darticus
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2019
Posts: 4
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Post by darticus on Sept 30, 2019 14:38:13 GMT -5
I would like to get started in this hobby. I did do this 50 years ago and would like to try as I have time now, as retired, and want a hobby. I see target sells a tumbler or a kit that looks nice but could use help and advice. What to buy and where to get supplies. I live in New Jersey and hope rocks, good for this are available here. Any advice would be great. Thanks Ron
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Post by manofglass on Sept 30, 2019 14:45:41 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum from Michigan Ron
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Sept 30, 2019 14:45:54 GMT -5
Welcome to RTH... I would buy a Lortone or Thumbler… Good luck..
therockshed.com has great equipment and supplies.
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Post by Pat on Sept 30, 2019 15:11:45 GMT -5
Not a tumbler, but welcome from California. Lots of tumbling experts here.
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Post by TheRock on Sept 30, 2019 16:42:15 GMT -5
Ron I retired almost 5 years ago and had a Stroke 2 years ago needed exercise the Wife and I walked the Beach daily for needed exercise so hence the Rock Tumbling Like you we may have started for separate reasons but where here just the Same. Start at TheRockshed.com Shawn Kunnel Sells Items for a great price. Goodluck From ~Duke in SW/Michigan
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 30, 2019 16:43:04 GMT -5
from Virginia!
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Post by knave on Sept 30, 2019 17:08:35 GMT -5
Welcome from Wisconsin!
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zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Sept 30, 2019 17:23:03 GMT -5
Welcome to RTH. I don't think a tumbler sold at Target is a serious machine. Check out the tumblers avail at the Rock Shed - www.therockshed.com/Best Prices & great service. Lynn
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Sept 30, 2019 19:58:17 GMT -5
Welcome from Northern Arizona!
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Post by taylor on Sept 30, 2019 20:19:01 GMT -5
Welcome! Much fun to be had with this hobby!
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Post by MsAli on Sept 30, 2019 20:41:35 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum and agree with the advice above on where to buy a tumbler. Cannot help you with finding rocks in your area, but do recommend contacting a local gem & mineral club
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Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,652
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Post by Tommy on Oct 1, 2019 10:50:53 GMT -5
Welcome Ron! Thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself. darticus
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Kai
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2018
Posts: 331
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Post by Kai on Oct 1, 2019 13:16:29 GMT -5
Hello and welcome from Europe!
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Post by fernwood on Oct 1, 2019 14:52:42 GMT -5
Hi Ron. I fist tumbled in the 1970's. Then got back into it a couple years ago. Bought a Chicago Electric, duel barrel tumbler from Harbor Freight and have had excellent results. They are hit or miss on quality. I took advice from others here and did some modifications prior to running it. Total investment was less than $50.00. It showed me that I wanted to get back into this. Now have a Thumlers Tumbler, a vibe, flat lap and having a older Lortone Combo cabbing machine and rim saw refurbished by someone here. '
My additional purchases were used, older items. Total investment of less than $300.00.
Yes, Shawn at The Rock Shed is great. He could help you determine what you need and want. Be prepared, as the expense for grits, polishes, media is a lot more than it used to be.
There are often used equipment listed here, so that could ave some money. See if there is a rock club near you and join that. They could help with equipment and where to find local rocks. The Rock Shed also has lots of tumbling materials available as do members here.
Above all have fun exploring. Do research and set a budget. It is easy to spend a lot when first starting or re-starting.
I am from Central Wisconsin, Glacial deposit area, so have lots of cool rocks on my land, but also purchase/trade for some.
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Post by aDave on Oct 1, 2019 16:25:24 GMT -5
Welcome from Southern CA.
As mentioned, stay away from that Target tumbler. All I would suggest is before making a purchase anywhere, start a new thread in the Tumbling section and ask questions about what you're looking at. Not all tumblers are equal, and there are pros and cons to be addressed for any of them. You'll receive plenty of info to make an informed decision.
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julieooly
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2018
Posts: 714
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Post by julieooly on Oct 1, 2019 17:23:51 GMT -5
Welcome from Georgia. Unless you're hard of hearing as well as *old* you probably want at least two walls between where you sleep and where you tumble, even with the quiet rubber barrels the stones can be quite noisy for some. As always the best advice is to NEVER pour your slurry down the drain it will ruin your plumbing!
Julie
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Post by As I in does tries! on Oct 31, 2019 1:28:52 GMT -5
Greetings from Scotland on the other side of the pond!
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