I want to build a Ball Mill. I want to be able to process an average of 1#. I will be using 1" lead balls for the mill. I am interested in a 12V system. Perhaps an old drill gun as a drive system. I have a transformer and an extremely safe "pit" for manufacturing. What size tumbler? Length? Diameter? Are 1" lead tumbler balls better than smaller? How long would you tumble for? How would you design the roller mechanism? Would you isolate the drive from the roller system? [thinking that there may be sparking from the brushes in the drill gun] Seen any designs somewhere? "A single effort is worth a thousand dreams!" PS, Pics coming of what a 3# lead ball does to 1/2 plate steel at 350 yrds.
Who's got a Ball Mill design?
- Thread starter CANNONMAN
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Officers'Wife
Member
Hi Cannonman,
The parameters would depend on the size of the motor. My uncle had a basic design using a direct drive with a section of PVC sewer pipe with a "pipe" fitting on one side and a removable end cap with a square "knob" on the other.
Essentially, it's two pedestal bearings, the non-powered side PVC pipe that the pipe nipple on the end of the mill slides into then secured with pin. (He used small diameter wood dowels with just a spot of white glue on the end.) Finally a "collar" that could be loosened to slide the pipe back and forth. The power side end had a homemade fitting much like a socket wrench that fit the square end of the removable cap. Last was a simple loop of electric fence wire loosely fit over the mill itself attached to a ground wire which I assume was to prevent static electricity.
However, he used a wind-powered scheme rather than electric motor. His "medium" was 75 caliber musket balls and too my knowledge never made more than two pound lots.
The parameters would depend on the size of the motor. My uncle had a basic design using a direct drive with a section of PVC sewer pipe with a "pipe" fitting on one side and a removable end cap with a square "knob" on the other.
Essentially, it's two pedestal bearings, the non-powered side PVC pipe that the pipe nipple on the end of the mill slides into then secured with pin. (He used small diameter wood dowels with just a spot of white glue on the end.) Finally a "collar" that could be loosened to slide the pipe back and forth. The power side end had a homemade fitting much like a socket wrench that fit the square end of the removable cap. Last was a simple loop of electric fence wire loosely fit over the mill itself attached to a ground wire which I assume was to prevent static electricity.
However, he used a wind-powered scheme rather than electric motor. His "medium" was 75 caliber musket balls and too my knowledge never made more than two pound lots.
9mmfan
Member
Officers'Wife said:
Nice.
Field Tester
Member
Would something like a Rock Polisher work? I saw a few while looking up how to make powdered aluminum.
Field Tester
Member
http://www.skylighter.com/fireworks/how-to/ball-mill.asp
There's lots of good stuff coming up on Google.
There's lots of good stuff coming up on Google.
Loyalist Dave
Member
How about this rock tumbler and some Antimony balls, or perhaps some Brass Balls?
maybe that's not big enough for your needs though?
LD
maybe that's not big enough for your needs though?
LD
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