Assembling Our Shop Parts Tumbler!

This past week Matt tore into our vibratory parts tumbler kit from Laser Bros! This awesome pre-cut and bent solution to a common problem that plagues most small parts manufacturers took a little time to assemble and get running, but the result is an awesome machine that puts a gorgeous finish on our raw metal goods in-house. 

Matt always loves a project, and it had been a while since he last welded something of this size, so patience was necessary and directions were carefully followed. The first step in this process was welding the tub so it's entirely watertight, welding the motor mount to the tub's side and then ensuring the base structure is squared up and thoroughly fused. Assembly wasn't too difficult, there was some minor trimming and bending needed here and there, but ultimately we were thankful to see everything line up perfectly when it came time to cinch bolts down. Using 4 large soft durometer rubber spacers, the tub and motor assembly is secured to the base structure where the control box is mounted, and a 'five-ish' gallon bucket containing the fluid and pump system lives.

Painting the unit after welding consisted of getting a quick rattle can base primer on and following that with a nice simple gloss black. We're really never too concerned about the aesthetics of our equipment... as long as it's durable and operates as intended, we're happy (and we're definitely okay with a little extra wiring length leftover too). Maybe one day this big black vibratory tumbler will get a name and some vinyl decals... but for now we're just excited to have this thing put together and finishing our parts!

When it comes to tuning and wiring the motor and control box, we made sure everything was done by the book. Once Matt wrapped up, the wiring was precisely like the photos in the instructions and a how-to-video we referred to throughout the process. And as mentioned in the episode, we're no wiring experts. We don't try to be either - as long as the machine powers up and functions as intended without smoking we're satisfied. 

It's a simple concept honestly, and it works really well. So well in fact, the unit was dancing all over the pallet when it came time for a first test, so we obviously needed to anchor it down! We identified an isolated location in our expansion space where no one would be subjected to the sights and sounds of vibratory parts tumbling, and sent four concrete anchors into the floor to keep her in place. After all this effort, we couldn't let this video go public without testing the unit with media, fluid and parts - so after waiting until it all arrived on Monday, this unusual Tuesday upload finished with tumbling our raw, unbent Original Quick Fist Riser Mounts and some new Bottle Opener Keychain prototypes. They'll be on the site soon, or if you meet us at the events we're attending, we might just have them there... tumbled in-house!

Watch our full Laser Bros 'Vibratory Parts Tumbler' Assembly video below: