goldminer
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2018
Posts: 17
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Post by goldminer on Mar 28, 2019 7:48:49 GMT -5
I was looking for input on commercial rock tumblers. I have a used barrel that I believe to be a c40 Lortone. The rollers I am using are severely mismatched and may not be long for this world. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I am skeptical of most modern quality as a lot of companies are making things cheaper and cheaper for their bottom line, leaving all of us with disposable junk.
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gatorflash1
spending too much on rocks
Active in Delaware Mineralogical Society, Cabchon Grinding and Polishing, 2 Thumlers B's and a UV-18
Member since October 2018
Posts: 375
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Post by gatorflash1 on Mar 28, 2019 8:04:45 GMT -5
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salpal48
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2015
Posts: 136
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Post by salpal48 on Mar 30, 2019 21:01:53 GMT -5
I really do not think you can go wrong with the Lortone C series.. I have 2 lortone C100. they do make a 20 lb Drum for it i believe. Also Diamont pacific. does make one up to 65 Lb. the big ones do get heavy to lift . as you get older they seem to get heavier. I do have also an old Craftool That is about 25 lb. -40lb. when loaded it is a heavy one
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Post by As I in does tries! on Apr 2, 2019 4:40:25 GMT -5
Greetings [goldminer] the Lortone C series comercial rotary tumblers are not really designed for rock especially in the C20 and C40 barrels these barrels are normally used for finishing metal rather than rock; each 12lb barrel is more suited to rotary tumbling of rock as it can easily hold 20kg (44lb) of rock depending on the specific gravity of the rock you are tumbling.
The c20 and C40 barrels are steel barrels with internal rubber liners whereas the 12lb and 6lb barrels are solid rubber with a rubber gaskit as sold in the QT series! I currently have the following Lortone QT12/66 rotary tumbler, Lortone C300 rotary tumbler, 2x Viking Vibrasonic 2x 14lb and 2x 6lb hoppers (Diamond Pacific) (USA) vibrating tumblers, Hans lapidary 6 wheel rock grinder and polisher, 6 inch blade and wheel combo unit that is currently under redevelopment, with Silicon Carbide grit Fixed80, F220, F600, F1200, with Tin Oxide (1.0 micron) and Aluminum Oxide (0.3 micron) polishes.
Sorry for any typos, but I already had alcohol for brealfast!
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Post by Rockindad on Apr 2, 2019 15:22:36 GMT -5
Lortone C series is suitable for tumbling rocks (if you can find one). From their site:
C40 Commercial Tumbler
Item: #009-096
Our high capacity tumbler is constructed of a durable welded steel frame and powder coated for protection. The steel barrel comes with a replaceable neoprene liner and is capable of holding 40 lbs of rocks. Six sides provides good tumbling action. Barrel inside measures 9" across flats x 11- 7/8" deep.
Currently Not Available Online
Al
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cabjunky
has rocks in the head
Regency Rose Plume
Member since November 2008
Posts: 683
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Post by cabjunky on Apr 2, 2019 21:43:58 GMT -5
You can order a c series tumbler directly from lortone.com or from a dealer. They told me 6-8 weeks to make one. I ordered a diamond pacific 50RT and had it in under 7 days. Its the exact same as the contempo tumbler I have running two 15 pound thumlers barrels. Good luck.
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purplesage2
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2019
Posts: 9
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Post by purplesage2 on Apr 3, 2019 6:41:34 GMT -5
The Rock Shed in Keystone, S.D. is where I purchase most of my stuff. Shawn is a great guy to do business with. I hope I'm not breaking forum rules by this plug for him.
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goldminer
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2018
Posts: 17
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Post by goldminer on Apr 16, 2019 22:09:56 GMT -5
Thanks much for all the input!
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Post by arghvark on Apr 18, 2019 9:26:59 GMT -5
Used Lorton tumblers tend to command a premium, but there are occasionally big used Lortones on ebay, craigslist, etc. You can also often find home-built or modified big tumblers. The design/construction is so simple that if you're into tinkering, a big tumbler can be set up pretty reasonably.
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