Post by laurieny on Oct 2, 2004 13:23:26 GMT -5
My family and I have always loved the outdoors and all the things we find there. Consequently we have lots of "pretty" rocks from our travels-they are often our favorite souvenirs. We have periodically talked about buying a tumbler and starting this as a family hobby-my friend's dad had one when I was a kid and I always thought they were so cool!
A couple of weeks ago we were on the Delaware coast and found some beautiful pink and purple shells. Later that day we saw a great display of jewelry made from the very shells we had just collected. The owner told us that the local artist had "tumbled" the shells til they had the beautiful color we saw and then created the jewelry.
After researching tumblers on the Internet, I came across this great site. I have read about 1/3 of the general forum and think I have just enough knowledge now to be dangerous. Or at least to ask several questions.
1. What brand of tumbler to buy?
From what I have read I am leaning towards a Lortone, but I can't decide whether to get the 33b or the 3 1.5 model. None of the shells or stones I have currently are larger than a golf ball, but I hate to unecessarily restrict our options from the beginning. Can I buy one size of this tumbler and get an extra barrel of the opposite size and interchange them?
2. Can I do shells as well as rocks in this? Is there a different process for shells?
3. What other supplies should I be buying?
-What kind and how much grit?
-Size and kind of pellets?
-Sandpaper?
-Should I get some kind of starter kit or buy separately?
-What else am I missing?
4. Any recommendations on where to purchase would be most appreciated.
5. Can you recommend a good book(s) for doing this right?
Thanks in advance for any and all help in answering these questions.
-Laurie
A couple of weeks ago we were on the Delaware coast and found some beautiful pink and purple shells. Later that day we saw a great display of jewelry made from the very shells we had just collected. The owner told us that the local artist had "tumbled" the shells til they had the beautiful color we saw and then created the jewelry.
After researching tumblers on the Internet, I came across this great site. I have read about 1/3 of the general forum and think I have just enough knowledge now to be dangerous. Or at least to ask several questions.
1. What brand of tumbler to buy?
From what I have read I am leaning towards a Lortone, but I can't decide whether to get the 33b or the 3 1.5 model. None of the shells or stones I have currently are larger than a golf ball, but I hate to unecessarily restrict our options from the beginning. Can I buy one size of this tumbler and get an extra barrel of the opposite size and interchange them?
2. Can I do shells as well as rocks in this? Is there a different process for shells?
3. What other supplies should I be buying?
-What kind and how much grit?
-Size and kind of pellets?
-Sandpaper?
-Should I get some kind of starter kit or buy separately?
-What else am I missing?
4. Any recommendations on where to purchase would be most appreciated.
5. Can you recommend a good book(s) for doing this right?
Thanks in advance for any and all help in answering these questions.
-Laurie
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