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Replacing the jar on my ball mill


OblivionFall

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So I have this ball mill (harbor frieght 3lb rock tumbler) https://www.etsy.com/listing/247379784/rotary-tool-rock-tumbler-power-tool?ref=pla_similar_listing_top-1

 

but unfortunately the jar is tainted with aluminum powder. So therefore I'm planning on making some modifications to it:

 

I'm planning to use an old HDPE supplement jar approximately the same size. Something like this: https://www.vitamart.ca/images/P/Allmax-Creatine-Monohydrate-1000g.jpg or like this: https://sc02.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1Z3ImJVXXXXbKXXXXq6xXFXXXq/500ml-plastic-wide-mouth-jar.jpg

 

Really just something of similar length and (hopefully) width with a "flush" end. I'm hoping that if it is slightly wider that the ball mill (with a few modifications) will still be able to use it because I'm saving weight using HDPE rather than a heavy rubber jar.

 

If it doesn't fit then I'll make some modifications to the ball mill. I'm planning to get some radiator tubing or something like that to line the jar with to give it more grip. I already got the lead milling media and a spot to run this (20 acres of grassland, I'm thinking I'll dig a hole and put it in there with some tires on top.)

 

What do you guys think? I'm open to any suggestions. And if this doesn't work then I'll just DIY an entire ball mill.

 

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UPDATE: According to my research, the 3lb mill jar is:

4 3/4" long &

4 1/2" in diameter.

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That jar looks like polycarbonate and may last a few batches. I was using a white PE vitamin jar in my small mill until the media wore through the walls and dumped a load of BP into the bottom of my mill.

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If you are using lead media I'd just mill rock salt and water in my jar, wash it all and keep going. The chances the discoloration is lead rather than aluminum are greater by far. I've never milled anything in my rebel jar but KNO3 and BP but always get the grey discoloration, even on the first, virgin run.

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If you are using lead media I'd just mill rock salt and water in my jar, wash it all and keep going. The chances the discoloration is lead rather than aluminum are greater by far. I've never milled anything in my rebel jar but KNO3 and BP but always get the grey discoloration, even on the first, virgin run.

I'll do this then after milling some BP through it I'll take the 'ole sledge out and test it for sensitivity. If it passes then it good, if not, I'll move on to plan B.

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Use some oven cleaner, some sand & water, and run the tumbler for about 10mins. The lye will dissolve the aluminum contamination.

 

If you've got the funds, it's much better to just build a proper mill with a decent capacity jar.

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If you've got the funds, it's much better to just build a proper mill with a decent capacity jar.

I have neither the funds nor the need to make more than 100g black powder a day. But one day I'll build an XL ball mill up at the ranch for sure.

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