darrengilbert
off to a rocking start
Member since June 2009
Posts: 1
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Post by darrengilbert on Jun 8, 2009 16:30:57 GMT -5
This question has probably been asked a thousand times but here it is.... What is a good tumbling unit to buy ofr a beginner??? We have been rock hounding for about 2 years and have a TON of misc specimins and scraps from making cabs that we would like to tumble. I am hoping for something around $100 or less. The covington triple tumbler looks pretty nice but it's a bit pricy for us at the moment. What about the Lortone 33B double?  Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks much!!! Darren Gilbert |
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ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69 
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Post by ksk on Jun 8, 2009 17:24:53 GMT -5
Hey Darren,
I'd look at a Lot-O-Tumbler Vibe. New ones run a bit more than $100, but the trade off for me was worth it. Some advantages are: tumbling runs\batches take no more than a week, six days for me. You can polish slabs and cabs. Also, some recipes use much less abrasive media.
If you prefer really rounded stones then this might not be the right choice. For me, I actually prefer the stones in a more natural shape. Also, I pick a lot of lake stones, so they're already pre-rounded.
Do a forum search on the Lot-O and see what others are saying.
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Post by frane on Jun 8, 2009 20:12:23 GMT -5
I can only offer an opinion based on what I have. I first got a lortone tumbler. If at all possible, get a double 3 lb instead of the single. You will get bored real quick waiting for a single tumble to finish. Order an extra barrel for polish only.I have had my double running for over a year and just changed the belt on it because it was slipping pretty bad. Not bad for constant use.
I moved up to having a vibe also (along with my 8 barrels of different sizes of lortones for tumbles). The vibe I got was not the best out there(raytech TV-5). It was the cheapest and I would advise that you wait till you can afford a good one before getting a vibe.
Hope that helps!
Fran
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Post by MyNewHobby on Jun 8, 2009 22:04:07 GMT -5
I have been doing this since January and LOOOOOVE my Lortone 33B.
It is a twin 3 lb barrel and I have not had one moments trouble.
I actually started with a little toy tumbler called a Rolling Stones. I still have it and (need to get more barrels) love using it for 60/90.
But that's me.
Always research what you think you may want to buy.
Always listen to others as they (other than me) have years of experience.
In the end ... it is your choice ... everyone is different!
Money has always been and still is an issue for me. The Lortone 33B is $95.00. Actually I have a great friend who is not a rock hound who decided she loved hearing about how much fun I was having and needed bigger equipment. She sent me the Lortone as a gift.
But always HAVE FUN!!! and LOTS of Pictures!!!
Julie
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Post by MyNewHobby on Jun 8, 2009 22:08:20 GMT -5
One other thing ....
Fran hates rock tumbling ... just loves all the really cool equipment!!!
;D
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Post by Condor on Jun 8, 2009 22:09:46 GMT -5
You'll get various answers to this question and here is mine. Vibes are good, but expensive and for the most part, you still will need a rotary to go through the first stage. After that, the vibes work well with 2d, 3d and 4th stages. It's a good idea to have different hoppers for each stage. That translates to $$. I have owned different size Thumler's Tumbers for many years and they still are going strong. Go here to give you an idea on the model types. www.thumlerstumbler.com/rotary.html The prices on these tumblers are very reasonable and like I mentioned, they will last for years. Condor |
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Jun 9, 2009 1:40:44 GMT -5
Hi Darren Welcome to the RTH family Im in agreement with Condor above If you have rough rock with sharp corners or pits (Agates) to be ground off it will take you 6 weeks + in a rotary to do this , I have 6 or so Rotarys some home made and one running a stage one batch at present It keeps the "natural " look That you dont get with a vibe unit, Vibes seem to grind flatish and most people prefer to use a rotary first. Heres a link to the RTH polishing guide www.rocktumblinghobby.com/cycle/cycle.htmlYou can run through the 4 stages with a rotary it will take time , a Vibe from stage 2 cuts down the time thus saving power and also a big saving on grits ON the other hand , you can use the Vibe to start with (FROM Stage 2 ) if your stones are shaped, eg sea shore rocks ,Lake shore rocks or Precuts , Heres a link to a Lot"O" from the rockshed like I have ,they also have rotaries for sale www.therockshed.com/tumbler1.htmlHope this helps ? The choice is yours Jack Yorkshire UK |
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jun 9, 2009 7:01:29 GMT -5
Here's my perspective: if you have a lot of rough, a rotary 3 lb. barrel or two will take years to tumble it all. If I can stretch your budget a little, the Thumler's Model B has a 15 lb. capacity for $157 here: www.lockstock.com/prodinfo.asp?number=TT140You can frequently find used Star Diamond models, which are very similar and take the same barrel liners, on ebay for about $90. If you go that route, you'll have to get belts from McMaster. I ultimately built a 50 lb. tumbler, which can be done for less than $100. I use a rotary for the coarse grind, then a Thumler's UltraVibe 18 after that. A vibe will process the rock significantly faster, but as mentioned, the finished shapes are different. Hope that helps, Chuck |
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Post by 150FromFundy on Jun 10, 2009 11:13:52 GMT -5
Determine if you want to tumble rough rock, or preformed slabs.
If you want to tumble rough rock, you must purchase a rotary tumbler. This leaves you with Thumler or Lorotone. I'm partial to Thumler becasue I don't like the "old man blue" that Lorotone has chosen for their colour. Both offer twin-barrel models (2x3lb) which is a good starter size to see if you get "hooked", or not. Do not buy a Chicago Electric. They are crap and there's a lot of posts to support that.
If you don't want to tumble rough rock, you may purchase a vibe tumbler, but they are generally more expenxive.
150FromFundy
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carloscinco
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,639
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Post by carloscinco on Jun 10, 2009 14:11:21 GMT -5
I would recommend the Lortone 33b. I find mine (2) very dependable. Just clean and relube the bearing surfaces about once a month and it is very reliable.
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Post by johnjsgems on Jun 10, 2009 15:38:13 GMT -5
Either the Thumler's AR2 or Lortone 33B would be great starters. Everything about the AR2 is heavier duty but the retaining ring drums are annoying at first. The Lortone drums are easier to deal with and the light duty can be ok if properly maintained. Move up to a 12-15 lb. later. Leave vibe tumblers until you master rotaries.
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Jun 10, 2009 19:17:45 GMT -5
I agree with those recommending a rotory for your first tumbler...although much slower, it is more versitile. As for brands, not sure on that one, I use an OLD one that belonged to my grandfather, they don't still make them anymore ( Beacon Star).
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Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!!!
