ratdz
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2008
Posts: 4
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Post by ratdz on Apr 3, 2008 11:27:41 GMT -5
Hello to everybody.
I ran across this board a few weeks ago and decided to join.
I have been intrigued with rocks since I was a kid, and now I have two young kids of my own.
Both of my boys love rocks as much as I do, so I am thinking about getting a rock tumbler.
I do have a few questions though.
I do not want to spend a fortune to get started, but I don't mind buying a quality tumbler.
There is a Harbor Freight close by, and they sell the CE brand tumbler, but it seems they are very cheap and sometimes break.
So, I am thinking of a 3 pound tumbler or one with two barrels.
Also, what do most of you do with your tumbled stones?
It seems I would have a bunch just lying around after I get through tumbling them.
Thanks for any advice, and the great information I have read already!
Allen
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chassroc
Cave Dweller 
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Post by chassroc on Apr 3, 2008 12:01:52 GMT -5
I would get the dual 3# barrel...CE tumblers are not quite Lortone or Thumlers but they dont cost as much either. They have two very bad traits: 1) the belts are fragile- the easy fix is to buy replacement belts from Lortone or the Internet or improvise, and 2) the Fan/pulley on the motor are plastic and fragile - Lots of posts here on correcting that flaw such as Buy the metal Lortone replacement pulley and bore out the center...superglue the plastic pieces back together...others?
By all means start asap and you will be happy you did
Enjoy the new habit and welcome to RTH
csroc
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Post by parfive on Apr 3, 2008 14:08:21 GMT -5
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ratdz
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2008
Posts: 4
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Post by ratdz on Apr 3, 2008 14:32:06 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies.
I am thinking of getting a thumlers AR-1.
Since I really don't have that many stones yet, and if my boys and I really like the hobby,
I can always buy a bigger one next time!
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Post by deb193redux on Apr 3, 2008 14:40:37 GMT -5
If the cost increase for a two barrel machine is not a problem, that is the way to go. One barrel can always have rough grind, and the other barrel can sequence through medium/fine, pre-polish, and polish. You should always be adding and removing stones form you rough barrel in this scenario. Set them aside and include them in the next sequence in the other barrel.
The answer of what to do with stones varies with the shape of the stones and you own collecting interests. Some folks like to do batches of the same stone, and have collections of polished stone types. Others run mixed batches and have their stones laying about in bowls or give them away to kids. A few may have a shape that lends itself to making a pendant or key fob or other jewelery. Some folks try to break up or cut up slabs and polish mostly flat shapes that will mostly be suitable for pendants. Of course, this requires some extra equipment to do well.
Do a batch or two, think about how you might like to work and collect stones, and then decide if you want to buy more equipment.
Welcome
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Apr 4, 2008 1:38:13 GMT -5
Hi Allen,
Welcome to the board
Hope you ask all them questions even if you think they are out of this world THEN you will get a answer !!
Have a great day
Jack
from a dull and cool
Yorkshire UK
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Post by Original Admin on Apr 4, 2008 18:04:08 GMT -5
Allen,
My latest batches went into my fish tank - they look great. My son says that one of the rocks is daddies, one is mummies and one is lukies.
Mark.
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Post by cpdad on Apr 4, 2008 18:24:28 GMT -5
;D...hahaha....allen... lukies refer to marks son..luke...mark is the owner and provider of this board ;D....so where is new pics of baby lukies mark....kev.
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ratdz
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2008
Posts: 4
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Post by ratdz on Apr 8, 2008 16:13:52 GMT -5
Well, I went ahead and bought a Thumlers AR-1.
Received it in the mail just yesterday, with a bag of tiger eye the seller sent.
I can't wait to get it up and running.
Now I just have to have my kids decide what to tumble first.
They are really looking forward to it.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Apr 8, 2008 20:17:36 GMT -5
Good choice, Thumlers make great quality stuff!! (I have one of their tumblers as well)  |
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ratdz
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2008
Posts: 4
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Post by ratdz on Apr 9, 2008 7:53:42 GMT -5
Well, the main reason I went with thumlers, is that it looks the simplest design to fix.
I am a mechanic by trade, so I kinda look for that type of thing.
I thought about making my own, but I build too many other things in my life.
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