Tommy
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Member since January 2013
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Post by Tommy on Dec 11, 2018 16:04:59 GMT -5
My old 10 lb Gemstone vibe tumbler had seen a lot of miles even before I got it for free, and it has definitely seen better days now. Among other problems, the plastic frame that the drum rides on is cracked in half, the threaded shaft is corroded and stripped, and the drum plug is stripped and had to be glued in place and now gets small rocks and grit lodged in it. Rather than rebuild the Gemstone I want to invest in a new Lot-o tumbler. I use a vibe tumbler primarily for making gifts that go out with my cabochon orders - mostly flat scraps that I've trimmed off of slabs - and I've seen a lot of you post good stuff about the lot-o. I guess my first question is - where to purchase. Is there just the two models I see? Single and double drum? Is the double drum worth the extra money - ie: does it perform just as good as the single but with double capacity obviously? I see Rock Shed at $192 ($212 shipped) for the single drum Ebay at $195.77 with free shipping - is that about the best deal running? Normally I'd order off Amazon but they are kind of a non-player on this item. I don't need a pack of six
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Post by aDave on Dec 11, 2018 19:11:31 GMT -5
Tommy , I really can't give you any real information about the Lot-O other than some simple thoughts that came to mind. I seem to recall reading that both barrels on the double vibe need to be filled to run the machine. I looked for any old threads about the topic, and only found reference to captbob seemingly offering that he'd seen the same caveat. Never had seen that info confirmed, and I couldn't find any detailed instructions. Maybe a quick call to Shawn will get you that answer if no one chimes in. That kind of leads to my second thought. Is that $16 savings from an unknown Ebay seller (I saw he/she has great feedback) more important than being able to speak to someone by phone (Rock Shed) if you have some type of questions or customer service issue? For me, I might go with the higher price just to be able to contact someone directly if need be. Whatever you decide, you might want to make your decision before January. I went to the Lot-O website, and it mentions a price increase taking place then. Good luck.
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Post by johnw on Dec 11, 2018 19:15:19 GMT -5
My old 10 lb Gemstone vibe tumbler had seen a lot of miles even before I got it for free, and it has definitely seen better days now. Among other problems, the plastic frame that the drum rides on is cracked in half, the threaded shaft is corroded and stripped, and the drum plug is stripped and had to be glued in place and now gets small rocks and grit lodged in it. Rather than rebuild the Gemstone I want to invest in a new Lot-o tumbler. I use a vibe tumbler primarily for making gifts that go out with my cabochon orders - mostly flat scraps that I've trimmed off of slabs - and I've seen a lot of you post good stuff about the lot-o. I guess my first question is - where to purchase. Is there just the two models I see? Single and double drum? Is the double drum worth the extra money - ie: does it perform just as good as the single but with double capacity obviously? I see Rock Shed at $192 ($212 shipped) for the single drum Ebay at $195.77 with free shipping - is that about the best deal running? Normally I'd order off Amazon but they are kind of a non-player on this item. I don't need a pack of six Tommy, I would go with The Rock Shed hands down. Not only do you get fast delivery, you also get great after sales service and they have been in the same location for two generations. The option of a double barrel will depend on your volume. Typically you can get at least 3 pounds plus of rocks tumbled in a single barrel. I would also like to suggest this set-up as an alternate for the Lot-O, instead of the larger concrete block they recommend. It is more convenient to maneuver and quieter. The vibration deadening base is door mat from Home Depot with 1/16 spikes that act as a shock (vibration) absorber. Good luck on whatever you decide. Cheers, johnw
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Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,647
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Post by Tommy on Dec 11, 2018 20:13:30 GMT -5
That's good information all the way around aDave and johnw. I didn't even know till right now that they had to be bolted down lol.
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Post by aDave on Dec 11, 2018 21:57:11 GMT -5
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Dec 11, 2018 22:18:35 GMT -5
I have three single loto tumblers. I have two mounted but only one gets used for the most part. My original unit has been running for 6 years non stop 24-7 with zero maintenance. Never replaced so much as a spring. I bought the third one as a spare just because I thought I would wear one out but no problems yet. Two single loto's avoids the issue of having both barrels full all the time.
Yes the loto needs to be mounted to a 40 pound anchor but I have seen 10 different variations and each person says theirs works so I will not preach an exact mount design. I went for ergonomics so mine sits on a stack of 3 cinder blocks capped with a solid 4x8x16 block. That puts it at workbench height. All of the blocks are attached to each other. I check my loto at least twice every day so having it as convenient as possible was key.
