, but your suggestion is more professional.

Hardly professional, but quick and easy.

 

[D-4297]

I have two of these two drum tumbler units , and use them extensively . For replacement parts to these units , contact : Chicago Electric Power Tools . P.O. Box 6009 Camarillo , CA. 93011 1-888-866-5797
The manual says most parts are available , but some are not . I'm going to go out on a limb , and say that since the drums , lids , and gaskets are "consumables" they will probably be available . I know the complete drum assemblies are .