Lyman 1200 tumbler

[fdshuster]

After about 20 years, my Lyman 1200 has finally quit. Turn it on & all it does is make a humming noise.

Has anybody had this happen, and if so, is there a do-it-yourself fix?

Yes, I know: I got my money's worth out it ( and then some, it has been excellent), but thought with a little tinkering it may be salvagable.

 

[brxbrad]

I believe all you'll need is a Bigger Hammer.

Just kidding

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

I have the Lyman 2500 tumbler and it's about 22 years old also. It sounds like the motor might have seized up on it. If you can't loosen it up, it's pretty much toast. (Sorry for using technical terms here.)

At the Lyman website, you can order a replacement motor for $35.
http://www.lymanproducts.com/store/page146.html

I have ordered parts from them over the years and they are a great company to deal with.

 

[fdshuster]

Denys: Just checked their web-site & see that replacement parts are available. In the same sentence they describe a "replacement base", then "replacement parts", so I'll contact them to find out if it's the complete base unit ( a good deal at only $35), or parts only that will require dis-assembly.

Thought it may be only the brushes on the motor that need replaced.

If it's not repairable, Midway sells new for $85, still a good price for an excellent tumbler. Thank you.
Frank

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Please let us know how everything works out. As I said, my Lyman tumbler is 22+ years old, so I'm probably facing the same issue at some point.

 

[fdshuster]

Denys: In the blink of an eye, and thanks to you: problem solved.

Just called their 800#, a very nice lady verified it is the complete base unit/ add my old bowl and tumble, total cost is $41 including $6 shipping. Will ship out today, I should have it by Saturday. Such a deal!!!

At $35 they cannot be making much, if any profit, so I guess it's a form of Lifetime Warranty, at less than 1/2 the cost of a new one.

About 12 years ago it began making a loud groaning noise while running, thought it was about to fail, bought a new Frankford Arsenal on sale at Midway as a backup, groaning stopped with the Lyman & it has been trouble-free ever since. Thanks again for the advice, I appreciate it. Frank

 

[bozo699]

Frank,
I have a older Lyman not sure of the model but several years ago it did as yours did, I flipped it over and found about 10 lbs. of dirt and cobwebs had built up I cleaned and blew it out and lubed the little brass bushing on the motor with a graphite lube and plugged it in and gave the counter weight a spin and it hasn't stopped since
Wayne.

p.s mine at least is a brushless motor.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Frank, I'm pleased my contribution was worthwhile. Yes, I believe I spoke with the same lady last year, she was very nice and very helpful.

Wayne, that is also an excellent comment. Nothing attracts dirt more than eletrical/electronic equipment and we all know how spotless our handloading areas are.

 

[bozo699]

Frank, I'm pleased my contribution was worthwhile. Yes, I believe I spoke with the same lady last year, she was very nice and very helpful.

Wayne, that is also an excellent comment. Nothing attracts dirt more than eletrical/electronic equipment and we all know how spotless our handloading areas are.

BH,
Thanks for the info on the motor replacement, I would never have thought they would have replacement parts for there tumbler/vibrators I would have just ordered a new tumbler, When there is nothing wrong with the rest of it, it makes $ sense to just replace the motor
Wayne.

 

[amlevin]

Frank,
I have a older Lyman not sure of the model but several years ago it did as yours did, I flipped it over and found about 10 lbs. of dirt and cobwebs had built up I cleaned and blew it out and lubed the little brass bushing on the motor with a graphite lube and plugged it in and gave the counter weight a spin and it hasn't stopped since
Wayne.

p.s mine at least is a brushless motor.

You point out a great argument for some occasional maintenance on those "take for granted" items like tumblers. With the amount of dust a normal vibrating "tumbler" generates some is bound to find its way to the motor. An annual cleanup using some compressed air and lube on the motor, and a good scrub out of the bowl, could make the unit last a lifetime.

 

[fdshuster]

To all who may have this same, or similar problem in the future: After I ordered the base unit from Lyman, ( it's in transit now), took Wayne's (bozo699) advice. Using a small bladed screwdriver, the four coil springs were pried off their rubber mounts seperating the base unit. A very minimal amount of dust from the corn cob media that I've always used, brushed it off. When hand turning the shaft that has the off-set counter-balance attached, heard and felt a clicking and grabbing, like the shaft was engaging a ratchet. Using a needle oiler applied a very minimal few drops of oil to the shaft where it enters the surrounding housing. As I turned the shaft, the clicking/ grabbing gradually went away & it began turning freely. Re-assmbled, plugged it in and it's working normally. ;D Oh well, when the new base unit arrives I'll have 2, plus the Frankford Arsenal. But, they don't spoil & don't have to be fed, I should never have to buy another.

 

[bozo699]

Frank,
I wished I could have talked to you before you spent the money but am glad it is working for you. You know when you think about it,..it's amazing they work as long as they do, they are a cheaply constructed little ac motor with bronze bushings in place of bearings and then to make the thing vibrate they put a counter balance on the arbor shaft to through the motor out of balance ??? When you stop to think about it it is amazing they last any time at all.
Wayne.

 

[fdshuster]

Wayne: I also thought that. They build an electric motor, then have to deliberately design it so the shaft has an off-center counterweight attached. A lot of design engineers would probably say, "That can't work".

 

[amlevin]

Wayne: I also thought that. They build an electric motor, then have to deliberately design it so the shaft has an off-center counterweight attached. A lot of design engineers would probably say, "That can't work".

Just remember that Engineers also say that the design of a bumble bee is all wrong and it shouldn't be able to fly :