Post by jayhkr on Sept 1, 2009 11:50:45 GMT -5
Hey everyone. It's been about 2 years since I've visited this forum as I'm just now getting back into the hobby, at least for the fall/winter months. I'm still running on my originally bought CE dual rotary I got from harbor freights and have really only had to replace the belt 2-3 times total. My question is, I'm fairly patient, but like most people any way to speed things along is helpful. I wanted to know what a basic setup would be for doing moderate tumbling. I'd prefer to spend my money on equipment rather than buying crushed rock. I feel that part of the enjoyment is getting out and looking for your own resources. Right now I'm "finishing" a batch of Apache tears for a friend of mine. She asked if I'd ever finished them and of course I had to dig them out of my storage to get them going again (hence why I'm back!) But she gets these stones all the time from her father's farm so I'm really not needing stones as much as a good basic equipment setup. I'd say my budget is decent, but not lucrative. I figure one more double rotary and a vibrator would do about right. Also where does everyone get their grit from? I saw the rockshed had some decent prices but I didn't know if there was another good site to check out for bulk purchasing. Those 1pound bags are just barely enough for a few loads so I'm looking for #5+ and looking at all the different kinds to get. Obviously coarse, fine, pre-polish, and polish (of the basic grit, don't need that fancy graded stuff - not that serous "yet"). Also, if anyone is in or around the Kansas City area that knows of some local businesses that would be very helpful too. I'm looking into a few clubs in my area, however they only meet on Saturday's and I usually work weekends. 
I'll be spending about a week down by Springfield at the end of September, more closer to Pomme de Terre lake (about an hour north of Springfield) if anyone knows of good rock hounding places there! Here in KC I've only been able to look up rock quarry's but I'll be heading out to some of the local lakes unless anyone knows of some good spots here too. Sorry for the rambles, I look forward from hearing from everyone as I've enjoyed reading about everyone's exploration of their own. Take care!
I'll be spending about a week down by Springfield at the end of September, more closer to Pomme de Terre lake (about an hour north of Springfield) if anyone knows of good rock hounding places there! Here in KC I've only been able to look up rock quarry's but I'll be heading out to some of the local lakes unless anyone knows of some good spots here too. Sorry for the rambles, I look forward from hearing from everyone as I've enjoyed reading about everyone's exploration of their own. Take care!
