brent
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2008
Posts: 1,316
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Post by brent on Aug 25, 2009 9:12:08 GMT -5
Which vibrating tumblers are the best bang for the buck?
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lparker
fully equipped rock polisher
Still doing too much for being retired!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 1,202
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Post by lparker on Aug 25, 2009 11:35:55 GMT -5
I got the UV-10 from rockshed and have no complaints.
Lee
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Aug 25, 2009 12:12:52 GMT -5
The most popular tumblers seem to be the Lot-O and the Thumler's UV-10, with a Raytech and a Mini/Micro-Sonic here and there. I have a Thumler's UV-18. If you get a Thumler's, make sure to get the industrial one.
DO NOT get the Chicago Electric. (Probably goes without saying....)
Chuck
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Aug 25, 2009 12:25:30 GMT -5
Thumbs up to the UV-10 and UV-18. They are the workhorses in my shop. The only complaint I've heard about the Lotto's is the narrow neck on the tumbling bowl that prevents people from tumbling bracelets.
I would stay away from the Raytech vibes. I had one of their small vibes and it didn't last a year. Poor construction with the base all glued together and springs attached with hot glue.
I haven't had any experience with the mini-sonics but given diamond pacific's reputation they are good quality and I haven't heard anything bad about them...
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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 25, 2009 17:30:29 GMT -5
A couple of us on this forum have the "berry's blue" vibratory tumbler (mine says it's made by Covington). I've had no problems, others have had at least one problem, which was promptly fixed by fast replacement of the tumbler. My only 2 complaints are that it takes a LOT of rocks to fill it, and it makes a LOT of noise.
Tom
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brent
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2008
Posts: 1,316
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Post by brent on Aug 25, 2009 22:57:17 GMT -5
Thanx everyone.
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ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69 
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Post by ksk on Aug 26, 2009 5:47:41 GMT -5
Lot-O- Tumbler. They cost a little more than an entry level rotary, but they are fairly error proof. Also, with a capacity of around 4 - 4.5 pounds, it's not too hard to find enough material to run a batch.
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Post by 150FromFundy on Aug 26, 2009 7:16:38 GMT -5
There seem to be a Lotto problems with the Lotto tumbler motors lately. They may have a new motor supplier thay is offering a slightly less robust motor.
Can't go wrong with an industrial UV-10, or UV-18.
Look into the cost of buying additional (or replacement) bowls. This could be a factor in your decision.
Darryl.
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ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69
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Post by ksk on Aug 26, 2009 12:05:15 GMT -5
True on the Lot-O motors. I'm sure the manufacturer will resolve the issue ASAP. My Lot-O has the same brand motor as the ones in question, and is still going strong after 9 months. Perhaps it's just a bad batch of motors in the supply chain right now..
Good luck either way.
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brent
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2008
Posts: 1,316
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Post by brent on Aug 26, 2009 19:43:57 GMT -5
How long do the bowls last?
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Aug 27, 2009 12:12:19 GMT -5
Brent,
My Ultra-vibes get pretty much full time use. I had to replace the bowl on my UV-10 after about 18 months of full time use. My UV-18 doesn't see as much use and is still holding up well.
So YMMV. Ultra-vibes still get my vote for the best vibe tumbler.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Aug 27, 2009 12:35:18 GMT -5
I really like my Ultra-Vibe, too. I've had my 2 bowls for well over a year, running perhaps half time with no issues. I don't think I'll have to replace them anytime soon.
No matter which vibe you buy, be prepared for the learning curve in using it. They require a lot more time and attention to detail than a rotary.
Chuck
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brent
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2008
Posts: 1,316
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Post by brent on Aug 27, 2009 17:59:34 GMT -5
Hard rock...learning is what I do best...lol.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Aug 27, 2009 19:19:53 GMT -5
You won't ever regret buying the UV-10. If you get one, get it from the rockshed.
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brent
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2008
Posts: 1,316
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Post by brent on Aug 27, 2009 19:50:49 GMT -5
The rock shed is my first choice.
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Post by connrock on Aug 28, 2009 5:54:34 GMT -5
My 2 cents worth,,,,, I've run Lot'os for about 15 years and had 1 motor problem. the replacement motor is one of the new types so I can't comment on it yet. One of the frames cracked and was replaced with no charge to me as the frames are guaranteed for life. I doubt if you can wear out a barrel with normal use,,,,being almost 15 years of constant running. However I don't use it for roughing.I start in the 2nd stage using graded 220 grit.I think this has a LOT to do with barrel wear or the lack of it. The unit is very quiet and needs no lubrication. I replaced the springs once on 1 of the units but the cost for the 4 of them was about 6 bucks at the time. Here is a link (just for comparison) to new units with prices and their replacement part prices,,,,, www.lapidarysupplies.com/catalog_pages_2008/page_05.pdfconnrock |
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Aug 28, 2009 10:54:32 GMT -5
Hi Ive had my Lot"O" (recomended by Tom above) for 2 years no problem I got mine from the rockshed here is the link www.therockshed.com/tumbler1.htmlBrilliant service and mine has the 220 Volt European motor in it. Jack Yorkshire UK |
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Nov 15, 2024 17:44:51 GMT -5
Nov 15, 2024 17:44:51 GMT -5
