wi54880
starting to shine!
Member since March 2009
Posts: 33
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Post by wi54880 on Mar 29, 2009 23:15:43 GMT -5
I am in the process of ordering the Thumler's Ultra Vibe 10 and also a 6 lb. rotary tumbler for the rocks that need some shaping (just need to click proceed!). There is a $16 price difference between Lortone and Thumlers for the twin 3lb barrel machine. Will I be happy with either machine? Or is there one I should lean towards? The Thumlers is the one that is $16 more.
Thanks!
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Post by catmandewe on Mar 30, 2009 2:01:51 GMT -5
I don't like Thumlers small barrels, so I would take the Lortone just for the barrels.
The Thumler has an insert lid that sometimes does not work so hot, the Lortone has a rubber gasket lid that tightens up, which I like better.
Now if you are going into the larger ones, I like the metal wing nut barrels better than the larger gasket lids, so if you go with the 12-15 pounders, I would take the Thumlers model B over the Lortone.
Thats my opinion and you know what they are worth.
Anyways, sounds like you are getting set up right.
Good luck..................Tony
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10thumbs
spending too much on rocks
I want to be reincarnated as a dog.
Member since March 2009
Posts: 480
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Post by 10thumbs on Mar 30, 2009 7:22:13 GMT -5
Ditto what Tony said. The Lortons seal with a nut and a washer. The Thumlers seal with a rubber band. Other than that they're the same: quality, availability of replacement parts, etc. Alaska Mining and Diving Supply has the the Lortone 33B for $99 with free shipping. They sell the replacement belts for $2 shipped which is a couple bucks cheaper than you'll find it anywhere else. Shipping will take a little longer obviously due to ice road trucking, polar bear attacks, etc but it's free. I've bought from them once. One of the belts I wanted was out of stock so they called me to let me know and make sure that I wanted to continue with the order. I thought that was pretty good service. Plus the guy had that cool Alaskan accent. www.akmining.com/cart/rock_tumblers.htm |
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Mar 30, 2009 7:28:36 GMT -5
I can't give you advice on Lortone vs. Thumler's rotaries, because I only have a rotary like the Model B (which I really like). But, I will say that with a 10 lb. vibe you're either going to need a 12-15 lb rotary or a lot of patience since it will take you several weeks to build up enough rock for the vibe.
On the other hand, you could buy a smaller vibe, like the Lot-O that several members swear by.
Hope that helps,
Chuck
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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 Mar 30, 2009 7:48:54 GMT -5
I agree with Chuck on the rotary size. I started out with a Thumler's twin 3 lb'er. Have had several blow outs with it. I then got a model B and then 2 UV10's. You will be more than happy with the vibe's, but I would advise a larger rotary.
Bob
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Post by catmandewe on Mar 30, 2009 9:45:32 GMT -5
Those are some valid points on the size of the rotary. I started out with a single 3 lb barrel and have gradually worked my way up to this one............  You might save yourself some money in the long run by going with a larger one to begin with. Tony |
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Post by Michael John on Mar 30, 2009 10:59:53 GMT -5
Bigger machines are more expensive (of course), but they're much better bang-for-the-buck. If you don't buy the bigger machines to begin with, you'll end-up buying more machines later, which costs you MUCH more in the long run.
Thumler's Model B and UV-18 are both excellent machines, and will produce a LOT of finished gems on a consistent basis. When a coarse batch is done in the Model B, put it in the UV-18. When that batch is finished, run preforms in the UV-18 until the next coarse batch from the Model B is ready.
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 30, 2009 11:35:11 GMT -5
I think we voted and you need to get the B model. If you think you will do small batches sometimes buy the Model B conversion kit also. It converts the B to an AR-2. It's only money after all. The B would do a great fob supplying rock for the UV10. Make sure it is UV10-IND (Industrial).
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Mar 30, 2009 12:23:15 GMT -5
Tony and Michael John make a good point on saving money in the long run.
I have to admit that my 15 lb. rotary can't keep up with my UV-18, so I've just completed a monster tumbler that should take in the neighborhood of 30 lbs. of rock. I'm just waiting for it to warm up to lows above freezing. The warmer temps would also help with making preforms to feed the UV-18, which is also good advice.
Good point on the industrial, John. The UV-10 should suit you fine. I sometimes wish I had that one instead of the UV-18, just because of the amount of rock required.
Chuck
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Post by Michael John on Mar 30, 2009 12:43:25 GMT -5
Chuck, I forget that not everyone has a lot of rock. LOL I could keep 100 pound machines "fed" indefinately.
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wi54880
starting to shine!
Member since March 2009
Posts: 33
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Post by wi54880 on Mar 30, 2009 12:55:22 GMT -5
Thanks for all the advice, I guess after reading these responses, I do see your points in "bigger is better." I do plan on using the rotary just for the rough grind, though I live on lake superior, so my rocks will generally be smooth to begin with...
But, I guess my question changes to, what would you recommend now, the Lortone QT 12 or the Thumlers AR12?
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Mar 30, 2009 13:04:45 GMT -5
Yeah, Michael John, I envy your supply. You've got some really nice material.
Lately I've been picking up more big chunks for slabbing and cabbing.
I've been tumbling some low grade binghamite that has been very frustrating; loaded with fractures in the milky quartz. They seem to come out of nowhere. But, I do have some nice pieces without much quartz for slabettes and some bigger chunks.
I've also been tumbling a little bit (4 oz?) of thomsonite. Also frustrating because it is still in the basalt matrix. Had to take a break from it and go back to Lakers.
Chuck
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Post by Michael John on Mar 30, 2009 13:46:38 GMT -5
"I guess my question changes to, what would you recommend now, the Lortone QT 12 or the Thumlers AR12?"Thumler's Model B. For the extra $30 compared to the AR12, you get a much better barrel and the motor has 50% more power. Also, you're in luck because Lock, Stock, and Barrel has them in stock (they're sold-out most of the time, due to their low prices). I doubt you can find them any cheaper ... $156.95 + shipping. www.lockstock.com/prodinfo.asp?number=TT140
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 30, 2009 16:18:16 GMT -5
Thumler Model B has 5 year warranty on drum and liner. I'd recommend that one over the AR12. Especially at Lock Stock's price.
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wi54880
starting to shine!
Member since March 2009
Posts: 33
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Post by wi54880 on Mar 30, 2009 20:16:40 GMT -5
Thanks guys! I just ordered the model B from Lock/Stock and the UV10 from the Rock Shed. I still can't believe I spent another $400 on rock polishing... Oh well, I suppose as I get older, my hobbies are going to get more expensive. Now, I hope this blizzard blows over and all the snow melts by the lake!!!
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 30, 2009 20:37:56 GMT -5
Don't worry. As you get older you won't remember. What were we talking about?
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