help with harbor freight tumbler!

[blindmonkey]

So I just got a tumbler and tried to set it up to etch my beads and it won't turn the barrel! I am wondering if I put too much in? I filled the barrell like 1/4 full of sand, added some water, and then like 16 beads. I am wondering if I missed something? the directions that came with the tumbler aren't very good.

Any advice?

[blindmonkey]

Okay, I figured out my problem! I was a little too liberal with oiling the tumbler!

[Laura B]

Heh.

I was just thinking the other day about trying to polish some pc in mine. So far I've only ever tumbled silver. I'm assuming I use something other than steel shot for pc.

[miahawk]

just a hint on the HF tumblers: the belts they sell are crap. also, I wouldn't fill the tumbler barrels up too much. I put in a handful of the green cones to protect my beads, a handful of beads (8-20 depending on size) and a heaping spoonful of course grit, and fill no more than 1/3 full with water.

the guy I bought replacement belts from appears to have ceased doing business on eBay and I don't remember his website, but you can find the better belts here:
http://shop.ebay.com/items/__tumbler-belt_W0QQ_kwZtumblerQQ_kwZbeltQQ_ckwZfreight