RCBS Vibratory Tumbler problems

[Quickdraw McGraw]

Bought my tumbler in 5/07 and it has run flawlessly since then ~ until last week. Now when I turn it on it sits there sort of just 'idling'. If I pick it up or tap on it it usually starts to tumble.
Guess I gotta find a box to send it back.

I emailed RCBS and got this reply.

Hi Kevin, It sounds like the motor may be going out. This unit is under warranty for 2 yrs provided you are the original owner and have proof of purchase. If so send the unit back to us at RCBS 605 Oro Dam Blvd Oroville Ca 95965 and we will repair or replace. Include your name address and a phone number. If not we have replacement motors for sale for $15.95 + $4.50 s/h available. Hope this helps Kevin.

Thank you,
Technical Services/cm
RCBS Operations
605 Oro Dam Blvd
Oroville, CA 95965
(800) 533-5000

Just wondering if anyone else had this problem and what happened.

Please no comments that I should have bought a Lyman, Dillon, Hornady, etc. I have reloading equipment of all colors.

 

[otblue]

My RCBS unit just stopped working at about 2 years old but with very little use as I have tumblers from Cabelas and Lyman as well. The motor looked pristine, just wouldn't work.

When I finally got through to RCBS on the phone (after several attempts and about 40 minutes on hold) they said that this just happens sometimes and sent me a new motor which I installed myself and it now works perfectly.

Your question demonstrates the problem with RCBS customer service which so many people laud so highly.

Apart from the difficulty getting through to them, it is actually very inconsistent. At times they will make it right whatever it takes as they did for me on this occasion, other times they insist that you send them back the product (on your dollar) even if it's under warranty for them to check why it's not working because I think they believe most people can't read instructions, and then fix at their discretion.

The problem with so much of their stuff now like the motors in their tumblers, is the lack of QC because it's made in China. Most of the stuff on my bench, and I have LOTS, used to be green but not lately.

 

[jibbs]

Like otblue said, just call and I bet you will get a different answer. If you call and get a RMA number, I bet they will just send you a replacement and you can probably get them to fix it for free. You can come up with an excuse for not having a receipt. I have probably had them send me more parts that that I should have paid for then I can remember, probably enough to build another press. Calling IMO works out great every time. Granted had I not received my press for free there would be Blue in my basement. Hope this helps a little bit.

 

[rcmodel]

Not sure if the RCBS is made like most of them, but:

Turn it upside down and see if the flyweight on the motor shaft is slipping.

May just be a loose set-screw.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

Bearings going bad will cause that.

 

[fourdollarbill]

If it is a 220 volt model, you could be short one leg. Maybe check a fuse?

 

[ranger335v]

The motors used on all of them are pretty much the same, inexpensive motors used in exhaust fans for baths and stove hoods in the kitchen. Doesn't make a bit of difference what color the bowl is, electric things go bad. (That's a large part of why I have no desire for a digital scale or powder dumpster.) We can get such motors pretty cheap from any electical supply house and replace them ourselves.

If it were a 220 motor it would never have worked on a 110 outlet.