1Mark
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2004
Posts: 91
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Post by 1Mark on Dec 15, 2004 12:23:56 GMT -5
I think I'm ready to take the plunge and buy a vibratory tumbler. Theres a pretty big price difference between the RayTech and Thumlers machines. The Lot-O-Tumbler looks like a good deal, but I think I want a larger unit than what they offer. Any opinions out there regarding whether the RayTech is worth the extra money? TIA.
Shalom, Mark
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1Mark
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2004
Posts: 91
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Post by 1Mark on Dec 15, 2004 19:05:42 GMT -5
After doing some more looking, the 10 and 14 pound Mini-Sonics look like pretty good machines -- more flexible than the others since you can put different sized hoppers on them.
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Post by cookie3rocks on Dec 15, 2004 19:10:52 GMT -5
My little three pound Raytech just bit the dust today. I fixed it once, but I've been working on it all afternoon and, no, it's dead. My next one will be a Mini sonic. No moving parts. If you are just starting out and price is a factor, I loved the results I got with the Raytech, they just only hold out for so long and you can't take them apart to work on the motor, the 3# anyway. If price is not an issue, though I have never used it, the Mini Sonic looks good to me. Happy Holidays! (can't spell Hahni, no, uh, Hahna... you know. ) Best wishes!
cookie
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Post by Toad on Dec 15, 2004 20:50:09 GMT -5
I vote for the mini-sonic based on what cookie said about the no moving parts and what you said about interchangeable hoppers.
They are expensive, but once I get into a house with a basement, I'm getting one.
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1Mark
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2004
Posts: 91
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Post by 1Mark on Dec 15, 2004 20:56:27 GMT -5
Price is always an issue. I've got about $400 max to work with if I want to avoid a marital spat. I found 1 vendor that'll sell the 14 pound unit for $360 with any of the hopper configurations. (14, 10/4, or 4/4/4) By the time I pay shipping charges I'll be right at my limit. I'm thinking about the 10/4 configuration, and I can get a 14 pound hopper and a couple more 4 pounders later on if want or need them. Does a vibratory tumbler require a full load like a rotary model does? Shalom, Mark
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Post by cookie3rocks on Dec 15, 2004 21:05:29 GMT -5
Yes, Harry, it does. And 14lbs is a boat load! Is this the amount you are used to using? I would suggest you consider a smalleler Mini Sonic for the pre polish/polish grits at this point. It will speed things up without the expense of starting and finishing 14lbs of rock at a time.
cookie
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Post by Toad on Dec 15, 2004 21:26:33 GMT -5
Hey, Mark. Can you post a link to the site where you saw the 14lb. mini for $360. The site I had bookmarked wants $399. Thanks.
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1Mark
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2004
Posts: 91
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Post by 1Mark on Dec 16, 2004 6:40:22 GMT -5
Here it is: www.jaderockshop.com/small_mini_sonic_tumblers.htmI was wrong on the pricing -- $360 buys the single 14 pound configuration. A 10 and a 4 runs about 30 bucks more, and 3 4's are about $40 more. Since Cookie informed me that I'll need to run full loads I figure I'll go 10/4 for now and pick up a 14 pound hopper later. Who's Harry, anyway? Shalom, Mark
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1Mark
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2004
Posts: 91
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Post by 1Mark on Dec 16, 2004 12:21:31 GMT -5
Goofed again... The page I found through Google appears to be an old page that they replaced and never removed from the server. The new page has their current pricing -- which is not at all competitive... $535 for the MT-14. Sorry folks. Here's the current page: www.jaderockshop.com/minisonic.htmlI got suspicious when I noticed that their price on a model B Thumlers is $45 higher than what I paid. Shalom, Mark
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1Mark
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2004
Posts: 91
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Post by 1Mark on Dec 16, 2004 12:28:58 GMT -5
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Post by Toad on Dec 16, 2004 19:43:11 GMT -5
Yep, that is the one I was referring to.
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1Mark
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2004
Posts: 91
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Post by 1Mark on Dec 16, 2004 22:05:29 GMT -5
Poop! I tried to call Gemstoneworld and the line is disconnected. Sent an email to inquire and it bounced back. Looks like this one is out of business. The next best price I found was at Kingsley North, but they're $30 higher.
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1Mark
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2004
Posts: 91
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Post by 1Mark on Dec 16, 2004 22:39:50 GMT -5
Finally! I ordered the MT-10 with 2 four pound hoppers for $299.50 at: alpha-supply.com/catalog/pages.php?page=236They want $398 for the MT-14 with 3 four pound hoppers -- the best viable price I've found on either unit. Maybe I'll get a 10 pound hopper later on... Shalom, Mark
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Post by Toad on Dec 17, 2004 5:34:49 GMT -5
Well that's disappointing bout the 14 pounder, but good luck with your new tumbler.
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Post by creativeminded on Dec 17, 2004 10:49:59 GMT -5
Sorry I can't help you I use a barrel tumbler. Tami
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1Mark
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2004
Posts: 91
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Post by 1Mark on Dec 17, 2004 16:37:25 GMT -5
Another bust! I got an email this morning from Alpha Supply stating that a recent price increase wasn't yet reflected in the online catalog. Now they want $415 for the MT-10, an increase of $115! Needless to say, I cancelled the order. BTW, $415 is the full manufacturer's list price. I'm still looking, but at this point I'll probably wait until after the 1st of the year. I have to wonder if the pre-Christmas rush is coming into play here. If this is just Christmas time price gouging on Alpha's part, I don't give a rip if if they drop the price to $200 in January -- I still won't buy from them.
I dropped a note to a friend who works in Bremerton, WA. to see if he knows anything about Alpha. His wife does a lot of different crafts, and Alpha has a showroom in Bremerton...
Shalom, Mark
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