amerwine
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2017
Posts: 3
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Post by amerwine on Aug 8, 2017 17:46:10 GMT -5
Hello everyone,
I have used my Chicago electric tumblers so hard that they are unrepairable. I had 2 that constantly went through belts, I tried many different belts and they broke. Could not get the tension right and anyway the barrels were wearing thin. SO.....I want something heavy duty, large loads, and reliable under $250.00 . Two I was thinking about, Tumblers Model B 15 lb tumbler and MJR tumbler on ebay for 25 lbs. Both run around the same price ($240) . If you have better suggestions, I'd love to hear them also!
THANKS
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Post by wigglinrocks on Aug 8, 2017 17:53:07 GMT -5
Either a lortone QT 12/Qt 66 or thumler B are good choices . I have two 66s and have had no issues .
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Post by Garage Rocker on Aug 8, 2017 18:58:51 GMT -5
Lortone QT66, as mentioned above.
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Post by manofglass on Aug 8, 2017 19:05:52 GMT -5
Check therockshed.com
Walt
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Post by coloradocliff on Aug 8, 2017 19:07:03 GMT -5
Would lean to the model b. If you want to do a bigger rock it will take it. Also if you end up building a home made one the thumbler barrel is really adaptable for that. If you have a vibe to finish then the extra capacity of the thumbler will make more rock ready for step two. The Model B keeps pace with a twin lot o easily on rock of average softness.
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kevin24018
spending too much on rocks
Member since February 2012
Posts: 284
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Post by kevin24018 on Aug 8, 2017 19:07:52 GMT -5
check ebay, lots of used ones on there usually with no grit etc, so compare the price of a new one and factor everything in to see if it's a good deal or not.
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Post by coloradocliff on Aug 8, 2017 19:07:52 GMT -5
Check therockshed.com Walt PLus 1 the rock shed . Good prices and fast service if they have one in stock.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Aug 8, 2017 19:57:32 GMT -5
The Scott - Murray tumbler mohs gave to me (Thanks, Ed!) is a precursor to the Thumlers model B. Replacement parts and liners are available from The Rock Shed. Besides my Gy-roc vibe, the other tumbler I have is a Lortone QT12. Other than the motor running a little hot (normal) I have no complaints.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Aug 8, 2017 21:04:59 GMT -5
I love my Lortone QT66. @shotgunner and Sabre52 have owned MJR tumblers according to a little searching here.
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Post by coloradocliff on Aug 8, 2017 21:41:18 GMT -5
The Scott - Murray tumbler mohs gave to me (Thanks, Ed!) is a precursor to the Thumlers model B. Replacement parts and liners are available from The Rock Shed. Besides my Gy-roc vibe, the other tumbler I have is a Lortone QT12. Other than the motor running a little hot (normal) I have no complaints. One of my rotaries is an old Scott-Murray. Good barrels and almost identical with a model B I have. PLus 1 the rock shed having parts.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Aug 8, 2017 21:44:03 GMT -5
Cliff, when Ed sent the tumblerafter it had sat in the AZ sun, the liner had to be replaced. More than almost identical, Thumbler B liner perfect fit!
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Post by coloradocliff on Aug 8, 2017 21:46:08 GMT -5
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Post by captbob on Aug 8, 2017 22:07:24 GMT -5
No way you are loading 25 pounds in a Thumler's Model B tumbler. 20 lbs maybe, but that is pushing it and a full load including rocks, water and grit. I run 20 lb loads all the time with good results. Over 20 lbs and you are going to go through drive pulley belts in a quickness. Own 11 Model B units myself (kinda) 9 Model Bs and 2 high speed motor Chinese knockoffs.
Wouldn't own a MJR tumbler if someone gave me one for free. Well, I'd keep the base and motor and throw the plastic jug (tumbler barrel) away or use it to mix cocktails in.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2017 22:24:11 GMT -5
MJR is garbage. Didn't even tumble a single batch. I fixed it and started up again and it failed catastrophically the second time. Pure garbage. No customer support after sale either
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amerwine
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2017
Posts: 3
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Post by amerwine on Aug 9, 2017 5:31:09 GMT -5
Thanks you all for your highly valued suggestions. Tumbling for a hobby, semi retired, clearing out buckets and buckets of rocks that I have collected through the years. Tumbling the pretty ones for the rock garden, jewelry, arts and crafts. Passing time. Nobody gets my "rock" thing, but I don't expect them to. But I know you all do. Thanks to you all again...Will weigh the pros and cons and pull the trigger on a purchase.
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Post by wigglinrocks on Aug 9, 2017 8:17:23 GMT -5
Thanks you all for your highly valued suggestions. Tumbling for a hobby, semi retired, clearing out buckets and buckets of rocks that I have collected through the years. Tumbling the pretty ones for the rock garden, jewelry, arts and crafts. Passing time. Nobody gets my "rock" thing, but I don't expect them to. But I know you all do. Thanks to you all again...Will weigh the pros and cons and pull the trigger on a purchase. Just wanted to mention , on tumblers some parts eventually wear out and need to be replaced . If you stick with a reputable name brand , parts are easy to get . Plus you will have tons of valuable tips , hints and advice available here on the forum .
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Post by johnjsgems on Aug 9, 2017 18:40:00 GMT -5
Interesting about the Scott Murray. I thought they were a little different than Thumlers. In fact Al Thumler told me when I was a dealer his "B" barrel was used by everybody but Scott Murray (HP, DP, Contempo). Scott Murray I believe was bought out by Lortone. Was Scott Murray the company that made split drums? Had two liners inside one can.
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Post by captbob on Aug 9, 2017 18:53:54 GMT -5
Was Scott Murray the company that made split drums? Had two liners inside one can. Yes sir. Got one sitting on my back porch right now that I picked up with a bunch of other lapidary stuff off Craigslist. Gonna clean it up a bit and throw it back in Craigslist. I'll never use it. Barrel inserts say Scott Murry on the bottoms. Total barrel is a bit taller than a Thumler's Model B, but seem to be the same diameter.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Aug 9, 2017 19:11:48 GMT -5
Was Scott Murray the company that made split drums? Had two liners inside one can. Yes sir. Got one sitting on my back porch right now that I picked up with a bunch of other lapidary stuff off Craigslist. Gonna clean it up a bit and throw it back in Craigslist. I'll never use it. Barrel inserts say Scott Murry on the bottoms. Total barrel is a bit taller than a Thumler's Model B, but seem to be the same diameter. Yes exactly the same Diameter. I bought a liner for a Thumlers B from The Rock Shed, a perfect fit.
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Post by morerockspleaz on Aug 9, 2017 19:25:51 GMT -5
Cast my vote for Lortone. Motor does run a bit warm. I love the capacity of the Qt12. Parts are readily available, parts do wear out on all tumblers. The Rock Shed is a good place to order from. Lots of good advise here to consider.
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