Rotary Rock Tumbler with Speed Control
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Description
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Rotary Rock Tumbler
Compact rotary tumbler platform for polishing stones, sea glass, metal parts, and other small objects. Designed for simple and fast printing and assembly as well as inexpensive plug-and-play components without requiring programming or custom electronics.
The display indicates the relative motor speed from 0 to maximum speed, not a calibrated RPM value.
The tumbler can be used with various round containers. The glass jar shown in some images is for illustration only and is not recommended for tumbling hard rocks without a flexible insert (see TPU insert further below in the description).
Features:
- Inclined Roll Geometry: Keeps the container centered automatically during operation.
- Adjustable Speed Control: PWM-based speed control for different applications.
- Simple Assembly: Requires only a few inexpensive off-the-shelf components.
Technical Specs
| overall dimensions (length x width x height) | 201 mm x 211 mm x 95 mm |
| supply voltage | 12 V DC |
| max. current | 0.5 A |
| min. container diameter | 60 mm |
| max. container diameter | 250 mm |
| max. container length | 170 mm |
Bill of Materials
| part | quantity | Amazon Affiliate link |
| Greartisan geared motor 12 V DC 200 RPM | 1 | https://amzn.to/43fsE6h |
| Aideepen PWM motor speed controller | 1 | https://amzn.to/3RMssc8 |
| ball bearing 608ZZ | 4 | https://amzn.to/4dv98ax |
| O-ring 28 x 22 x 3 mm | 18 | https://amzn.to/3P9KILV |
| power supply 12 V DC (I > 0.5 A) | 1 | https://amzn.to/3PuevPi |
| M3x12 screws with cylinder head | 6 | https://amzn.to/4v1fIwR |
| at least 4 cables to connect motor, motor controller, and power supply | ||
| (optional) adhesive bumpers / rubber feet for the housing | 4-10 |
required tools: screw driver, soldering iron
optional tools: super glue
Assembly Instructions
Wire motor, motor controller, and power supply
Mind the polarity of each connection!
Mount motor
Use 6x M3x12 screws.
Mount motor controller
The controller should clip right into place. If it should be too loose, use tiny spots of super glue to fixate the controller to the housing.
- Insert ball bearings into housing
Apply moderate force.
Assemble rollers
Slip all 18 O-rings onto the rollers.
Mount rollers
Install gears
Apply moderate force. If needed, secure gears using a tiny drop of super glue.
- (optional) Add adhesive bumpers or rubber feet to the underside of the housing. For heavier loads, these can help reduce vibrations and prevent the device from lifting or shifting during operation.
- Done!
Compatible Container Insert
New: Finned Insert Variant
A second insert variant with integrated internal fins is also available as a parametric model. The fins continuously lift and redistribute the contents during rotation, resulting in more agitation and improved mixing compared to the smooth insert.
Smooth insert
I also designed a matching TPU Tumbler Container Insert for glass jars and similar containers. The insert:
- reduces noise during tumbling
- cushions impacts inside the container
- makes glass jars more resilient
- uses a TPU snap-fit lid system
The model is parametric and can be adapted to different container sizes.
License
You may create derivative works based on this object, provided that all such derivative works are published exclusively on the MakerWorld platform and include proper attribution to the original creator. You may not share, upload, host, distribute, or publish this object—or any derivative work of this object—on any other digital platform, marketplace, or distribution channel. Commercial use of this object and any derivative works is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, selling, renting, sublicensing, or using the object in any context in which you receive monetary compensation or other financial benefits.
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