jone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2023
Posts: 111
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Post by jone on Feb 24, 2023 10:03:37 GMT -5
I have recently gotten into tumbling. I have limited experience with Thumler's rotary tumblers.
Having watched many videos (Michigan Rocks, Scott Wilkins, et al.), I am intrigued by and looking at purchasing a vibratory tumbler. There seems to be limited availability everywhere but I have found two that I would go for. I have looked at the forum threads for both of these but still can't make up my mind. Looking for your thoughts with consideration of current prices (which, like everything else, have gotten painfully high).
Lot-O-Tumbler Single at $349.99
or
Diamond Pacific MT-4 Mini Sonic at $310
I appreciate your help in advance.
Jon E.
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Feb 24, 2023 13:14:47 GMT -5
Hi jone Jon - I really enjoy my Lot-o. It produces nice shine and is quick, compared to the rotary (I have a Thumler MP-1 and Nat Geo). I do feel like there's a bit of a learning curve with it - different than setting and forgetting the rotary tumbler. It took me a little time to find the right mix of rock/media/grit to make sure it moves the rocks like it should - once you get there it's just a matter of checking on it and making sure the slurry is the right consistency - too thick and it'll slow way down, too wet and it'll slow way down lol. There's so much more knowledge here than I can impart and I don't have any experience with the Mini Sonic, although many here do. If I ever get another vibe, it'll be the mini sonic because it seems like those who have them really like them. My 2 cents
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dirtsifter
Cave Dweller
Co to za kamyczek?
Member since September 2022
Posts: 402
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Post by dirtsifter on Feb 24, 2023 15:04:47 GMT -5
Yes, prices are painfully high on lapidary equipment. I'm a relatively new Lot O tumbler user. I like it very much. I had to make a small adjustment on it for better action but I would recommend it I have no experience with the minisonic.
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Feb 24, 2023 15:28:42 GMT -5
Yes, prices are painfully high on lapidary equipment. I'm a relatively new Lot O tumbler user. I like it very much. I had to make a small adjustment on it for better action but I would recommend it I have no experience with the minisonic. I forgot to mention i also had to make an adjustment to the dowel rod - was too far back and not allowing for enough movement - Rob from Michigan Rocks has a very helpful video on this too
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Feb 24, 2023 16:37:08 GMT -5
I just got an MT4 At first I was less than thrilled (been running a rotary for 18 years and I am very set in my ways). After a couple runs I started to really get into the groove with it (as Madonna said "it had to prove it's love to me" lol) I now LOVE this thing. It is so easy to use and is so grit stingy (seriously I'm measuring grit by the 1/2 teaspoon!) It is ultra quiet (compared to rotaries) and does in 8 days what my rotaries do in 7 weeks! Since there is no motor I don't have to worry about the issues the Lot-o is currently having (and trust me I was just about ready to get a lot-o when the motor issues reared their ugly heads). I watched every one of Rob's videos on the Lot O and was completely sold on it. I think (just by the sheer amount of info out there) that the Lot O is a bit "easier" to use, but I am super impressed with the MT4 and have seen amazing results in the 6 weeks I have been using it.
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dillonf
fully equipped rock polisher
Hounding and tumbling
Member since February 2022
Posts: 1,622
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Post by dillonf on Feb 25, 2023 8:10:14 GMT -5
I have a Lot-O I have been experimenting with for a few weeks. There is no doubt it gives a good shine, but it does take quite a bit of experimentation and some modifications to work like it should. I would also be prepared to do some maintenance on it over time. While I do not have a Thumler's UV10 that may be another machine you might consider.
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jone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2023
Posts: 111
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Post by jone on Feb 25, 2023 9:04:17 GMT -5
Thanks for your input rocknewb101, dirtsifter, stefan, dillonf !
I pulled the trigger this morning and ordered the Mini-Sonic !! Because...
- I was reassured by the positive feedback on its performance (stefan). - I would rather not mess around with concrete blocks and cement and potential adjustments. - It is reported to be quieter (running in by basement).
I plan on starting with the manufacturer instructions and then tweaking from there with consideration of the tips I've seen posted on the forum. It is likely you will see me asking for help and opinions in the near future!
I appreciate the time you took to respond to me.
Jon E.
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Post by jasoninsd on Feb 25, 2023 10:26:10 GMT -5
Thanks for your input rocknewb101, dirtsifter, stefan, dillonf ! I pulled the trigger this morning and ordered the Mini-Sonic !! Because... - I was reassured by the positive feedback on its performance (stefan). - I would rather not mess around with concrete blocks and cement and potential adjustments. - It is reported to be quieter (running in by basement). I plan on starting with the manufacturer instructions and then tweaking from there with consideration of the tips I've seen posted on the forum. It is likely you will see me asking for help and opinions in the near future! I appreciate the time you took to respond to me. Jon E. Congrats on pulling the trigger Jon!
