635 replies to this topic

[Stuart]

Does anybody know where to buy ball mills from. I have searched the forum but found no matches.

Stuart

[hewettn]

http://www.mancheste...g_Machines.html sell tumblers but quite expensive and not sure of the quality / how long they would last. I purchased a lortone tumbers from the states 3lb model 240v works fine. Or you can make your own as per in the members section.

[Edited on 12-7-2003 by hewettn]

[PanMaster]

I got the Manchester CR2 'Beach' model today with a metal grinding barrel with vanes. I managed to turn very hard willow charcoal to dust, not too good for lungs... I wonder if it can grind aluminium with hard steel balls? I have found it leaks pretty badly despite being watertight so they say, has anyone else found a solution?

[Rhodri]

Try these:

TUMBLERS:

[Pazza]

http://www.unitednuclear.com

[phildunford]

Or make your own...

[Pyromaster2003]

i bought a tumbler from manchester minerals a while back it was the 'evans juniour tumbler'. plastic barrel, works wonders for me.iv found it strugles a bit when you fill it half way with lead media so only fill it up to a 1/3. also it slips a bit so i use elastic bands over the black ends.iv got mine running as i type milling some BP up:-). i have a picture of my mill on my site if you want to have a look. its under 'projects' then 'ball mill' at the top.

[RegimentalPyro]

Originally posted by Rhodri
Try these:

TUMBLERS:

OK Rhodri - I'm gonna try their 3lb polishing machine kit - will let you know how I get on.

[Rhodri]

Good!

There's loads of info. on this forum but here's a quick saftey summary:

1. Only mill KNO3. Never use a more
powerful oxidising agent.
2. Never mill colour comps.
3. Make sure you use LEAD or other non-
sparking media.
4. Ensure the mill is away from the
house - a garage may be best (without
car!)
5. Dampen the mixture - ensure that it's
damp at all times - approx. 8% water.

This would mean that for 100g of
powder you'd add 8gs of water. Use a
plant spray - it makes for even
application.

You may need to attach some rubber bands to the lids of the barrel to prevent slippage.

Be careful and safe at all times.

Have fun!


Here is a happy grinding ball :bounce:

[Edited on 1-8-2003 by Rhodri]

[hewettn]

How can i check the density of my balls ( dont go there ) do you add them to a measure of water calculate the volume displacement / ball weight = density ? i need to test if possible if my balls are pure lead or alloy?

Thanks

Nigel

[Rhodri]

Density = (mass / volume).

You could get a value by taking the average weight of 1 ball (using 10 balls 10 times).

Measure the diamter of the sphere using a piece of thread. Divide this by 2. This will give you r.

Volume of sphere = (4/3) * ? * r3

So, once you've got your average mass (not weight as weight is m * g) divide by the volume. This will give you the density.

[RegimentalPyro]

Originally posted by Rhodri

1. Only mill KNO3. Never use a more 
    powerful oxidising agent.
2. Never mill colour comps.
3. Make sure you use LEAD or other non-
    sparking media.
4. Ensure the mill is away from the 
    house - a garage may be best (without
    car!)
5. Dampen the mixture - ensure that it's 
    damp at all times - approx. 8% water.

    This would mean that for 100g of 
    powder you'd add 8gs of water. Use a 
    plant spray - it makes for even 
    application.

Seems like good advice there Rhodri.

I'm getting the milling media from SUTLERS - The lead balls at the bottom of the linked page.

Few more questions tho.

1) How do I know when the comp is sufficiantly milled?
2) How would I separate the wet BP mix from the lead balls?
3) What would you recommend for the drying process.
4) What's a good amount of BP to mill at once. Does the amount of BP you are milling affect the milling time.

[Pyromaster2003]

hey, that mill looks just like mine from amnchester minerals. apart from the price is ?20 over what mine cost and i have one big single barrel.

[Pyromaster2003]

o no, sorry mine was ?70 not ?50. my bad:(

[Rhodri]

Yeah pyromistress I only give out good links that are cheper than everyone elses!