taryn
starting to shine!
Member since March 2016
Posts: 38
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Post by taryn on Mar 15, 2016 12:21:43 GMT -5
Hi everyone - I'm new. I love rocks (I was that kid). I make jewelry. I am new to the "rock processing" scene and have lots of questions, so here I am! For example, I have recently discovered preforms - which allow me to get really great materials at fairly low cost - and am trying to decide on a vibratory tumbler since I don't want to round them off in my rotary and I'd like a better turnaround time (and I'd like to keep the rotary working for metal). I am considering the 4lb Thumlers, but everything I've read says that it won't hold up to rocks and grit and that the 10lb industrial is the way to go. This topic may be somewhat tired and over-addressed, but my problem is that polishing preforms is not going to be a business for me - we're talking small amounts no more than several times a year I would guess. So I see my tumbler being filled with a good amount of ceramic media along with only a few preforms at a time. For this reason, I'm wondering (hoping) the 4lb will get the job done? Any insight appreciated! Also, any advice on which board to post this question appreciated as well! I wasn't sure where to go with it.
Thanks so much and looking forward to learning here!
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,165
Member is Online
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Post by jamesp on Mar 16, 2016 7:17:35 GMT -5
The second title "Totally Rock Tumbling" would be the place to pose question regarding tumblers. Lots of vets there. A vibe or a rotary loaded with a lot of ceramic media and just a few subject tumbles is a light duty operation. Lortone ot Thumbler should treat you well. A popular one here is a Lortone 33(I believe that is the model #, it is a 3 pound rotary). Welcome to the forum from Atlanta taryn
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Intheswamp
Cave Dweller
Member since September 2015
Posts: 1,910
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Post by Intheswamp on Mar 16, 2016 7:48:51 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum, taryn . I don't know about the Thumler 4# vibe but I do know that the single-barrel Lot-O is a durable machine and that the barrels hold up well. Do you have rocks in your area? No matter which brand of tumbler that you buy, it is highly recommended to get a second barrel for POLISH ONLY. For only a few preforms I think the industrial Thumler version would be overkill. Vibes are grit misers and use very little of it. They use more 120/220 or 220-graded grit (that is the coarse stage for a vibe) than the succeeding finer grits, prepolishes, and polish. Order five or six times as much 120/220 grit as you do the finer grits. The basic recipe for the Lot-O is 2 tablespoons of 120/220 and 1/2 teaspoon of finer grits and polishes...basically a 6:1 ratio, so six pounds of 120/220 and one pound of each of the finer grits/polishes works out about right. A five pound bag of 120/220 SC and a pound each of the finer AO grits/polishes would be a good stock to begin with. The Rockshed is a good source for both tumbler and grit...and I believe they give a discount on rocks and grit when purchased with a tumbler. I have no affiliation with them, other than being a satisfied customer among many. Something tells me that you'll be tumbling more than your preforms, though. Best wishes and have fun!!!!
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taryn
starting to shine!
Member since March 2016
Posts: 38
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Post by taryn on Mar 16, 2016 12:19:27 GMT -5
Thanks for the responses! I'm on my way to the Totally Rock Tumbling board!
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Mar 16, 2016 17:42:40 GMT -5
Welcome, taryn, from a fellow Georgian! You will find a crowd of friendly, helpful folks here willing to assist you with advice and opinion. I've been on for a year and these rockers are my "go to" source for all things rock. Enjoy your time here! Don
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
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Post by Fossilman on Mar 20, 2016 17:50:14 GMT -5
Howdy and welcome to the forum!!!
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rockwizz
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2007
Posts: 971
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Post by rockwizz on Jun 16, 2016 18:34:02 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum. Hope you have a great experience with everyone here. I live in Utah, and have a good size collection myself, but The cool thing about joining is getting involved in traveling Boxes, trips, and rock exchanges, and sharing pictures of your work
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