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Post by poweredbypoptarts on Dec 30, 2010 23:32:54 GMT -5
While my $10 toy tumbler tumbles our stones, I am starting to eye an upgrade. I am thinking of buying a starters kit that includes the tumbler, grit, and some sample stones. The two big players seem to be Thumler and Lortone. Each seems to have its own fan base and each seems to do the job just fine. This makes choosing between the two a bit difficult for a first timer like me.
What feature or factor would drive someone to choose one over the other?
-- Boris
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Post by tntmom on Dec 31, 2010 0:44:57 GMT -5
I have two Lortones that run 24 hour continuously, and have been for over a year. They are quiet, MY BIG THING, as I like to run everything in the garage - my teens also live downstairs so I try real hard to accomodate, and from what I've been told, the lortones' last forever. I use a llittle bit of oil that I add to the rollers, you are supposed to do it every 30 days i think, not sure. I do it when I remember, they are awesome! Never used a Thumler so can't compare.
You are probably right as far as fan base, I am sure that what ever you get will be great!
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 31, 2010 9:27:33 GMT -5
In my opinion, in the 3lb/double 3 lb. Thumler uses much better motor and bearings. Their retaining ring drums are very hard to get used to though. Both brands are made in USA with parts available to keep them in service a long time.
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 31, 2010 9:56:10 GMT -5
I've had 9 and 15 lb. Thumlers for years. Other than replacing belts and lid gaskets, I've had no problem with them. I'll agree with John that the retaining ring drums take getting used to. Which ever tumbler you decide to get, order a spare belt and lid gasket at the same time.
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Post by tkrueger3 on Dec 31, 2010 12:30:40 GMT -5
I have both Thumler's and Lortones - I slightly prefer the Lortones because of the lids. The Thumler's lids use a rubber retaining ring that is a bit difficult to handle, and will leak if not done exactly right. The Lortones have an internal sealing lid that sits nicely on a "shelf" built into the barrel, plus an external metal cap that goes over the internal one, and a thumbscrew that seals them together under pressure. My Lortones have NEVER leaked a drop.
That said, I think they are about equal in quality of parts and construction, and you'd be happy with either. Just stay away from the "Chicago Electric" tumblers sold by Harbor Freight. They are cheap, both in price and in construction, and have a bad reputation for falling apart during the first or second loads.
Just my opinion - YMMV
Tom
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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 Dec 31, 2010 22:55:17 GMT -5
Actually, it's a simple choice...do you like red or blue? ;D
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marinedad
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since December 2010
Posts: 813
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Post by marinedad on Jan 1, 2011 0:32:20 GMT -5
i have a cheap dual drum harbor freight, i quit using because i was putting a new belt on every 2-3 weeks. i also have 2 -3 lb. lortone tumblers that also run 24-7 for the last year with only maintenance being a little oil on the bearings.
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Post by 150FromFundy on Jan 1, 2011 14:58:37 GMT -5
I have used the Thumler AR-2, Model B, and UV-10 for a few years. All have served well.
I also prefer red and drive a Chev truck which may be a factor.
Darryl.
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Post by susand24224 on Jan 2, 2011 2:36:07 GMT -5
I have a 3B Lortone, and a 6 lb and 4 lb Lortone. (Forgot the #s.) The 3B died after about a year and a half. The 6 lb one started to slip and Lortone sent me a new belt at no charge. I also have a 3 lb Thumler that I have had maybe 30 years and an AR-1 that was purchased used but is ancient and seems to have the original everything.
Lortone lids are easier, but likewise wil leak if the seal is not absolutely clean of grit, etc. The Thumler retaining rings need to be replaced, but so does the rubber liner on the Lortone lid. The Thumler belts are definitely longer lasting than the Lortone belts, and if you don't replace the Lortone belt pronto when it stretches, the motor will die. The Thumlers can handle extra weight, the Lortones complain mightily and sometimes "stall out" if your load is overweight.
For the above reasons, I prefer blue. I am still happy to have red in my arsenal, though.
Susan
P.S. Thumler is a little cheaper and I recommend against the grit packs. They are overpriced, and you don't use equal amounts of each grit, although the grit is supplied in equal amounts.
