danb
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2011
Posts: 107
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Post by danb on Mar 24, 2011 21:35:49 GMT -5
I just inherited this tumbler. I originally thought it was an old thumlers, but doing a little more research, I am not convinced.
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Post by Jack, lapidaryrough on Mar 24, 2011 22:13:02 GMT -5
Looks like a Scott - Murray. P.o Box 8077 Northgate STN. Seattle Wash. 98125. label on the drum.....
went on name search... looks like Diamond pacific bought the name an line out.
I to got one pass on to me. writing information from the new barrel. one of the double side`ed barrels. looks to be 4 - 5 lb. side`s. I scrap the unit out, Motor is good New, Barrel New. Though the Bearings in the base, no good for use in my shop. i`l get 10-cents on scape metal.
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danb
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2011
Posts: 107
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Post by danb on Mar 25, 2011 1:11:40 GMT -5
I'd be interested in buying the motor and barrel from you if you are getting rid of them. It looks like we are both in Salem. Do you have the website lapidaryrough.com? If so, I think I emailed you a while back about some field trips, and you gave me your phone number, but I haven't had a chance to call you yet. Small world!
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 25, 2011 6:38:43 GMT -5
I think Lortone bought out Scott Murray. You might contact them for parts availability.
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,341
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Post by quartz on Mar 25, 2011 22:32:04 GMT -5
Ours says Lortone on it. My wife found it in a shed at an estate sale, wouldn't run; the guy said "must be a cold belt", $7. Cleaning and oiling fixed it up, and it's in really good shape.
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 26, 2011 6:38:30 GMT -5
The old Scott Murray drums say Lortone now as well. They also bought Star Diamond's tumbler line before Star Diamond went under.
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Mar 27, 2011 11:13:31 GMT -5
That looks nearly 100% identical to my old Beacon Star tumbler I inherited...it dates back to the 50's...
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 27, 2011 14:57:42 GMT -5
Maybe Scott Murray bought out Beacon Star. A lot of companies came and went, sold off divisions, got bought out or just gave up. The 70's (early-mid) were the peak years in lapidary followed by a sharp decline.
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danb
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2011
Posts: 107
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Post by danb on Mar 27, 2011 22:29:52 GMT -5
Jack, Thanks for the motor and barrel! It was great meeting you today. Hopefully we can get together for a collecting trip. You have an amazing rock collection!
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Mar 28, 2011 8:14:16 GMT -5
Maybe Scott Murray bought out Beacon Star. A lot of companies came and went, sold off divisions, got bought out or just gave up. The 70's (early-mid) were the peak years in lapidary followed by a sharp decline. It's possible...I know it's pretty difficult to find info on my tumbler, not sure what happened to the company....
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 28, 2011 9:44:19 GMT -5
Researching old companies is pretty confusing. Many as they faced hard times sold off divisions to other companies. Raytech sold off their Raytech-Shaw facetor division. Star Diamond sold their tumblers to Lortone before MK bought Star Diamond. MK also bought Highland Park and resold to Contempo Lapidary who also bought Beacon Star and Frantom. Contempo was bought by Diamond Pacific. Beacon Star could well have sold their tumbler line to Scott Murray who in turn sold to Lortone. All clear as mud. I met the former owner of Contempo at Tucson this year. If I see him again next year I'll have to ask him about it.
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Mar 28, 2011 11:05:01 GMT -5
Well, it would explain why you see so many old tumblers that are very similar yet made by different companies....
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 28, 2011 12:04:34 GMT -5
The basic design is pretty similar anyway. Then again, the barrels can be made for other companies. True Square (Thumler's) Model B barrel is the same barrel that was used by Highland Park, Contempo and DP for the 12T.
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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 Mar 29, 2011 19:34:29 GMT -5
well, if the barrel is good, keep it going... i like my thumblers 12#. i get anxious when it is time to change grits or check the progress... charlie
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Apr 1, 2011 9:05:38 GMT -5
I've had to replace the bolts and the gasket for the barrel lid, fortunately most of the parts on these older tumbers can be fabricated from easily obtained materials. I use vaccuum cleaner belts for the pulleys on the tumbler...they are not too hard to keep going with a bit of ingenuity...
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