luvtogrow
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2012
Posts: 194
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Post by luvtogrow on Nov 10, 2012 11:05:25 GMT -5
For rocks with quartz veins, irregular shape, brecciated, vibrate or tumble, which would be better? Anyone used the new tumble-bee tumblers? Thanks, obviously i'm new to this hobby!
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 10, 2012 13:14:15 GMT -5
Vibrating tumbler pretty much maintains shapes so if you want the rounded pebble look you need a rotary. The Tumble Bees are brand new (within last 2 months) but manufacturer has been testing them non-stop for some time extremely overloaded with full barrels of steel shot. They are the basic Lortone design with an improved belt system, metal bearings, easier to adjust tensioning system. Prices are very competitive and a full year warranty. They even warranty replacement parts for a year which is unusual. Most manufacturers if they have a one year warranty will replace parts but warranty only lasts as long as original unit warranty. I have not tried them but was impressed enough to stock them for selling.
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Minnesota Daniel
freely admits to licking rocks
A COUPLE LAKERS
Member since August 2011
Posts: 891
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Post by Minnesota Daniel on Nov 10, 2012 15:24:22 GMT -5
... The Tumble Bees are brand new ... They are the basic Lortone design with an improved belt system, metal bearings, easier to adjust tensioning system... I have not tried them but was impressed enough to stock them for selling. John, are there different bases for each Tumble Bee model? The few descriptions I find of them all say the base for all three models is 13" x 6". Is it only the barrels that are different? What is the diameter of the barrels? Any inside knowledge of a model in development for larger diameter barrels?
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luvtogrow
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2012
Posts: 194
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Post by luvtogrow on Nov 10, 2012 17:59:17 GMT -5
Thanks for the info. Just ordered the 2 barrel, 2lbs per. The low price and free shipping made it much worth the try. Will post pics and review in a ? month?
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Post by deb193redux on Nov 10, 2012 18:11:24 GMT -5
2lbs seems real small
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 10, 2012 22:39:42 GMT -5
I questioned that too but saw them in Denver and they looked like Lortone 3 lbs. The manufacturer says volume (which I asked for as a more accurate measurement) is 23 oz. compared to 28 oz. for Lortone 3 lb. So, capacity is a little under 3 lbs. The base is the same for all three models. The 4 lb. barrel is really 5lbs. or so. I have not heard anything about larger models in the works.
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Post by susand24224 on Nov 15, 2012 23:49:19 GMT -5
On your tumble v. vibe question, I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference. I tumbled for years with only rotaries, and went to a fair amount of length to cushion rocks such as you have described. A vibe is a little better, but if it is going to undercut in a rotary, it will in a vibe as well, but maybe a little less.
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luvtogrow
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2012
Posts: 194
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Post by luvtogrow on Nov 18, 2012 8:56:35 GMT -5
Received my bumble-bee friday. Appears 4lbs will easily fit. Have about 80lbs+ Morgan hill poppy jasper to tumble. Looking to get another larger tumbler asap!
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 18, 2012 10:39:18 GMT -5
Pounds rating in drums is very misleading. Volume is more accurate. The Thumler's 15 lb. drum was used by HP/Contempo/ DP on their 12lb. model.
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panamark
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,343
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Post by panamark on Nov 18, 2012 14:53:50 GMT -5
Not to further sidetrack this thread, but doesn't the Tumble Bee have a round barrel, as opposed to the hexagonal barrel. Any problem with the rocks sliding instead of tumbling. Great price on the barrels though.
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jspencer
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2011
Posts: 929
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Post by jspencer on Nov 19, 2012 17:54:28 GMT -5
The main advantage I find is the amount of grit involved. 1 tsp. per lb. for vibe or 1 tblsp. per lb. on rotary.
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 19, 2012 19:53:47 GMT -5
And a huge time difference. Faster but different results. Especially if you want rounded pebbles.
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 22, 2012 0:17:57 GMT -5
I heard today they are testing a 12 lb. Tumble Bee now. Good sign to me that they are testing it before marketing.
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Minnesota Daniel
freely admits to licking rocks
A COUPLE LAKERS
Member since August 2011
Posts: 891
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Post by Minnesota Daniel on Nov 22, 2012 1:53:04 GMT -5
I heard today they are testing a 12 lb. Tumble Bee now. Good sign to me that they are testing it before marketing. Nice to hear about that. Thanks.
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