sford13
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2009
Posts: 119
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Post by sford13 on Jan 14, 2012 9:33:38 GMT -5
Ok I have taken a little bit of a break and now and back at it. I have two double 3# Lortone tumblers right now. I am a little on the impatient side but am not rushing the process any. Just would like to be able to process a larger amount of rough to feed the end of the process. So have been thinking of adding a 12# to the mix. I hear that they eat alot of grit. How much should I figure on it eating? Also I have been happy with my lortones but which would be better the lortone or thulmers (sp?)? Also my previous ones have been purchased from Rock Shed and will probably go thru them again since I can get grit and rock at discount with the tumbler. Unless someone here knows where to get a better deal. Thanks in advance for any input.
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keystonecops
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2010
Posts: 957
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Post by keystonecops on Jan 14, 2012 10:30:36 GMT -5
I could have it all backwards, but I think its 1 tablespoon for every pound of rock? Also yer gonna need some kinda filler, cause the rock will get ground away. I use ceramic pellets to keep it filled where it needs to be. Others should chime in here. Either tumbler is good, Ive got 2 Lortones and 1 thumlers. Iprefer the lortone, its easier fer my artritis to get lids on. Rock Shed is a good outfit, plus ya get a lot of good help. Kingsley Notrh is another good un. Later Clyde
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 14, 2012 11:29:21 GMT -5
I think Thumler's has a better motor. The 12 lb. has a hose clamp to hold the lid. It can be converted to an AR2 by moving the axle and using 3 lb drums. Their B model (15 lb.) is even better with the metal drum with liner. Either Rock Shed or Kingsley should have good prices.
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Post by connrock on Jan 14, 2012 12:48:18 GMT -5
I like Thumler's Model B and have owned 2 of them for many,many years.I have never worn out a barrel but have worn out a lot of cover gaskets through time. I find the best way to "measure' grit(for me) is by weight. For every 10 lbs of rocks you need 1 lb of (rough) grit. So,,,if you have only 5lbs of rocks ,,you need 1/2 lb of rough grit,etc,etc,etc. I weigh my rough grit on a Deli scale and add it accordingly. If you are trying to finish rocks faster and save a LOT of money on grit and polish I would suggest buying a vibe tumbler to run from the 2nd stage through the final polish. Example: If you use my above "formula" for grit and also use 4.5 lbs of rocks as an example... Rotary= 2nd stage 4.5lbs rocks/0.45 lbs grit Vibe = 2nd stage 4.5lbs rocks 2-3 tablespoons of grit Rotary tumbler= (remaining stages) 4.5lbs rocks/0.45lbs grit/polish Vibe = (remaining stages) 4.5lbs rocks/ 1/2 teaspoon grit/polish You also save a lot of time by finishing in a vibe. What normally takes 4-5 weeks to complete the 2nd stage through the final polish in a rotary can be done in 7-10 days in a vibe. Something to also consider about what size vibe unit to run is,,,,,How fast can I rough my rocks in my rotary to keep my vibe unit full and running? Can I have enough rocks roughed every 7-10 days? Of course all of this is if you want to keep a constant "flow" of polished rocks going on all the time. A lot to think about when "sizing" rotary and or vibe units? ? connrock
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sford13
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2009
Posts: 119
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Post by sford13 on Jan 14, 2012 17:16:31 GMT -5
Well now just waiting on my Thumlers Model B, grit , and rock to arrive from the Rock Shed. Of course this is going to mean that I am going to have to start watching the buy, sell, trade board. Now since I can process more rock. It gives me an excuse to buy more rocks. Any advice those with this machine can offer is greatly appreciated.
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 15, 2012 8:47:33 GMT -5
Buy extra lid gaskets.
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