Get your loto and get it mounted then we can talk about how to use it. Piece of cake.
Chuck
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Post by grumpybill on Dec 12, 2018 9:59:12 GMT -5
Keeping in mind that I'm a hobbyist, not a production-type user and that I have no experience with any other vibe: I bought a used single barrel Lot-O from ChicagoDave about a year ago and am quite happy with it. I've run slabs/cabs and typical tumbles through it. Everything from glass to agate to quartz (even sea shells) and have seldom been disappointed after a bit of experimentation and reading here. I used double sided tape to fasten it to a 4x8x24 inch solid concrete block that weighs 58 lbs. (I wish people would stop calling them "cinder blocks". It's been at least 50 years since I've seen a cinder block.) Most users recommend filling the tit in the bottom of the barrels with epoxy to make them easier to clean out. This was already done when I got mine. jamesp was using a Lot-O for the final polish on his glass. Hopefully, he can take some time off from his construction project and chime in here.
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Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,647
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Post by Tommy on Dec 12, 2018 11:04:14 GMT -5
My original unit has been running for 6 years non stop 24-7 with zero maintenance. Never replaced so much as a spring. That's a heck of a review! holy smokes. What a change that will be from the constant fixing and tinkering I've been having to do with my Gemstone vibe. It literally made it such a PITA that I would only load up a bowl once every six months or so. Speaking from pure ignorance here but is there a reason it can't just be mounted to a work bench? The barrels come out easy right?
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Post by roy on Dec 12, 2018 11:40:48 GMT -5
good info i got one of these in my last estate its a noisy little bugger will try the base and rubber mat idea
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Post by grumpybill on Dec 12, 2018 11:51:11 GMT -5
..is there a reason it can't just be mounted to a work bench? The barrels come out easy right? Probably depends on how sturdy the work bench is. I don't think you'd want to mount it on anything that would damp the vibrations. I have my Lot-O + block sitting on a concrete floor.
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Post by grumpybill on Dec 12, 2018 11:58:30 GMT -5
good info i got one of these in my last estate its a noisy little bugger will try the base and rubber mat idea My Lot-O is attached to a 58lb concrete block, sitting on a concrete floor without any rubber mat. Unless I open the lid it runs quieter than my 45C rotary.
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Post by roy on Dec 12, 2018 12:13:25 GMT -5
58 pound block lol dont think its going anywere
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Post by johnw on Dec 12, 2018 12:41:10 GMT -5
good info i got one of these in my last estate its a noisy little bugger will try the base and rubber mat idea My Lot-O is attached to a 58lb concrete block, sitting on a concrete floor without any rubber mat. Unless I open the lid it runs quieter than my 45C rotary. Awesome, I wish I had the room. I have a bench set-up for my equipment but the vibration with the recommended block that I originally had transitioned through the bench to the wall, to my den and kitchen. The smaller set-up I developed still provides the needed vibration throw back to the tumbler but the vibration gets dissipated beyond the concrete block when it gets absorbed by the rubber spikes on the mat. Before I changed the set-up I could watch my coffee cup walk off my bench due to the vibration, but now it just stays put and there is decidedly less noise in the house, being muted to the extent is does not create an issue. I used the same technique for my Covington set-up. Just another way of doing things and that's what makes this forum awesome. IMHO. Cheers, johnw
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Post by johnw on Dec 12, 2018 13:08:28 GMT -5
My original unit has been running for 6 years non stop 24-7 with zero maintenance. Never replaced so much as a spring. That's a heck of a review! holy smokes. What a change that will be from the constant fixing and tinkering I've been having to do with my Gemstone vibe. It literally made it such a PITA that I would only load up a bowl once every six months or so. Speaking from pure ignorance here but is there a reason it can't just be mounted to a work bench? The barrels come out easy right? Tommy, if your bench is remote from any wall its not an issue, whereas if the bench like mine was attached to the wall the vibrations tend to migrate through the walls into the house and the resident-in-chief was not amused. The barrel comes out of the holder with a slight twist back and forth with the addition of an applied lift. Yep, easy-peasy. Cheers, johnw
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Post by grumpybill on Dec 12, 2018 13:15:49 GMT -5
58 pound block lol dont think its going anywere Trust me, it ain't going anywhere soon...even to clean up around it. I promised my 67 yr old damaged and arthritic back that I'd never move it once it's in place. My original thought was to use a solid 8x12x16 block to get it higher. Then I remembered it would weigh well over 100 lbs...and lifting those critters is why my back made me get out of the masonry business.