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 2, 2011 8:19:21 GMT -5
Susan, I put Thumler's 401 belts on every used Lortone I pick up. They are same diameter but never stretch.
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Post by rockrookie on Jan 2, 2011 8:29:11 GMT -5
i have both . i have bought all used , except 1 of my 33b lortones which was my 1st non -toy tumbler . it has ran basically non stop for 2 &3-4 years . is put a new motor in 2 month ago . it still ran but drive shaft was slipping and could only handle the weight of one barrel . i prefer the lortones . because of the lids . i have had to replace the shafts and bearing on the thumlers . but , since i got them used . i have no idea how much use they had i the past . i like the lid on the 15lb ( wing nuts ) don't like the AR -6 thumbler lid . it wears thin and leaks quite often . i really have to watch the sive rocks in this barrel . a coulple bigger peices will get wedged in there and pop lid open . MESSY !!! that all being said , any new one should last a long time . and if you watch ebay used ones sell for a pretty high price . sometimes almost as much as new . --paul
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Post by susand24224 on Jan 2, 2011 13:45:20 GMT -5
Thank you, John, for the recommendation on the belts. I'm building up quite an arsenal of parts for both Thumlers and Lortones so will shortly (I'm sure!) give it a try.
Susan
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charles kuchar
spending too much on rocks
getting ready for the second coming
Member since November 2010
Posts: 300
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Post by charles kuchar on Jan 2, 2011 16:46:29 GMT -5
i have a 12# thumbler that the lid wore through on the second batch of rocks. talk about a mess!!! but the lid was the white fiber that wore through once on my 3# also and when i ordered new lids from 'therockshed.com' they were black plastic and i have been running them for three years without any problem. when i talked to shawn at the rock shed he had only the white ones for the 12# tumbler. after a little bit of thought, got out my router and clamped the old lid on plexiglas and made a new one out of it. that plexiglas lid has been running now for over two months and there is no wear on it at all and i can see the rocks tumbling in it also. the 12# thumbler tumbler can also accomodate two 3# thumbler barrels. i have 4 thumbler barrels so the 12# is very useful to me for doing the rough and fine grit. hope this helps your decision. charlie
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Post by poweredbypoptarts on Jan 2, 2011 18:56:51 GMT -5
So the answer to my Ford vs. Chevy question is that I need a Dodge. It looks like each brand has it's quirks and takes a little getting used to. That's understandable. I am sort of leaning toward a Thumler because of the motor protection and the exposed rugged look. And, it's red. Now I have to ask myself if I want a dual barrel or a single barrel. The idea of a dual barrel is appealing since I can increase my throughput. I can start tumbling the next batch of stones right away. What do you think? Dual or single? -- Boris
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Post by Bikerrandy on Jan 2, 2011 20:55:10 GMT -5
I have both, a Chevy and a Ford. Also have a Toyota. ;D ...... But seriously, I do have both and like both, although my Thumlers is a vibe. The Lortone rotary tumbler never leaks and is very quiet.
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Jan 2, 2011 21:13:24 GMT -5
I have the AR2 Thumler I got on an online auction.A Lot-o and the rest Lortones. I had replaced the white lids with the black ones after the mess one lid made.Went out of town Wed.morning, came back Thurs.afternoon.In the meantime a pretty round 1/2 inch hole formed in one lid and the mess awaited me when I got home.Took plastidip and put it about 1/8 in thick on the center half of the lid. Gonna see if that works.Iprefer Lortones,but would get another Thumlers if the price is right.
snuffy
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Post by susand24224 on Jan 3, 2011 19:44:29 GMT -5
I would definitely get two barrels. They don't cost twice as much, but they tumble twice as many rocks. How can you beat that? Susan
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carneliancanuck
having dreams about rocks
Member since November 2010
Posts: 63
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Post by carneliancanuck on Jan 21, 2011 13:20:07 GMT -5
i have a 3 pound thumler, and a 3 pound lortone double drum. if i put the same type of rocks in each tumbler, and turn them on at the same time. the rocks in the thumler are always done sooner. ALWAYS! i also find that the thumler has to be recharged sooner. i am guessing maybe its the different design in the interior of the barrel? or maybe.........its just me?
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