nansaidh
spending too much on rocks
Jewelry artist, graphic designer, dog lover, car nut (etc.)
Member since August 2008
Posts: 311
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Post by nansaidh on Sept 11, 2008 19:57:38 GMT -5
Okay - I know that if something is way cheaper than the "norm" there's probably something wrong. What's wrong with this tumbler? vibe tumbler on ebaythanks....  Nancy |
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Post by Jack, lapidaryrough on Sept 11, 2008 20:08:37 GMT -5
The barrel
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fisherman510
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2008
Posts: 113
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Post by fisherman510 on Sept 11, 2008 21:06:08 GMT -5
who makes it, where is it made, whats the warranty, where to you get parts
just to name a few
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Roan
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2008
Posts: 600
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Post by Roan on Sept 11, 2008 21:15:58 GMT -5
I read the auction text as for dry use only.
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Post by deb193redux on Sept 11, 2008 22:59:21 GMT -5
yes, only dry use
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thomtap
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 237
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Post by thomtap on Sept 12, 2008 7:21:52 GMT -5
Ah yes - dry tumble only... but... the barrals are soooooo cheap! Why not get one and just buy new barrals when the old ones wear out? Still a great deal if the mechanics are good otherwise!
Thom
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Post by Lady B on Sept 12, 2008 8:57:37 GMT -5
That vibe is designed for jewelry. It is not the heavy duty version designed for rocks. Replacement barrels for that model are not very expensive but unless you plan to only polish tarnished silver or coins, it really isn't a bargain.
You need to look for an Ultra-Vibe. Those are designed to handle rocks. That's what I have - courtesy of a great deal on eBay, just by luck!
Lady B
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Roan
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2008
Posts: 600
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Post by Roan on Sept 12, 2008 9:17:23 GMT -5
Ah yes - dry tumble only... but... the barrals are soooooo cheap! Why not get one and just buy new barrals when the old ones wear out? Still a great deal if the mechanics are good otherwise! Thom They may also leak if you add water to them and try tumbling rocks. |
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nansaidh
spending too much on rocks
Jewelry artist, graphic designer, dog lover, car nut (etc.)
Member since August 2008
Posts: 311
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Post by nansaidh on Sept 12, 2008 13:17:42 GMT -5
Okay !! Thanks everybody, I appreciate your input! Nancy |
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capran
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2008
Posts: 4 
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Post by capran on Sept 19, 2008 21:28:09 GMT -5
Do I understand that there is a vibe and a vibe ultra? I see on one website there is a vibe ultra Industrial?  Holy cow, I just want to finish up some beach agates that already look pretty good when they are wet but when they are dry they look a light chalky. Any ideas? I'd poster earlier and only advice was to get a rotary. Is buying just guesswork? |
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Post by Bikerrandy on Sept 19, 2008 21:35:19 GMT -5
Depends on what your intentions are. I use a vibe to do all of my tumbling, but keep in mind that I pre-cut and grind each stone by hand before it goes into the barrel. Sometimes I spend a couple of weeks getting a ten pound batch ready. I know that it sounds like alot of work, but any hobby that's worth doing is going to be alot of work. Pre-shaping can also be done in a rotary tumbler. Vibes are a different game and can be very touchy if not properly monitored. Honestly, I'd never give up mine!! Mine is the Thumblers UV-10.
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capran
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2008
Posts: 4
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Post by capran on Sept 20, 2008 20:55:18 GMT -5
I've just borrowed a very old tumbler and bought some pre finish grit. I may have over done it on the water amount. I'll run it for a few days and see what it does. I see one ultra vibe Industrial but it has the same specs as the Ultra Vibe, and there is quite a difference on cost. at cabelas the ultra vibes are 124.99 for the 10 and 174.99 for the 18. at the rock shed they say "Industrial, 195 for the Ultra vibe10 and 260 for the 18, with a comment that they work well with water worn pebbles, but on two sites it says the vibes are only for bullets and not for rocks, so the more I read, the more confused I get!  |
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Sept 23, 2008 14:29:22 GMT -5
Capran: you need the 'industrial' one to handle the weight of the rocks. The ones made for brass polishing have lighter springs and I suspect a lighter motor. I have a UV-18 and love it. It really speeds things up, but yes they are more expensive. Keep watching eBay. Watch the water; use very little or the rock won't churn. Start with none and add a teaspoon at a time until you get good action. Check in 12 hrs and add more as necessary. You want it too churn like this: Hope this helps! Chuck |
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Holy cow, I just want to finish up some beach agates that already look pretty good when they are wet but when they are dry they look a light chalky. Any ideas? I'd poster earlier and only advice was to get a rotary. Is buying just guesswork?
