mirdonamy
starting to shine!
Don't step on the momeraths!
Member since March 2020
Posts: 31
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Post by mirdonamy on Apr 16, 2020 22:32:43 GMT -5
So, I really want to buy the Lortone QT66, but that means that I have to get a Vibe under $150. Would you recommend a more expensive vibe and cheaper rotary, or would you get the QT66 with a cheaper vibe? If so, which vibe?
Goal 1: Tumble my local mojave desert rocks (less than 3" wide), from rough and natural to beautifully rounded river-rock shape! Then, shine up to a near-pro shine so my husband can wire-wrap and sell his jewelry!
Goal 2: Cut rocks on my tile saw, shape to beautiful shapes of my choice (on my slated lapidary), then polish in a vibe to a high shine!
What would you buy? $500 (including grit)
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Post by knave on Apr 16, 2020 22:55:42 GMT -5
I would recommend the QT-66 now, and get the rocks rolling. Get into the swing of it. And save up for a good vibe also.
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Post by knave on Apr 16, 2020 22:57:00 GMT -5
The less expensive UV tumblers are for dry polishing metals or brass, not rated for the weight of water and rocks.
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agatemaggot
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2006
Posts: 2,195
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Post by agatemaggot on Apr 16, 2020 23:15:17 GMT -5
Get the good rotary and them check with Val Carver at Minnesota Lapidary Supply for a good used and refurbished Vib. Val has a whole basement full of trade in's available ! Val opens a 9 AM and his number is -------- (763) 631-0405 while talking with him you might ask about both , new and refurbished !
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mirdonamy
starting to shine!
Don't step on the momeraths!
Member since March 2020
Posts: 31
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Post by mirdonamy on Apr 17, 2020 13:29:20 GMT -5
Thank you all!!! I ordered a tumbling book, then I will order the Lortone QT66. Then, I will call Val.
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agatemaggot
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2006
Posts: 2,195
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Post by agatemaggot on Apr 17, 2020 21:52:47 GMT -5
Might want to call Val first before you whip out the Visa card !
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Post by joshuamcduffie on Apr 17, 2020 21:54:27 GMT -5
Wish Iād known about Val sooner! Oh well still waiting on my stimulus check...
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Post by knave on Apr 17, 2020 21:57:12 GMT -5
still waiting on my stimulus check... ššš
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Wooferhound
Cave Dweller
Lortone QT66 and 3A
Member since December 2016
Posts: 1,423
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Post by Wooferhound on Apr 18, 2020 6:19:52 GMT -5
Doesn't Rock Shed give you some kind of discounts when you buy a Tumbler from them ?
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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 Apr 18, 2020 7:23:30 GMT -5
I would forget the vib tumbler for now. A good rotary tumbler will do the job, just not as fast.
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stewdogg
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2020
Posts: 388
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Post by stewdogg on Apr 18, 2020 13:50:30 GMT -5
I just contacted Val Carver at Minnesota Lapidary and he doesn't currently have any refurbished machines. He said he has a pile of them and just needs to get time to fix them. Maybe next week?
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mirdonamy
starting to shine!
Don't step on the momeraths!
Member since March 2020
Posts: 31
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Post by mirdonamy on Apr 19, 2020 11:16:36 GMT -5
I would forget the vib tumbler for now. A good rotary tumbler will do the job, just not as fast. I'm worried about the long term cost of grit and electricity. It seems that a vibe would help with that in the long term.
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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 Apr 23, 2020 14:35:33 GMT -5
I would forget the vib tumbler for now. A good rotary tumbler will do the job, just not as fast. I'm worried about the long term cost of grit and electricity. It seems that a vibe would help with that in the long term. My vib is great for polishing and burnishing the stones after my stones have been cleaned up and nicely rounded in stages 1 and 2 in my rotary tumbler. I find it hard to shape and round a rock in my vib tumbler. I buy the grit in large quantities for around $2/lb. Polish is much more expensive. A vib may save on electricity but most vib users have a couple of different barrels, one for the first couple of stages, and one for the polishing stages. Tumbling is still a lot less expensive than golf at the country club, or sports car racing. rocktumbler.com/blog/electricity-costs-of-a-rock-tumbler/rocktumbler.com/tips/rock-tumbler-cost/
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mirdonamy
starting to shine!
Don't step on the momeraths!
Member since March 2020
Posts: 31
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Post by mirdonamy on May 2, 2020 12:20:26 GMT -5
So, would you use a vibe for rocks you shaped and polished on a slanted lapidary? I can't seem to get a great polish on my cabs that I shape and polish myself. Would a vibe with one barrel help with that? I hope Rockshed gets the Lortone QT66 back in stock soon! I have been reading my new "Modern Rock Tumbling" book. I am so eager to start!
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