rockngranny
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2020
Posts: 13
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Post by rockngranny on Mar 27, 2024 11:10:11 GMT -5
I am looking for opinions on the Tumble Bee TUmblers from people who have had them for a few years.
I saw posts from 2020 so I know there are people who have a few years of experience with them..
We got an email from them asking us if we wanted to carry their line.
I have no personal experience with this brand, as we carried Lortone.
I want to hear the good, the bad, on both the product and the company.
I respect the opinions on this forum!
Thank you!
Rockngranny from CigarBoxRocK Lapidary
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Post by velodromed on Mar 28, 2024 15:10:37 GMT -5
I had one for about four months. I had grabbed it from my cousin who had bought it and lost parts. First thing I noticed about it as it is mostly composite plastic material build. Second thing I noticed is it has a notched transmission belt as opposed to a round belt. The main thing, though, is that it spins fast. Too fast for polishing. The inside of the barrel is also smooth and due to the length, I kept having Rock get compacted in the back part. Like I said, I had it for four months. Because it spins so fast, I used it for breaking down rough rock that we find here in Texas. Ultimately, I gave it back to my cousin. I would not buy one to be honest with you. They’re pretty pricey. Hope this helps…
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rockhobbyguy
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2024
Posts: 1
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Post by rockhobbyguy on Apr 18, 2024 12:24:45 GMT -5
I am looking for opinions on the Tumble Bee TUmblers from people who have had them for a few years. I saw posts from 2020 so I know there are people who have a few years of experience with them.. We got an email from them asking us if we wanted to carry their line. I have no personal experience with this brand, as we carried Lortone. I want to hear the good, the bad, on both the product and the company. I respect the opinions on this forum! Thank you! Rockngranny from CigarBoxRocK Lapidary I purchased a TUMBLE BEE and although they performed well in the tumbling action, the ribbed "serpentine " belts are absolutely garbage. Throughout a tumbling cycle, I would (on average) go through about 4-5 belts, (2.50$ each) between corse grit to polish and burnish. The barrel guid wore out after a month or two, then the motor burned up twice. So my overall opinion, is not top purchase this brand especially if you are selling them. I had good success with Lortone, but they are now (as of 2024) out of business. Replacement parts are now seeming impossible to obtain. |
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zebra61
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2024
Posts: 161
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Post by zebra61 on Apr 18, 2024 16:46:09 GMT -5
Well rockngranny I've got a 4lb Tumble-Bee in my arsenal of tumblers. I'd rather have a 6lb but settled for this one. Initially I set it on my kitchen table and gave it a little TLC before putting it into production. From the factory the belt was quite loose and very noisy so it almost went back in the box! But I played with the belt tension and after a few minutes it was almost as quiet at my 33B's. (almost) The motor runs warner than the Lortones at about 95°F which is about 10°F more than the Lortones. I think that composite plastic fails to transfer heat from the motor like a metal housing would. On the upside I've had zero issues with belts (I don't care for the timing belt style but it's working). It's got a lighted on/off switch which is nice and the plastic composite housing won't corrode so there's that. 4lb capacity isn't that great but it's okay. Others have mentioned the smooth bore barrel and the rotation speed is a little high for my taste but I'm only using it for Stage 1 breakdown of some specialty rocks that I collect and it works good for that. I'm a little worried about the barrel as it just doesn't give me a secure feeling when it comes to leakage. (but it hasn't leaked at all so maybe that's misplaced concern) One last thing that I'll mention is that the surface for the plastic housing will stain a bit from dirty lube oil. I discovered this when I decided to wipe the bearings and re-lube them. It certainly makes the machine look shabby but a good smooth finish wouldn't have that problem. Would I buy another? For $99 it's not a bad tumbler so far. But I'd spend another $80 and get one of the new Highland Park tumblers if I had it to do over. I'd prefer a double 4.5lb or would 6lb model so that's what I'm waiting for. If you're looking to add a line of tumblers for the low-end first-time and Christmas gift crowd they might be fine. I've heard good things about their customer service but haven't seen the need to contact them. I wonder if they'll stay in the low-cost market to expand their offerings to include a higher quality version to attract the long-term hardcore users? |
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