Thanks Bill, I didn't know about that site. I think HF still has the
small press on sale for $40. I think I'll try that... It's got all the
wiring and everything already and I could probably find a use for the
left over parts. I might be able to squeeze a fan between the small
pulley and the motor to help cool.

I'm basically building a long version of this to tumble long parts:
http://www.thumlerstumbler.com/images/rotary_b.jpg

That one handles 15 pounds and in a close-up I saw that the motor
looked to be 1725 at 1/30 HP. Which seemed kind of small to me, but it
must work. My vessel will probably hold about 15-18 pounds. I
calculated the the ratio for mine to be a 1 1/2" drive pulley with 7"
driven pulley, for about a 70 rpm on the vessel. Assuming the motor is
1725.

And thanks for the other people's suggestions on the shaft thing.

Dave