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Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,647
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Post by Tommy on Dec 12, 2018 13:29:13 GMT -5
Tommy, if your bench is remote from any wall its not an issue, whereas if the bench like mine was attached to the wall the vibrations tend to migrate through the walls into the house and the resident-in-chief was not amused. That's a good point John, thanks. My work bench is not built yet at the house we're moving into in January but it IS going to be attached to what is the entry wall on the other side - which is also the same wall of an upstairs bedroom. Probably a good idea not to rock the boat so to speak - be pretty hard to explain to the resident-in-chief why her pictures keep falling off the entry wall hahaha.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Dec 12, 2018 14:40:06 GMT -5
(I wish people would stop calling them "cinder blocks". It's been at least 50 years since I've seen a cinder block.) I am so glad you showed up to correct me. I bet there were a lot of people that had no idea what I was talking about. This place will be much better if we all start mentioning what we dislike about other members posts after they take the time to try to help out. Chuck
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Post by johnw on Dec 12, 2018 14:40:46 GMT -5
58 pound block lol dont think its going anywhere Trust me, it ain't going anywhere soon...even to clean up around it. I promised my 67 yr old damaged and arthritic back that I'd never move it once it's in place. My original thought was to use a solid 8x12x16 block to get it higher. Then I remembered it would weigh well over 100 lbs...and lifting those critters is why my back made me get out of the masonry business. Each to their own I guess, but for my aching back, I fully support Drummond Island Rocks, Chucks, logic on ergonomics and having the equipment at bench height. Why bend over to load or unload the barrel when it can be done standing up. Of course for those folks who can tie their shoe laces without any grunts it not an issue. Here is a side story to illustrate why some people do not understand the importance of ergonomics. In China, the workers have a tendency to squat when working on something that's on the floor. This is because it's a tradition when working in the fields they squat. I explained to the factory foreman where I worked, about the importance of working from a table and what ergonomics was all about and suggested they get a table so it would be easier on their backs. The table they had delivered was 12 inches from the ground. True, I have a picture of this somewhere. Cheers, johnw
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Post by rockpickerforever on Dec 12, 2018 14:56:10 GMT -5
(I wish people would stop calling them "cinder blocks". It's been at least 50 years since I've seen a cinder block.) I am so glad you showed up to correct me. I bet there were a lot of people that had no idea what I was talking about. This place will be much better if we all start mentioning what we "hate" about other members posts after they take the time to try to help out. Chuck
I feel I have to put my two cent's worth in here... I've always called them cinder blocks, will probably ALWAYS call them cinder blocks. When that term is used, EVERYONE knows what you are referring to. Really doesn't matter what the name has been changed to. A concrete block? How big is it?
Sorry, agree with Chuck on this one. People need to quit tearing everyone down, especially when they are only trying to help. Unless it is something relevant to the story, just keep it to yourself. Chuck, please know the rest of us appreciate the time you put forth being helpful.
Jean
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Post by johnw on Dec 12, 2018 15:06:54 GMT -5
I am so glad you showed up to correct me. I bet there were a lot of people that had no idea what I was talking about. This place will be much better if we all start mentioning what we "hate" about other members posts after they take the time to try to help out. Chuck
I feel I have to put my two cent's worth in here... I've always called them cinder blocks, will probably ALWAYS call them cinder blocks. When that term is used, EVERYONE knows what you are referring to. Really doesn't matter what the name has been changed to. A concrete block? How big is it?
Sorry, agree with Chuck on this one. People need to quit tearing everyone down, especially when they are only trying to help. Unless it is something relevant to the story, just keep it to yourself. Chuck, please know the rest of us appreciate the time you put forth being helpful.
Jean
I just Googled: Is there a difference between cinder block and concrete block? This is what I got: Concrete masonry units are colloquially known by many names, most predominately “concrete block”, “cinder block”, “CMU”, or simply “block”. ... The reality, however, is that these masonry units are essentially the same product produced with the same three basic constituent materials: water, cement, and aggregate. EOS... Whereas I do not need to Google "what people helping people" means. Cheers, johnw
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