seahorsevalley
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2024
Posts: 2
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Post by seahorsevalley on Oct 1, 2024 15:18:00 GMT -5
Newbie here! Found this board from the Michigan Rocks youtube channel.
I am looking for birthday present ideas for my girlfriend who has a rotary tumbler and collects rocks from wherever she goes. I am thinking of getting a vibratory tumbler - I am certain she wants one - but the Michigan fellow doesn't recommend the Lot-O tumbler anymore, I gather the company changed the motor or something. Anyone have a strong recommendation?
Or any other gift ideas? Am also thinking about getting a lapidary saw for her, again, so many products out there, which to choose...?
Thanks for reading. Seems like a fun and addictive hobby.
Andrew
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rocknrob
has rocks in the head
If Costco only sold slabs in bulk...
Member since May 2024
Posts: 611
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Post by rocknrob on Oct 1, 2024 16:00:31 GMT -5
You have lots of good options for 4" and 6" trim saws, usually can get them for a good deal used. New stuff from Highland Park or Rock Rascal seems to get the high marks but Hi Tech Diamond has a few models if you don't mind the plastic too much. Welcome from Washington State.
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python
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2024
Posts: 292
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Post by python on Oct 1, 2024 16:49:49 GMT -5
Welcome to the site!
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Post by Pat on Oct 1, 2024 17:07:08 GMT -5
I have an Ameritool 4” water saw with a thin blade for finer material.
I also have a 4” water tile saw that I use as a trim saw. Both good.
I recently acquired a used 10” MK 101 water saw. Needs a little work, but it will be fine. It slab rocks up to just a little over 3”.
Not a tumbler, though I am glad for the shiny tumbled rocks. You have definitely come to the right place!
Welcome from California.
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Post by vegasjames on Oct 1, 2024 17:38:48 GMT -5
Welcome Andrew from Southern Nevada.
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Post by rmf on Oct 1, 2024 17:52:58 GMT -5
seahorsevalley You did not say how big a vib. Here is a link that has some different sizes: diamondpacific.com/product-category/vibratory-tumblers/I have a couple of the small tumblers I use occasionally and they work good on rocks (not coarse grind) and metal. Here is another link:https://kingsleynorth.com/lapidary-equipment-supplies/rock-tumblers/vibratory-tumblers.html In the vib tumblers Raytech or the ultra vib I would shoot for at leas the 10lb capacity. I have not used these I have a different type that is larger but the 10lb size is built better than the 5lb and hopefully will last longer. Vibs are harder to get the water level just right but the mini-sonic seems to be a bit more forgiving that the "angel food cake bowl" type. If your GF has a large tumbler the Ultra vib 45 would hold almost a 5 gal bucket full. But be careful, based on the price she may take that as a wedding proposal:)
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Post by whalecottagedesigns on Oct 1, 2024 18:51:30 GMT -5
Welcome from Dubai!
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Post by chris1956 on Oct 1, 2024 19:03:49 GMT -5
Welcome from Missouri. The Lot-O is a good tumbler except for problems with the recent motors and maybe not adjusted for the vibration in the factory. There are other options if the motor fails (see concrete vibratory motors) but that will take some work to change out. I also have a Mini-sonic from Diamond Pacific. It is a vibratory tumbler and works well but is about half the capacity of the Lot-O.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Oct 2, 2024 8:51:35 GMT -5
Welcome from Washington.
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Post by jasoninsd on Oct 2, 2024 9:14:03 GMT -5
Hey Andrew! Welcome to the forum from South Dakota!  So...some people think a gift card is an "easy way out" when it comes to gift-giving. However, I'd be over the moon if all I ever got were gift cards to The Rock Shed for presents! LOL |
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rocknrob
has rocks in the head
If Costco only sold slabs in bulk...
Member since May 2024
Posts: 611
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Post by rocknrob on Oct 2, 2024 12:58:43 GMT -5
Hey Andrew! Welcome to the forum from South Dakota! So...some people think a gift card is an "easy way out" when it comes to gift-giving. However, I'd be over the moon if all I ever got were gift cards to The Rock Shed for presents! LOL You and me too man! *checks to see if rough rocks llc has gift cards* |
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seahorsevalley
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2024
Posts: 2
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Post by seahorsevalley on Oct 2, 2024 20:09:47 GMT -5
thank you all for messaging! wow such a warm welcome. appreciate the input.
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,167
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Post by rockbrain on Oct 2, 2024 21:13:59 GMT -5
I like my Mini Sonic a lot. I just fired up a batch from stage one in a rotary in a borrowed Raytech last night. I can't believe how loud that thing is! You're definitely limited on rock size in the Mini Sonic but it is a well built, quiet machine.
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titaniumkid
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2023
Posts: 499
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Post by titaniumkid on Oct 3, 2024 3:35:25 GMT -5
Hi from Australia |
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Post by liveoak on Oct 4, 2024 6:26:41 GMT -5
Welcome from NW Florida ! Lucky girlfriend, she has a thinking guy 
Patty
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