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Post by limechallenger on Jun 2, 2019 20:24:34 GMT -5
so I recently bought and use a lot=o-tumbler vibratory tumbler and decided I want the more rounded finish on some of my rocks. That being said, I will be buying a rotary tumbler to accomplish that! My question is should I buy a Thumbler or a Lortone? You guys are the experts, let me know! Thanks
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Post by aDave on Jun 2, 2019 20:30:51 GMT -5
There are many VERY recent threads about this. Look through this section of the forum to get some guidance.
I'm a Lortone guy and would recommend the QT66. That's just me.
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El JeffA
spending too much on rocks
Member since February 2016
Posts: 353
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Post by El JeffA on Jun 2, 2019 21:01:53 GMT -5
I use both Thumlers 15 lb and Lortone QT12, QT66. All are fine machines. You will be happy with either. I recommend both from The Rock Shed.
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tomg
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2019
Posts: 103
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Post by tomg on Jun 3, 2019 0:20:17 GMT -5
Lortone
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Post by Rockindad on Jun 3, 2019 6:34:17 GMT -5
How much rock are you looking to run at a time? Either brand is probably fine. I had mostly Thumler's (15 lb and double 3 lb., plus vibe) until adding a Lortone QT-66 recently. The 15 pounder is a beast and the quietest of them all, obviously it also takes a lot to keep it fed.
Al
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,666
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Post by Fossilman on Jun 3, 2019 9:37:16 GMT -5
Lortone.... I own six of them.. They run forever!
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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 Jun 3, 2019 15:29:52 GMT -5
How much is your budget? How much rough do you have to tumble?
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jun 3, 2019 15:58:26 GMT -5
I’ve heard good things about the 15 lb. Thumlers, but I have never used one. I have used the AR2 and I hate it. The lids wear out quickly, they leak even before that, and they jump off the base. I would not recommend the small Thumlers. I have a Lortone QT66 (same as the QT12 but with two smaller barrels) and the Lortone 33B. I highly recommend Lortone tumblers.
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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 Jun 4, 2019 19:49:55 GMT -5
I use two rotary Thumler Tumbler model B, 15 lbs. I'm very satisfied with their performance and fit and finish. They feed my TT UV-18, 18 lbs. www.thumlerstumbler.com/rotary.html
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Post by Rockindad on Jun 5, 2019 9:33:59 GMT -5
I’ve heard good things about the 15 lb. Thumlers, but I have never used one. I have used the AR2 and I hate it. The lids wear out quickly, they leak even before that, and they jump off the base. I would not recommend the small Thumlers. I have a Lortone QT66 (same as the QT12 but with two smaller barrels) and the Lortone 33B. I highly recommend Lortone tumblers. My experience with the Thumler's AR-2 has been quite different. Ours has been running for about six months straight now without an issue. I believe they used to use some sort of fiber reinforced plastic for their lids (the white ones). The lids we have are a hard black plastic and show no wear. Curious if this was your issue, crappy lids could certainly cause leaks. LOVE our Thumler's Model B (15 lb.), not only is it a beast but it also the quietest one in the bunch by far. Admittedly the lid gasket is chintzy, but the barrel liner is some serious rubber. Quite new to the Lortone QT-66 but have high hopes as a lot of people here seem to have them. Seems well built and a good size. The only thing I do not like about the three pound barrels is that when we're done I wish we had more finished stones. Al
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jun 5, 2019 14:16:42 GMT -5
I’ve heard good things about the 15 lb. Thumlers, but I have never used one. I have used the AR2 and I hate it. The lids wear out quickly, they leak even before that, and they jump off the base. I would not recommend the small Thumlers. I have a Lortone QT66 (same as the QT12 but with two smaller barrels) and the Lortone 33B. I highly recommend Lortone tumblers. My experience with the Thumler's AR-2 has been quite different. Ours has been running for about six months straight now without an issue. I believe they used to use some sort of fiber reinforced plastic for their lids (the white ones). The lids we have are a hard black plastic and show no wear. Curious if this was your issue, crappy lids could certainly cause leaks. LOVE our Thumler's Model B (15 lb.), not only is it a beast but it also the quietest one in the bunch by far. Admittedly the lid gasket is chintzy, but the barrel liner is some serious rubber. Quite new to the Lortone QT-66 but have high hopes as a lot of people here seem to have them. Seems well built and a good size. The only thing I do not like about the three pound barrels is that when we're done I wish we had more finished stones. Al I have only used the black lids. They last about three or four months. I am using 46/70 grit, so that might make a difference. I have cleaned up quite a few messes from that machine.
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Post by Rockindad on Jun 5, 2019 14:31:08 GMT -5
My experience with the Thumler's AR-2 has been quite different. Ours has been running for about six months straight now without an issue. I believe they used to use some sort of fiber reinforced plastic for their lids (the white ones). The lids we have are a hard black plastic and show no wear. Curious if this was your issue, crappy lids could certainly cause leaks. LOVE our Thumler's Model B (15 lb.), not only is it a beast but it also the quietest one in the bunch by far. Admittedly the lid gasket is chintzy, but the barrel liner is some serious rubber. Quite new to the Lortone QT-66 but have high hopes as a lot of people here seem to have them. Seems well built and a good size. The only thing I do not like about the three pound barrels is that when we're done I wish we had more finished stones. Al I have only used the black lids. They last about three or four months. I am using 46/70 grit, so that might make a difference. I have cleaned up quite a few messes from that machine.That would be enough to make me dislike any machine! We usually stick to 60/90 in the little guys, maybe that is part of the issue. No brand loyalty here, I want all of my stuff to work well! Al
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