matt111399
starting to shine!
Member since April 2008
Posts: 26
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Post by matt111399 on Apr 27, 2008 21:01:55 GMT -5
Hello all -
I'm currently using a Model T tumbler....thinking on adding a second unit....should I go tumbler or vibe? What's the pro/cons? Any advice would help this newbie! Thanks again.....
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 27, 2008 21:24:06 GMT -5
Depends on what you want to do. If you want tumbled pebbles better to get a larger rotary (6 lb, 9 lb., 12 lb., 15 lb.). Vibes are great for finishing especially when you want to maintain shapes. You would never be able to supply rounded pebbles with a 3lb tumbler for any vibe. If you want to cut freeform flat cabs, hearts, crosses, etc. then go vibe.
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Post by deb193redux on Apr 27, 2008 22:38:18 GMT -5
What John said. But also, does your lifestyle allow for checking every 4-8 hours and changing out every 12 to 30 hours? I told my sister to get a rotary because she is lucky to have a spare hour every 7 to 10 days.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller 
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,494
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Post by Sabre52 on Apr 27, 2008 22:55:09 GMT -5
All the above folks have provided great advice. I personally prefer rotaries because I'm lazy and like Daniel has stated, moisture control etc is touchy with vibes. Also, they're pretty darn noisy! Vibes don't round rock well but do preserve shapes. I circumvent this problem by almost totally shaping preforms before putting them in the rotary for a quick sanding, prepolish and final polish. This keeps shapes pretty much unchanged but I do have a vibe I use for sanding too and it does work a little better on the preforms....Mel
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