rockcat11
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2017
Posts: 176
|
Post by rockcat11 on May 25, 2018 15:47:31 GMT -5
I am looking for a small one, and I don’t want to spend too much on it. Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by grumpybill on May 25, 2018 16:47:27 GMT -5
There's a Lot-O on eBay with the current bid at $72 + shipping.
|
|
|
Post by Jugglerguy on May 25, 2018 16:56:57 GMT -5
The Lot-O is awesome. There are lots of people here who know how to use the Lot-O and are willing to give you advice.
|
|
pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
|
Post by pizzano on May 25, 2018 18:06:24 GMT -5
I am looking for a small one, and I don’t want to spend too much on it. Thanks. Couple of questions...?
"small one".........do you mean as in space to use it..... or capacity of the vibe..?
"don't want to spend much on it".........what exactly do you consider to much...?
"vibe tumbler"........what type, there are a few popular systems.....bowl application, barrel application, bowl/barrel hybrid.....!
For hobbyist, whether serious or casual, the following seem to be the most popular....:
Bowl types come in various flavors......Thumler, Raytech, Lyman, Eastwood, all least expensive, a variety of sizes and effective.
Barrel types are limited and the one that most of the serious guys use is the Lot-O.........comes in various sizes and is the probably the most effective and expensive for it's size.
Bowl/barrel hybrid is most likely more for the serious/experienced.........Gy-Roc.........comes in various sizes, the most effective and cost per size is in the upper echelon.......!
Things to consider.........noise, application work space, process time, media requirements, finished result needs and of course price(economy).
I may have left off a few other brands or types......but those mentioned are all favorites by many here at RTH......and their applications vary, just like the folks who use them.......!
|
|
rockcat11
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2017
Posts: 176
|
Post by rockcat11 on May 26, 2018 11:24:26 GMT -5
Small would be a few pounds and I don’t want to spend more than about 150$
|
|
inbtb
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2016
Posts: 351
|
Post by inbtb on May 26, 2018 11:29:01 GMT -5
Also the DIAMOND PACIFIC MINI-SONIC MT-4SV.
|
|
|
Post by Jugglerguy on May 26, 2018 12:34:40 GMT -5
Small would be a few pounds and I don’t want to spend more than about 150$ The Lot-O holds 4.5 lbs. It’s $192 at The Rock Shed. This has been the tumbler used by the winner of the World Rock Tumbling Competiton for quite a few years.
|
|
pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
|
Post by pizzano on May 26, 2018 12:54:55 GMT -5
Small would be a few pounds and I don’t want to spend more than about 150$ Sounds like a bowl type tumbler would be a good start......it's just a personal observation, but I'd be reluctant to purchase a used model, particularly those of the Lot-O or hybrid concepts unless you can get a hands-on inspection prior to purchase. Since being new to the concept, it will be less frustrating and time consuming if you start from scratch with a device you know works like it's suppose to......takes away most doubts of performance issues and leaves the learning cycle to the users experience and practice.......just a thought.
There are quite a few members like myself here, who use bowl tumblers that give awesome results.......just takes practice and patients. So, if you get into it, this is the place to ask questions and receive some very good advise....!
Go on-line shopping and make comparisons..........and don't shy away from Lyman or Eastwood type tumblers since they are not always advertised as "lapidary" equipment........If you do your research well, you'll discover what that implies........Just make sure the bowl vibe is a "water tight" system.....as an example, Harbor Freight's vibes will not work well wet and are made specifically for dry vibe.....been there, done that. They can be modified, but based on my experience, a pain in the ass to use in the long run and finished results are a waste of time.
Have fun and look forward to hearing about your experiences......!
|
|
unclesoska
freely admits to licking rocks
All those jade boulders tossed in search of gold!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 934
|
Post by unclesoska on May 27, 2018 20:55:17 GMT -5
Mini-Sonic MT4 Fan here. Quiet, dial-ability for different rock hardness, no real parts to replace. NO Belt, and Great results with some practice.! Found mine used on Ebay for less than $100.
|
|