Evans CR2 Rock Tumbler Replacement Motor

Evans CR2 Rock Tumbler Replacement Motor

Our Evans CR2 Rock Tumbler recently stopped working properly. It would run for several hours and then just stop. Not only was it a problem that the machine had stopped. It was more of a problem because the motor was getting very hot and could have posed a fire risk!

Long story short, I tried to contact Evans Lapidary, the manufacturers but they were no longer around. Found out they had been taken over by Kimber Allen, I asked if I could buy a replacement motor from them, the answer was no. Asked if they could give me the technical specifications of the motor, again the answer was no.

The full story is in this post from last week it also details how to remove the motor: in this post

Eventually after much research I found what looked like a suitable replacement motor. There were a few emails back and forth with the manufacturer to ask and answer questions. In the end both parties were pretty certain that we had found what we needed. So, we placed an order and sent them the original motor so final comparison checks could be made.

The new motor arrives for the Evans CR2 Rock Tumbler

Evans CR2 Rock Tumbler original and replacement motorsFast forward a few days and a shiny new motor for our dead Evans CR2 Rock Tumbler has arrived. It was quickly unpacked and given a good inspection, the only real difference was how one of the mounting posts was fixed. Take a look at the image to your right, at the top, the original motor and below the new motor.

Take a look at the bottom, just below the coil and you will see that there is a different arrangement for mounting the right hand post. Aside from this, the only other difference is how the earth connection is made. The original has a ring connector that is screwed to the motor body whereas the new motor employs a spade connector.

Time to fit the new Motor

It might be easier to watch the video at the bottom of this post now, but I will try to explain the process here too.
The motor was offered up to the machine so the motor securing screws could be fitted. This where a small problem was encountered. Only one of the motor securing screws could be fitted as the mounting posts were very slightly misaligned with the slots on the motor housing. To get around this I had to open up the slots slightly with a file. Then everything fitted together nicely and the motor can be moved so the drive belt tension can be adjusted.

Next job was to make the electrical connections which was a simple job. For the positive (brown) and the negative (blue) connections I used crimped “in line splices”. For the earth I had to cut off the old connector and fit a spade connector. I must admit it was fiddly refitting the grommet around the mains cable and into the machine. Figured it out in the end and got it fitted, so the mains cable can’t chafe or be pulled out of the motor housing.

Time to test the repaired Evans CR2 Rock Tumbler

I completed a final visual check, to ensure everything was tightened up and aligned and that the electrical connection were correct. Once satisfied the rock tumbler was switched on and it sprang into life as expected. There were no unexpected noises or any other problems to note, so I put a filled 3lb barrel on. Running just fine and comparing it to the other Evans CR2 Rock Tumbler we have it looks to be running at the right speed.

So our near ten year old Evans CR2 Rock Tumbler has been given a new lease of life. The replacement of the motor was much less costly than buying a whole new machine. Which runs at about £170 without the barrels. I have no idea how much Kimber Allen would charge to repair a machine, but I think it would be considerably more than the cost of the motor.

This job could be completed by almost anyone as no specialist tools are required apart from the crimping tool for the electrical connections. For this you could go to your local garage with the machine and ask them to do the crimping for you, it’s only a five minute job!

Aside from the crimping tool, you will need a flat head screwdriver, a small flat file and some wire cutters and a pair of pliers.

Fitting the motor, start to finish took me about an hour because I had to work out what I had to do to get the motor to fit properly, but now you know how to do that.

How to get the Replacement Motor for your Evans CR2 Rock Tumbler

Contact Matthew Ainsworth on this email address: matthew@remco.co.uk , by phone 01243 869905 or via their web site at: http://remco.co.uk.

You will need to quote part number: 24-2-9CG_6 20042334 and then Matthew will know exactly what you need.

This part number is for the Evans CR2 Rock Tumbler and I would imagine it might be the same for the Kimber Allen CR2 if they haven’t modified the design. I have no access to the Kimber Allen model so I would strongly advise you check with Matthew first as it may be different. I am sure this will involve removing the motor and taking pictures of it.

You can view this video on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/gLneL24DXXo

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Comments

    • Dave
    • October 24, 2020

    Hi John yes we are both well thanks as we hope you are too. I have to agree with you with regards this saw, it is described as a facetting saw so thought it might be ok for small stuff but it does struggle.

  1. Pingback: Rock Tumbler Spares - Rough Rocks, Minerals & Crystals

    • Dave
    • September 19, 2019

    Hello Colin,
    thanks for message, the replacement motor has been fine without any problems at all. I think I mentioned in the article that I felt it runs a little hotter than the original motor but that is the only observation and it hasn’t been detrimental at all.
    Hope this helps
    Best regards
    Dave

    • Colin
    • September 18, 2019

    I’m interested as to how this replacement has performed in the long term?. I have a lortone 33A and looking to replace the 115v motor with a 220v. I think the Cr2 and 33A are very similar in design.

    • Dave
    • November 15, 2018

    Hi Peter
    thanks for your comment regarding the CR2 tumbling machine. All I can say is they are are a smashing machine for the job they are designed to do, they are a no frills machine, but you don’t need any frills for this job. As for the quality of the Kimber Allen made machines versus the Evans machines, I honestly can’t comment as I have never owned one of the newer machines. One thing i did learn during that period I described was the new machines have a different motor fitted, again weather it’s a better or worse motor I don’t know, but what I do know is that replacement motors are available at a reasonable cost.
    I think I got miffed because Kimber Allen were effectively trying to get me to buy a new machine when there was no need.
    As for your question is the Evans a good machine for a beginner, I would say if you can find a decent used one I would go for it, even if it has plastic barrels as you can buy the rubber barrels easily enough here: Rock Tumbler Spares This machine will allow you to grow your hobby as you can get 2 different size barrels for it.
    As long as you regularly clean and oil the bearings and look after the seals on the barrels you should get years of service out of the machine.
    Hope this helps
    Dave

    • Peter Booth
    • November 15, 2018

    I am just getting an interest in Lapidary, looking to buy a tumbler, (I have been using a toy science tech right now) very interested in the “Evans” 6lb but having read this about the change in ownership, and the reluctance of Kimber Allen to send out replacement parts. I am now concerned if “Evans” is a good choice for a beginner, are you concerned?

    Thank you for your articles I value your honest opinion.

    Sincerely Peter.

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