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,033
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Post by rockbrain on Feb 25, 2023 10:45:53 GMT -5
Hey jone I think you made a great decision. There is no doubt that the Lot-O can deliver an amazing shine! Unfortunately, that's about the end of the "pro" column. I love my MT4. I am still learning. I got it mostly for polishing cabs. I got my manual cab polishing squared away so I'm not using it for that now. It doesn't seem to be super critical on how big the load is (to small seems to work better than to large a load)or the amount of water. I've got stage 3 going right now. I moved it last night from the plastic folding table to the bottom shelf on my buffer. Wouldn't have happened if I had to bolt it to blocks.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Feb 25, 2023 19:06:19 GMT -5
Completely forgot about the concrete block thing. My MT sits right on my work station next to where I change my barrels! I put it on a hunk of carpet and it does not move at all. I think you made a great choice. My limited experience so far says the manufactures recommendations are WAY too much grit. I'm only using a teaspoon for the 500, PP, and polish.
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jone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2023
Posts: 111
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Post by jone on Mar 1, 2023 7:58:22 GMT -5
I received my Mini-Sonic MT-4 yesterday. The shipping was lighting fast (ordered Saturday and received Tuesday!). As a test run I put in some ceramic media and medium grit. Initial observations:
- overall solidly built, hopper is thick rubber-like material, hopper seems a little smaller than I expected but that's fine for my purposes - put ceramics in and turned on - louder than I expected BUT put grit in and significantly reduced the noise; put the lid on and it's QUIETER than the Thumler's A-R2 that's next to it. Volume also dependent on variable speed control.
I have a batch of polychrome jasper in rotary tumbler that will be done with medium grit (220) tomorrow. I will move this to the MT-4 for the fine stage (500SC) following manufacturer's measurement for grit (4 teaspoons). Instructions say 2-3 days. I will update then. I may get set up to post pictures too.
Jon E.
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Mar 1, 2023 8:15:14 GMT -5
I received my Mini-Sonic MT-4 yesterday. The shipping was lighting fast (ordered Saturday and received Tuesday!). As a test run I put in some ceramic media and medium grit. Initial observations: - overall solidly built, hopper is thick rubber-like material, hopper seems a little smaller than I expected but that's fine for my purposes - put ceramics in and turned on - louder than I expected BUT put grit in and significantly reduced the noise; put the lid on and it's QUIETER than the Thumler's A-R2 that's next to it. Volume also dependent on variable speed control. I have a batch of polychrome jasper in rotary tumbler that will be done with medium grit (220) tomorrow. I will move this to the MT-4 for the fine stage (500SC) following manufacturer's measurement for grit (4 teaspoons). Instructions say 2-3 days. I will update then. I may get set up to post pictures too. Jon E. Awesome!! Looking forward to seeing your final product! Congrats on your first step down the ladder into the rabbit hole
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jone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2023
Posts: 111
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Post by jone on Mar 1, 2023 11:46:33 GMT -5
Just a test photo to see if I could do it!
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Mar 1, 2023 17:04:48 GMT -5
you did it!
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jone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2023
Posts: 111
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Post by jone on Mar 13, 2023 16:50:15 GMT -5
Here's a few of the larger rocks from my first experience with the Mini Sonic. Polychrome Jasper Rotary x 3 weeks 60/90 SiC Rotary x 1 week 120/220 SiC (received the Mini Sonic during this week) Mini Sonic 500 SiC x 3 days Mini Sonic "TXP" polish x 2 days took them out - thought I could do better and went back Mini Sonic 500 AO x 3 days Mini Sonic AO Polish x 2 days They are better after the retumbling - I will stick with the 500 AO and AO polish
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Mar 13, 2023 21:07:44 GMT -5
Looks like you and your new tumbler will work well together! Lovely, shiny stones.
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Post by jasoninsd on Mar 13, 2023 23:17:47 GMT -5
jone - I think you did a fantastic job on those tumbles!! Thanks for sharing the finished product!!
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Mar 14, 2023 8:37:42 GMT -5
Those look great!! Love the lower left hand rock...You're well on your way!
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moopiemotomom
starting to shine!
Member since November 2022
Posts: 49
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Post by moopiemotomom on Mar 17, 2023 11:14:37 GMT -5
Thank you for the confidence jone and stefan . I just purchased one after seeing some of the positive reviews and results rather than just waiting on a lot-o or some of the larger thumlers ones to be back in stock. The info about them being quiet really made the decision for me, I may move into an apartment in the next few years and I don't want to have to put any of my tumblers in storage because they're too loud. Unfortunately, I seem to have made up my mind a little late, I was only able to purchase one on backorder and they're estimating 3-4 weeks, but I've already waited this long, so what's a few more weeks (I definitely feel like tumbling teaches patience). It's definitely time for a vibratory tumbler...to give you an idea, I've got 3 rotaries (2x 17lb barrels, 2x 3lb barrels) and my rotary finishing was putting out about 3lbs every 2-3 weeks and the two big tumblers are finishing about 3lbs per week, so I have a few boxes (maybe 30 lbs?) of stage 1 complete ready to be polished from just the last 3 months. Here are some pics of my setup of Rebel 17's and an ideas of how much they process at a time.
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jone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2023
Posts: 111
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Post by jone on Mar 17, 2023 11:42:54 GMT -5
moopiemotomom - My prediction is that you will be very happy with the purchase! Nice setup and it sounds like you've got enough to keep you busy for a while. You are right about the patience, I've got some Mozambique agates (RockShed) that have been going for about 6 weeks in coarse right now. I hope they will be worth the wait.
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