unclestu
Cave Dweller
WINNER OF THE FIRST RTH KILLER CAB CONTEST UNCLESTU'S AGUA NUEVA AGATE
Member since April 2011
Posts: 2,298
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Post by unclestu on Apr 3, 2011 16:43:04 GMT -5
Hi, I am as newbie as they come. Today is my first day on the boards and this is my first question. I hope it is not to to elementary. What is the difference between rotary and vibration tumblers? Is one type better suited for a certain task than the other? As I mentioned I am a total newb and being such would one type be better suited for the beginner just starting out?
Thanks for all of your help
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Post by Toad on Apr 3, 2011 17:53:24 GMT -5
In my opinion, rotary is best for the first (rough) grind only. Vibratory is better for each successive stage as it is faster and there in minimal shaping occuring - just successively finer sanding.
Some folks have great success taking it through every stage in the rotary. That is fine, just takes longer. But a vibratory cannot handle the first rough stage of grinding, the grit is too course and movement isn't suffiecient to shape the rocks well.
So you can get away with just owning a rotary and do perfectly well. But if you want to use a vibe, you will need a rotary tumbler as well to get through that first stage. (unless you have saw cut preforms)
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Post by rockrookie on Apr 3, 2011 18:09:19 GMT -5
good question , Stu . Tood gave you a pretty good answer . i went the rotary route and am happy with my decision . i actually picked up a used vibe , very cheaply that needs parts . though i'm so used to rotary , i have not taken time , yet . --paul
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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 Apr 4, 2011 5:11:29 GMT -5
Welcome, you've come to the right place.
Like they ^^^ said.
Just to add a time frame...
Vibratory... Hours to days (per stage) depending on grit stage and type of rock.
Rotary.... Weeks to months (running 24/7) (per stage) depending on grit stage and type of rock.
Dr Joe
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learn2turn
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since February 2011
Posts: 77
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Post by learn2turn on Apr 4, 2011 6:22:37 GMT -5
Can I ask a coupe follow-up questions on this thread ...
I bought a 3lb Thumbler and was lucky enough to get vibe on permanent loan. I was surprise when running the vibe that the rocks don't just sake, they rotate around the barrel in a circle. So, if in both a vibe and a rotary, the rocks move in a circle, why the difference in behavior... What is the vibe faster? Why won't the vibe round? Why can't the vibe run 60/90 grit (rock won't move???)?
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,471
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Post by Sabre52 on Apr 4, 2011 8:00:20 GMT -5
Yeah, what Toad said *S*. Another point to consider is if you do a lot of grinding in a vibe, you will wear through the tubs pretty darn fast. I just went through a $60 tub in about six months and that was using only fine grind and fairly short runs too. Probably, it's best to do all grinding in the rotary and just leave the vibe for prepolish and polish.....Mel
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Apr 4, 2011 9:28:44 GMT -5
Hi
Welcome to RTH
Someone once said Simply put
A rotary will alter the shape dramatically + (grind out the pits )
A vibe just polishes + (dulls the edges )
Jack Yorkshire uk
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unclestu
Cave Dweller
WINNER OF THE FIRST RTH KILLER CAB CONTEST UNCLESTU'S AGUA NUEVA AGATE
Member since April 2011
Posts: 2,298
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Post by unclestu on Apr 4, 2011 10:48:56 GMT -5
I want to thank all those who replied thus far to this thread. It seems that a rotary tumbler is a mandatory piece of equipment whether it is used only in the shaping phase or it is used from start to finish. The only tangible benefit to adding a vibe appears to be time saved. Having at times been known to become impatient with my microwave I guess it would be safe to say that I am an instant gratification junkie. With that having been said the thought of completing a project in weeks as opposed to months is very appealing to me.
To be continues in my next thread titled " WHAT WOULD YOUR ROTARY/VIBE DREAM TEAM BE?"
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