ohmandyb
starting to shine!
Member since August 2008
Posts: 43
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Post by ohmandyb on Apr 6, 2010 7:54:02 GMT -5
Hi, it has been awhile since I have logged in. Hope everything is well with everyone. I have a question. I have a rock tumbler that is a Thumbler Tumbler ( I believe that is the name.) it is a small hobby tumbler. THe rubber canister is sticky I believe from use. I am looking to purchase another one. I am debating between a vibrating or a tumbler. I am not sure what is the difference. I usually tumble smaller slabs and some round rocks that I pick up. Any advise is greatly appreciated.
Happy Spring
Tink
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 6, 2010 8:17:47 GMT -5
Tink, vibrating tumblers are great for many things. Read some of the posts from new users and decide if you are ready for a challenge. I don't know how new you are to tumbling but I would recommend you get proficient at rotary tumbling before using a vibe. There is a learning curve involved and it is easier if you already understand rotary tumbling. As far as your Thumler's (either a Model T or AR-1) the drum should not be sticky. Some detergents/cleaners can soften the rubber. I rinse mine with plain water and burnish before and after polish with powdered Tide. If it doesn't leak keep using it. If you don't mind the drum design maybe look at an AR2. If you want to do larger pieces/bigger loads, the Model B is really nice and there is a conversion kit available to convert it to a Model AR2. I don't know current prices. Another nice choice would be either a Lortone QT66 (two 6 lb. drums) or the QT12 (one 12 lb.). They are same except for drums so a QT66 can use the 12 lb. drum and the QT12 can be used with two 6 lb. Either Thumler's or Lortone are well made and parts are readily available. If you do go to a vibe, Thumler's Industrial, Gyroc, and Lotto are all well regarded and you should find posts here and get plenty of opinions. Good luck.
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ohmandyb
starting to shine!
Member since August 2008
Posts: 43
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Post by ohmandyb on Apr 6, 2010 12:19:54 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply. The rubber is soft and does not leak, so I will keep using for a bit. It is only a 3lb drum. It is a great little tumbler and I have used it several times over the past year. I will check for posts on the board. Thanks for the suggestion. I really appreciate your time.
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rockhunter
off to a rocking start
Member since May 2009
Posts: 10 
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Post by rockhunter on Apr 14, 2010 9:08:47 GMT -5
If the rubber is "sticky" some oil might have gotten on the barrel. It sounds like you are still able to use it but if it is causing a problem you can find replacement barrels for sale on the web.
I agree with johnjsgems. A rotary is the best kind of tumbler to start with. Once you are having success with it then you can move up to a vibratory.
The main difference - in my opinon - between the two is that a rotary will make nicely rounded tumbles and a vibratory tends to produce more angular tumbles.
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