jayhkr
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since September 2007
Posts: 92
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Post by jayhkr on Sept 28, 2009 18:00:09 GMT -5
I was doing my daily browsing of the web today when I started to think. There are so many websites out there who sell equipment and accessories for us rock tumblers, it's almost impossible to know who has the good stuff and who is just trying to make a buck. I wanted to know from you all who your main "pose" is for equipment and accessories for rock tumbling. When I say equipment, I mean tumbler, saws, grinders etc. . . and for accessories that would be rough rock, grit, wheels, blades etc. . . I know of the main ones we all talk about here in forum, but I didn't know if anyone had a "special" dealer they particularly liked.  |
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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 28, 2009 18:15:13 GMT -5
There is a "Vendors, Good, Bad, etc." page just for this. Just a guess but from what I read here the Rock Shed seems to be the number one source for tumblers and supplies and most importantly they have the knowledge to advise as well as sell. Too many cut rate, internet only dealers out there that are order processors with no knowledge of the equipment they sell.
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Sept 28, 2009 20:10:16 GMT -5
Never completely depend on a dealer.
Read everything you can connect your keyboard to.
It's hard to get cheated if you learn the trade, so you know what you & they talking about.
I watch johnjsgems like a hawk, just waiting for him to slip up, but he dots every T and crosses all his I's every time, so if you gotta listen to someone...there he is.
Dr Joe
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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 Sept 28, 2009 20:51:55 GMT -5
I've been very happy dealing with some of our fellow RTHers. Johnsjsgems, Catmandewe, and several rough suppliers including Catmandewe and Jamie have all been honest, amazingly helpful, and people I'd love to meet and call friends. Drjo is right about doing your research, but some folks here on the forum have faultless reputations!
Susan
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Post by 150FromFundy on Sept 29, 2009 6:13:44 GMT -5
"The Rock Shed" also offers excellent service and competative prices. I have bought tumblers, parts, tumbling rough and grit. I've never had a problem in about 10 transactions.
Darryl.
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Post by Toad on Sept 29, 2009 6:35:36 GMT -5
I generally get all my advice from these boards and buy the equipment where ever I can find it cheapest - have never been disappointed. As John said, the Vendors forum is a good a place to start as any.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Sept 29, 2009 12:25:33 GMT -5
I've enjoyed dealing with John (JSGems), Tony (Catmandewe), the Rock Shed, Kingsley North, and Minnesota Lapidary Supply. I did not have such a great experience with Miles Supply.
Chuck
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Sept 29, 2009 16:27:01 GMT -5
... I did not have such a great experience with Miles Supply. Chuck I've only gotten one order from Miles but was not disappointed- thing to remember with them is that they are primarily an industrial supply company, they deal in grit by the barrel (and I'd imagine by the ton,) so they are doing any of us a huge favor to break out to a tiny 50 lb order or anything like that. They certainly aren't the place to shop if you are looking for a 4 X 1lb grit kit. I have had pleasant dealings with all of the other vendors that have been mentioned in this thread, and a few of them I know, and consider as good friends. |
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Post by Toad on Sept 29, 2009 16:49:04 GMT -5
I agree with rallyrocks, while its been a while since I bought from Miles supply, the process was painless and the price was unbeatable anywhere else I looked.
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ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69 
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Post by ksk on Sept 29, 2009 17:20:10 GMT -5
+1 for Minnesota Lapidary Supply
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Post by rocklicker on Sept 29, 2009 19:01:41 GMT -5
I just discovered that Arrowhead lapidary has great prices on Cerium oxide. Picked up 5 pounds for $32. Woohoo! I also go with Kingsley north a lot.
Steve
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Sept 30, 2009 2:47:27 GMT -5
I Like the Rockshed as well
Even here in UK with overseas postage and all that Shawn has proved to be honest and faithfull and a tremendus help in the purchasing of Tumblers , supplies and rough rock
IN UK
Manchester Minerals (Hiltons the wholesale side) are very good,
Burhouses, Huddersfield Have a big stock of rough rock ,are ok But have to be watched a little (I bought 2 items at half price which they charged full price for , later resolved)
Stone polishing , Cornwall Paul is very helpfull .
These are what I find in UK to be the best any body with any others,
As Jakhkr says it is a mine field as to get good advice on where to Buy
Jack Yorkshire UK
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jayhkr
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since September 2007
Posts: 92
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Post by jayhkr on Sept 30, 2009 10:02:46 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. I have scoured the vedor link man, many, MANY times, but I wanted to get a more detailed perspective on who everyone here primarily goes too. At the moment it's all about the grit. After the first of the year it will be all about the equipment. I plan on adding another rotary tumbler and a vibe. Thanks agin for the info! P.S. I may start ordering my grit from Arrowhead Lapidary, seems to be the cheapest so far. I think I'm going to get the grit kit #8 as that has everything I need for the time being. We'll see how the money is at the first of the year for the equipment purchasing!! Thanks again!! ;D |
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stefan
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Sept 30, 2009 10:11:06 GMT -5
Rock Shed is fair and honest. I order my 60/90 from Miles SUpply (50 Lbs last me 3 or 4 years) but I get my other grits from Rock Shed. They made a mistake on one of my orders- send 60/90 instead of the 120/220 I ordered. Not only did I get to keep the 60/90 (i was more than willing to pay for it - if they would pay the shipping on the 120/220) for free but they send me my 120/220 and the usual candy treat!!!
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