reelrock
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2009
Posts: 2
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Post by reelrock on Jul 4, 2009 13:38:37 GMT -5
Hello everyone! I came upon this site while trying to research different types and prices of tumblers and was amazed by the number of members and information here. While vacationing in North Carolina my kids quickly became addicted to gem mining and we thought it would be fun to start doing our own rock tumbling. After my own research (Tumbling vs. Vibrating) I'm now totally confused! I'm not trying to start a business but I would like something that is of good quality and will last. Since we don't have a basement, they don't do well here in coastal Florida, noise is a bit of a concern. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. I would probably be looking to spend $300.00 to $400.00 to get started, but I'm not completely locked in to that amount. I look forward to hearing from you all. Happy 4th to everyone!!! Please :help:
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Post by catmandewe on Jul 4, 2009 15:20:27 GMT -5
Welcome to the board.
I guess it really depends on if you have time to wait or would like faster results. If you have time to wait, then a rotary will do you fine. The number and size of barrels depends on how much material you want to tumble. If you want to speed things up, you can use a vibe and a rotary tumbler. The rotary is for the rough grind stage only. The vibe will do the rest and do it much quicker than the rotary. You can do either setup with your budget, so it really depends on what you want.
Good luck and hope to be seeing some posts and pictures from you soon.
Tony
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Post by NatureNut on Jul 4, 2009 15:48:36 GMT -5
Welcome! Tony is giving you sound advice. A rotary and vibe combo is the best way to go. Most of us also get a saw and those three pieces of equipment can keep you happily busy for a good while.
What kind of rough do you have?
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Post by akansan on Jul 4, 2009 17:15:10 GMT -5
Noise isn't as much of a problem as you might think. The newer tumblers are fairly quiet - I used to use mine in the same room I slept and it worked like any white noise machine.
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reelrock
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2009
Posts: 2
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Post by reelrock on Jul 5, 2009 12:38:58 GMT -5
I really appreciate all of you getting back to me so quickly. So I guess my next question is what brand to buy and where to purchase it. I'm sure many of you have been doing this for years and developed a relationship with some great dealers. We're really excited to delve into this new hobby! Again, thank you for all your help in getting us started. :drool:
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Post by akansan on Jul 5, 2009 12:52:10 GMT -5
LOL - just be prepared for varying responses. The two top brands for rotary tumblers are Lortone and Thumlers. Both of these have their supporters, for good reasons. I'm a Thumlers gal myself: I've never had a single problem with any of my Thumler machines. The lid setup on the Thumlers isn't ideal (read, it can be a pain in the thumb (or finger)), but you don't have to worry about the machine itself. Lortones have a better design on their 3lb barrels, but there've been quality control issues reported with the Lortones. I'll let the others guide you on vibrating tumblers, as I don't personally own one. If I was going to purchase one, though, it would be a tough choice between the Lot-O and the UV-10. Dealers - I've had great luck with The Rock Shed - www.therockshed.com . For cabbing supplies and other equipment, I use John from JSGems - www.jsgemslapidary.com .
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bouldergal
freely admits to licking rocks
Glacier Meadow
Member since July 2007
Posts: 783
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Post by bouldergal on Jul 13, 2009 15:25:19 GMT -5
Thumlers for me, too! Connrock is really into tumbling and can offer some great advice. Noise isn't too bad - I put mine either on my lanai or in my garage. I think the general consensus is that you want rotary for early stages and vibratory for later, especially for rough that is all sharp edges. River/beach rocks go straight into vibratory very easily. Don't get huge tumblers because it takes quite a bit of rock to run them at optimal efficiency and you have to keep adding some type of tumbling media. Some members are using the new dry media, I know John from JSGems has mentioned it. That would be something else for you to look into. A lot of us buy from him and can always rely on fair pricing and excellent advice.
I've been trying to put together a Florida get together when the weather cools a little bit. Interested? Susan
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Post by MyNewHobby on Jul 15, 2009 17:40:22 GMT -5
ReelRock ....
Welcome!!!!
I am not gonna say anything right now about tumbling ... I am still in my awkward phase ;D and am making all mistakes possible with the vibe.
The rotary I have a decent handle on, but am learning new things about it everyday as well.
Again .... Welcome .... you will love it here!!!! Julie
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