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Post by supermancollector on Nov 18, 2017 13:58:52 GMT -5
We are located in Central Illinois and will be newbies to this hobby. My son Lex will be 8 years old on the 27th, he is asking for a rock tumbler for Christmas. I'm going to order him the Lortone Rock Tumbler - Model 33B, it should make a great Santa gift. What are other things we will need to get or know? Any tips would be great, Lex plans on joining a local rock club that meets once a month. He's ALWAYS had a passion for exploring and looking for rocks. I'll be looking for deals on rocks he can tumble or remember his birthday is in a week in and a half
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Post by TheRock on Nov 18, 2017 14:37:33 GMT -5
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Post by Jugglerguy on Nov 18, 2017 14:45:47 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum, Superman. That’s a great choice of a tumbler. I bought the same one for my son as a Christmas gift in 2012, and it’s still going strong. The Rock Shed is probably the cheapest place to buy it. If you buy one of their grit packs, be sure to order extra 60/90 or 46/70 because you’ll use a lot more of the coarse grit than any other grit.
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Post by supermancollector on Nov 18, 2017 14:46:34 GMT -5
The Rock Shed is where we planned to order the rock tumbler.
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Post by TheRock on Nov 18, 2017 15:37:56 GMT -5
The Rock Shed is where we planned to order the rock tumbler. Your off to a great start!
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Post by Garage Rocker on Nov 18, 2017 21:29:50 GMT -5
Illinois is a tough place to look for tumbling rough, much like Kentucky, where I am. What do you plan on putting in that first batch? It can make or break the deal with a youngster.
ETA: Many "beginners" mixes are not the best material to start with. We'd like to see you start out with the best chance at success.
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Post by supermancollector on Nov 18, 2017 21:48:15 GMT -5
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Post by Garage Rocker on Nov 18, 2017 22:12:03 GMT -5
While that looks like a pretty mix, it will be comprised of rocks with different hardness. Also, some of those would be difficult for a pro tumbler to achieve a good shine. I made the same mistake when first starting out and didn't fare too well. Unfortunately, the best results are often achieved from rocks that take a long time to tumble. Agates and jaspers can take a while to round out into shape, but come out looking like the shiny tumbles you are envisioning. One of the quickest, easiest, fail safe tumbles I can recommend is the picture jasper from rocktumbler.com
Picture Jasper
I prefer that over the Rock Shed picture jasper. I just haven't seen many examples of it that I care for as well. Most everything else at The Rock Shed is excellent.
If you can find some quality Tiger Eye, that is a quick, rewarding tumble as well. Kids always like that. If you have questions about what to throw into that first batch, just ask us. You are working with a limited space, no sense in putting in stones that won't likely be up to your expectations if you can help it.
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Post by supermancollector on Nov 18, 2017 22:35:42 GMT -5
We plan to purchase the Lortone Rock Tumbler - Model 33B kit tonight what else should we order we need any tips or advice? We've explained the whole process could take a month, he understands that and is the type of kid that will count down the days and check on the progress. He's hoping to sell some of his finished rocks and my wife plans to help him make some jewelry pieces.
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notjustone
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2017
Posts: 426
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Post by notjustone on Nov 18, 2017 22:38:28 GMT -5
I bought the same mix when I started some were so soft they almost disappeared in the first week.
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notjustone
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2017
Posts: 426
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Post by notjustone on Nov 18, 2017 23:03:43 GMT -5
We plan to purchase the Lortone Rock Tumbler - Model 33B kit tonight what else should we order we need any tips or advice? We've explained the whole process could take a month, he understands that and is the type of kid that will count down the days and check on the progress. He's hoping to sell some of his finished rocks and my wife plans to help him make some jewelry pieces. the easiest polished, hardest stones like agates can spend a month or 2 in coarse step.
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nileriver
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2016
Posts: 22
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Post by nileriver on Nov 19, 2017 8:20:59 GMT -5
There's a post from a couple weeks ago from someone on here (tkvancil) from Illinois with pictures of the finished product of some material he collects there. Here is a link to it: forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/80949/self-collected-illinois-arkansasSome nice looking stuff. Self collected material always means more to me. I'm thinking it would be the same with a kid. And the fossils contained within I think would be cool for a kid too. Getting outside, the hunt, the excitement of finding treasure, etc. A cool way for a father (and/or mother) and son (and/or daughter) to spend a day, especially one who is already interested in rocks. Maybe he would give you some pointers on where to hunt in your state, if you're interested.
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Post by Peruano on Nov 19, 2017 8:40:26 GMT -5
Nileriver makes some excellent points. Everyone in central Illinois lives near a gravel road, and some with a bit of effort can even find a gravel pit where rocks that have been prepolished by glaciers can be found, including crinoid stems etc. This material will process faster, often is presorted and should be of prime interest to a young tumbler and noobie supervisor. Check with a landscape material source to see where they will send you. I know one park in central Illinois that is called moraine park. It must have a pile of stones at its edge that will provide variety, color, and appropriate sizes for starter material. Beach rocks are wonderful for many of the same reasons, but especially because they start out in interesting shapes, and textures. Eventually a trip to Lake Michigan or a stoney river beach may be in order. Opps, sorry, I just remembered we are starting into winter. Good luck with the first batch and don't be discouraged if all does not shine to perfection. Some will be totally exciting.
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Post by supermancollector on Nov 20, 2017 14:14:31 GMT -5
Does anyone know if Rock Shed will run any sort of Black Friday Sales?
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
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Post by Fossilman on Nov 27, 2017 10:25:53 GMT -5
Howdy and welcome!!
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Post by TheRock on Nov 28, 2017 1:36:54 GMT -5
Does anyone know if Rock Shed will run any sort of Black Friday Sales? Well how did ya come out? Were you able to squeeze any deals outta Ole Shawn at The Rock Shed?
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