rockwolf
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2008
Posts: 97
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Post by rockwolf on Dec 12, 2008 8:15:22 GMT -5
Hello! Alas the tumbler I was hoping to get turned out to be far too big for me (not enought space at home) so I'm now looking at getting a vibratory tumbler. I did a search for 'vibratory, vibrating & vibro' but no search results were found... Please could you let me know your thoughts, experiences and advice as regards to which to avoid, which are worth considering and the best? I am in the UK so would need one that can be supplied with the relevant voltage/hetz as well! Many thanks  |
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ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69 
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Post by ksk on Dec 12, 2008 8:40:01 GMT -5
Check out the Lot-O-Tumbler. Lots of talk here about it. It's a 4.5lb capacity.
Good luck!
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Dec 12, 2008 8:50:47 GMT -5
Yes, there are many members here who love the Lot-O. Some of us also love Thumler's Ultravibe Industrial models (10 and 18 lb capacity). There are also some Mini-Sonic advocates, although I've heard some complaints that they start getting very noisy after a while. There are also some GyRoc, Raytech, and Lyman fans, but they seem to be fewer in number (or at least not as vocal). I believe you can also get a Chicago Electric and replace it with a Thumler's bowl, but I wouldn't recommend it.
The Lot-O needs to be bolted to a cement block or the floor.
As far as I know, all vibes need a lot of attention; you need to check the load several times a day to make sure the water level is correct. Others can chime in on frequency with their models. The longest I can let my UV-18 go without checking is about 8-10 hours (depending on stage of tumbling cycle). They all tend to be noisier than a rotary.
What is best depends on your situation (how much time you have, the size of the loads, the size of the stones).
I believe all come in 220v versions.
Hope that helps,
Chuck
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 716
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Post by docharber on Dec 12, 2008 14:29:50 GMT -5
I'm one of those Raytech deviants. I like my little TV-5 for one reason- It's decent quality for the money. It's a lot cheaper, in fact, than any of the competition that you would want to have. All major brands seem to offer easy access to parts and accessories. And, it's true that there are 220 volt models available in all the major brands. OIne of the biggest and cheapest selections of tumblers and parts is available from Alpha Supply (check them out online). Good luck, and cheers!
Mark H.
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Post by connrock on Dec 13, 2008 7:40:31 GMT -5
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RocknCritter
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 489
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Post by RocknCritter on Dec 13, 2008 8:47:09 GMT -5
I'll offer another perspective on using the Lot-O-Tumbler. I use mind for finishing and polishing cabs. After filling it with the stones, media grit and water, I just let it run for each 24 hour cycle. While I might check on it out of curiosity, the need to check the water level hasn't been an issue. The results have been absolutely awesome. The stones have a mirror finish that doesn't even compare to anything I have seen done by hand. Compared to a friend's rotary tumbler (brand unknown), it's much, much quieter. I did place a piece of foam under the cinder block so this did make some difference. On the bottom of the tumbler are two strips of self-adhesive Velcro for attaching the unit to a cinder block, etc. I was pretty skeptical at first these would keep everything secure but after 12+ loads nothing has moved. I don't know if it was on RTH, somewhere I read about someone using a Lot-o-Tumbler almost 24/7 since the 1960's without any problems. While I'm glad  I bought mind, it would be fun to throw some stones in other tumblers and then compare the results. Inquiring minds want to know: Do all tumblers know how to rock and roll the same way?  |
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ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69
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Post by ksk on Dec 13, 2008 9:47:32 GMT -5
The spec. I liked about the Lot-O is, for a small capacity vibe, you can put a relatively large stone in it (up to the size of the opening). I looked at the Gy-Roc Model B because you could run two bowls at once, but because of the doughnut shaped bowl, you are limited to stones about 1" or so. With the Lot-O, you can approach 2". Perhaps other users can post max sizes they have successfully run through the Lot-O. As for the mounting, if the tape fails, you can just use some construction adhesive.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Dec 13, 2008 10:51:16 GMT -5
The Ultravibes also deliver a glassy finish. Compared to my rotary with a rubber liner, my Ultravibe is noticeably louder.
In the UV-18 I can do a few rocks up to 3-3.5". I've stopped doing that, though, because I'd rather cut and cab them at some point. Most of the rocks I've found around that size are so angular that they just don't tumble well. Another option would be to cut off the protrusions and then tumble.
Tom (connrock) is the Lot-O guru.
Hope that helps,
Chuck
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DeanW
has rocks in the head
Member since December 2007
Posts: 721
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Post by DeanW on Dec 14, 2008 0:46:41 GMT -5
Tom's (Connrock) guide is also available in PDF form from my website at my tips-n-tricks page: www.peregrine-rocks.com/rocksmin/tips.shtmlSome + and - for vibes: - faster than rotary (7-10 days typical rather than 4 or more weeks)
- keeps "shape" (e.g. some folks preform cabs then vib tumble)
- uses less grit than equal sized rotary
- keeps "shape" (e.g. does NOT round rocks like a rotary will)
- typically noisier
- there are two "types" one for dry-media (no water) one for rocks (uses water)
Dean |
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Dec 14, 2008 4:42:56 GMT -5
Hi Rockwolf,
I got mine from Rockshed in USA Uk voltage 220/240 volts
I got a lot of advice from Conrock above and answers to my questions about use ,costs if your interested I could send you them just email me john@matco.me.uk and I will be pleased to send you them
Dean above has sorted the recepie out That Conrock sent me
I have had mine for 2 years now and do from 2nd stage also preshapes
Any help just ask
Jack
Yorkshire UK
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rockwolf
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2008
Posts: 97
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Post by rockwolf on Dec 15, 2008 9:03:56 GMT -5
Thanks everyone! Plenty of food for thought!
Shall have a look at those links Connrock! Thanks!
Must say I'm surprised that the vibes are noisier! I expected them to be quieter!!
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rockwolf
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2008
Posts: 97
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Post by rockwolf on Dec 16, 2008 6:24:33 GMT -5
Just had a look at your threads Connrock! They're excellent! Thanks!
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Post by connrock on Dec 16, 2008 7:11:38 GMT -5
r'wolf,
You're welcome.
For what it worth my Lot-O is much quieter then any of my rotary tumblers.
connrock
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I bought mind, it would be fun to throw some stones in other tumblers and then compare the results. Inquiring minds want to know: Do all tumblers know how to rock and roll the same way? 
