howgneiss
starting to shine!
Member since May 2022
Posts: 25
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Post by howgneiss on Aug 6, 2022 23:55:28 GMT -5
I'll start this by saying obviously this is not a financial question, because that would be silly. Finances do not get in the way of rocks, as this forum shows My question is, is this machine something that will last years of constant use (it would be taken care of) and will serve its purpose of making extremely shiny rocks? Is there any downside to the Mini Sonic compared to other vibratories (raytech, Thumler, lotto, etc)? Anyone who has experience with the Mini Sonic, please share. I have a rebel 17 to feed it with and I feel like the capacity should be about right (I'm fairly picky about my rocks coming out of rough, but not too crazy). What is the noise level like? Thank you for any responses. This forum has been a blessing.
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notfragile
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2021
Posts: 19
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Post by notfragile on Aug 7, 2022 16:12:36 GMT -5
Will it serve for years? Yes. Basically, there's nothing much to wear out. You'll have to replace the barrel eventually, and the rubber hold down strap is another potential weak point, although mine is just fine after 18 months of continuous use.
Does it make shiny rocks? Absolutely. Zero complaints there, and I am obsessive about getting a perfect finish.
Noise level is not terrible. I run mine in a converted bedroom and with the door closed I can't hear it running...but I'm an old geezer with really poor hearing due to attending better than 50 rock concerts back in the 70s and 80s, so take it for what it's worth.
Down sides...it won't run large stones, and it doesn't run large loads. I've settled on one and a half pounds of stones and half a pound of ceramic media per load. Number One Tip for the Mini-Sonic...if it jams up and the load stops turning, it's either overloaded, has too large of a stone, or both. Take a few stones out and try again.
Would I buy it again? Yep, I absolutely would. It's a terrific product, well worth the money...something that's getting kind of rare nowadays.
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Post by HankRocks on Aug 7, 2022 18:49:34 GMT -5
I have a model MT-14SV. Not sure it's made anymore. It was bought used no idea how many miles it has on it. It has 3 bays for the 4 lb hoppers and I got a 10 lb hopper with it that takes up two of the bays. So I can run 14 lbs at once. It is a Polish only machine and I have been pleased. Limitations; any rock approaching a pound will begin to jam up. That and pulling the hoppers out can be a strength test. Consider my hand strength a bit above average and I struggle somewhat with removing the hoppers for cleanout.
The no motor or belt or rotating shaft is a definite plus. The easily adjustable vibration amplitude is another plus. I find difficult to believe that the hoppers would ever wear out.
Good luck
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quartzilla
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2020
Posts: 1,218
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Post by quartzilla on Aug 7, 2022 19:42:44 GMT -5
I have the KGT which they don’t make anymore. I’d guess the hopper size is around 2 lbs. works great and not that loud at all with the lid on. I use mine for polish only and run separate hoppers. I’d say the only negative thing is the metal hook/rubber latch assembly that pops off every once in a while. I just bend the metal part up a little and it’s fine for a while. Mine’s in the garage, which gets hot in the summer so it needs additional squirts of water several times in a 24 hr period.
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Post by pauls on Aug 9, 2022 18:50:54 GMT -5
I have a couple of them, fantastic machines. The barrels do wear out. Mind you mine have been in use for years. When they get real thin they go on to polish duty and don't seem to wear any more. (Or at least that slowly it's not noticeable.) The double spring (one spring pushing one pulling) also breaks, There is no cheap over the counter fix for it either. They do sell a complete refurbishment kit with grommets springs etc. everything you would need to get it back to new condition.
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