Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2008 15:57:02 GMT -5
about buying another tumbler. I bought a Thumlers for my kids for Christmas (kinda like the one I had as a kid), and have gotten bit by the bug. I just got some beautiful stones from therockshed, as it was recommended by many of you on this site. Now I want a few batches going. I was thinking of the dual barrel tumbler that Thumler makes, but I know others are out there. I am satisfied with the Thumler so far, but am curious of other opinions. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
John
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Post by deb193redux on Mar 9, 2008 16:04:21 GMT -5
A thumler Model-B is a good choice. Or get a vibe to finish what you rough grine int the Thumler.
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geogoddess
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 287
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Post by geogoddess on Mar 9, 2008 18:21:20 GMT -5
I'd go Lortone or Thumler. I don't have experience with the double barrels... but... I'm using probably a 25-30 yr old Lortone 1.5 lb tumbler (they don't even make this size anymore)... with few problems. I have a larger Thumler, too... but I've only had it for 4 months, so still working on the longevity data  |
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SirRoxalot
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 790
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Post by SirRoxalot on Mar 9, 2008 23:52:48 GMT -5
Bigger the better. Try a twelve pound Lortone to start with.
SirRoxalot
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geogoddess
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 287
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Post by geogoddess on Mar 10, 2008 0:13:05 GMT -5
My larger one is 15 lb Thumler... which I'm having fun with... but after 2 months of running it solid.... I'm almost out of rocks... so beware, you'll be looking for more rocks!
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Post by parfive on Mar 10, 2008 6:39:45 GMT -5
You can't go wrong with the Thumlers AR-2 w/two three-pound barrels.
It's a good tumbler, and having the same barrels as your first tumbler is a plus.
Rich
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Post by akansan on Mar 10, 2008 7:21:48 GMT -5
I agree on the Thumlers AR-2. You already know the one drawback most people give about the Thumlers (the lid design), so that's not an issue. It's a solid tumbler that lasts a very long time without having to tweak it.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Mar 10, 2008 11:03:40 GMT -5
All depends on how much rough you have, or have access to, or are willing to purchase. I have a Lortone 6 pound tumbler, but I wish that it was a Thumblers 15 pounder.
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Terry664
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since March 2005
Posts: 1,146
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Post by Terry664 on Mar 16, 2008 8:40:12 GMT -5
I agree it depends on how many rocks you have to tumble, and what you are doing with them. I love the Thumblers. I have the AR-2 with 2 3 lb barrels, it has been running almost 2 years non-stop with no problems. I would like a larger tumbler, but with the work I do to get my rocks to a tumbler, I barely have time to keep 2 barrels full.
Terry
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 16, 2008 9:42:46 GMT -5
One good thing about the larger Thumlers' is they convert to smaller sizes. The AR6 converts to an AR1 by moving the axle to the closer slot and using a 3 lb. drum. That gives you a 9 lb. or 3 lb. tumbler. The AR12 converts to an AR2 by moving the axle and using two 3 lb. drums. The Model B requires a conversion kit because it uses different axles. The kit includes the axles and two three lb. drums converting the 15 lb. to an AR2. And, the B drum and liner is guaranteed for 5 years (except the lid gasket). The bearings are much more durable than Lortone also. If money is no object also check out the Covington tumblers. Super heavy duty but higher cost.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Mar 16, 2008 10:30:44 GMT -5
John- I didn't know any of that, looks like a larger Thumlers is in my future. Great info!!
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flipme8
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2008
Posts: 16
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Post by flipme8 on Mar 16, 2008 17:51:17 GMT -5
I purchased a dual 3lb chicago on ebay for $50 total cost but am not sure how good they are as it has not been used yet. structure looks great and lids seem to be much better design than the 3lb thummler am using at prsent.
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stefan
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Mar 21, 2008 9:14:28 GMT -5
I have the Following Thumlers: AR-12 (12Lb), 2x AR-2 (2 barrel 3Lb) a Model T (1 Barrel 3 Lb) and an odd duck Chicago Electric) the ONLY problems the Thumlers give me is the lids wear through too quickly for my taste- But I super Glue 1/4 inch acrylic to them and get about 5 times the life span!
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