mikeinsjc
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by mikeinsjc on Apr 17, 2011 11:36:54 GMT -5
I'm not sure what you call the rotary tumblers that operate at an angle. Has anyone had any experience with them? The reason I am considering one is it seems they would be gentler on the stones. My Lortone (12 lb. drums) seems to break up thinner slabs a lot. Does anyone currently make these units besides Covington? Any recommendations?
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Apr 17, 2011 12:51:57 GMT -5
I'm curious to know why the slabs are breaking in the 12lb'er. I've been tumbling entirely slabs in mine for the last couple of months. I haven't had any problem, some of the Brazilians are about as thin as they can be,come out alright. Maybe your material is softer?Or big chunks of rocks mixed in with them that break them?How big are the slabs you are tumbling? The max size I do are2x4 inches,most smaller.
snuffy
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Apr 17, 2011 15:50:23 GMT -5
Solid slabs usually won't break. I find that anything that breaks in course grind really didn't have much of a chance anyway. I do imagine that the angled tumblers would gentler.
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 17, 2011 21:26:57 GMT -5
I don't think they would be gentler but faster. Barranca has a nice one that is a copied but improved version of the Diamond Pacific model. I had a really cheesy copy of a Covington when I started. It worked OK until it wore out and I got tired of rigging repairs. Inclined barrels give you "triple action". Round and round while moving up and down. The flat barrels cause rocks to change directions at each flat.
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Post by Jack, lapidaryrough on Apr 17, 2011 21:39:11 GMT -5
In the early 60s their was a factory made 5 gallon bucket tumbler. That was designed at a 45 degree angle. back then the metal buckets. The tumbler had four prongs to hold the bucket in place. and a clap ring on base to tighten onto the bucket.
Jack
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chassroc
Cave Dweller
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Post by chassroc on Apr 18, 2011 14:06:52 GMT -5
My question is how big and how many slabs can you put into a 12# barrel(MINE IS THUMLERS BUT i DOUBT THEY ARE ALL THAT DIFFERENT.) I just drilled some (10) brazilian agate slabs for hanging on some wind chimes( fold formed copper). I dont have a flat lap or vibe pan and was going to start smoothing by adhering some emory paper to my 10inch grinder end pad but I'm not sure how easy it will be and might want an alternative
charlie
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 18, 2011 19:26:14 GMT -5
I'm not sure how big, they have to be able to rotate around. I would think 4" slabs would work. I would us a lot of small non-abrasive ceramic cylinders or other small filler.
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Post by catmandewe on Apr 19, 2011 1:09:26 GMT -5
I have an older one that needs some tinkering, it could be had for pretty cheap if you want one to check out before spending the big bucks on a brand new one. I have never used it so I can't offer any experience.
Tony
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Apr 19, 2011 18:26:43 GMT -5
4 inch slabs are no problem for the ar 12. I ususally only run 4 or 5 slabs per load as they do tend to want to stick together
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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 22, 2011 4:27:39 GMT -5
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