dms1
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1
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Post by dms1 on Aug 31, 2010 15:31:18 GMT -5
Hello, I am researching the purchase of my first rock tumbler and was thinking about getting the Lortone Model 33B but was told I could only polish rocks 1 inch in diameter. So my question is how big of a rock can you or have you polished in the following tumblers:
Lortone Model 33B
Lortone Model 45C
I think most of the rocks I have collected that I want to polish are between 1.5 and 2 inches in diameter
Thanks in advance - Dave S
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Post by llana2go on Aug 31, 2010 15:37:33 GMT -5
I've polished larger rocks in my 33B. You just have to be real careful not to overload it and also make sure you have rocks of various sizes.
Don't want to just use the same size stone.
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Post by tanyafrench on Aug 31, 2010 17:37:10 GMT -5
You can certainly polish stone 1.5 to 2 inches in a 33B. As llana2go says you do need some smaller stones in the tumbler as well or pack it with ceramic filler. I prefer if nothing else use some pebble from around your yard. You might be surprised at how they come out. But a 33B is a real good choice for a first tumbler.
By the way welcome aboard the RTH. You'll learn a lot here and people are very eager to help.
Tanya
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Post by deb193redux on Sept 2, 2010 0:45:48 GMT -5
you will need lots of smaller rock or media. in the smaller bbarrels, you can only put a few larger ones in each batch. it could take many batches.
sounds like you want at qt66, or Tumblers Model B. Still have to put in small stuff, but can put in more larger rocks.
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revco
starting to spend too much on rocks
Another Victim Of The Rockcycle
Member since February 2010
Posts: 162
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Post by revco on Sept 2, 2010 9:44:03 GMT -5
I usually try to do 1 to 3 larger rocks along this size in my 3lb barrels. The rest are smaller of varied sizes, mostly under 1". I think over 2" would probably be too much for these smaller barrels and they might be inclined to smash the smaller rocks to oblivion. Also remember that the rough stage will reduce the size of the rocks fairly well and you'll probably end up with something quite a bit smaller once the edges smooth down. If you're having trouble finding smaller rocks, I'd suggest looking into ceramics which are quite helpful for supplementing small and medium sized rocks. You can also use small gravel as filler, but be aware that this type of rock typically won't polish and will need to be discarded.
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