|
Post by Jennifer Murphy on Aug 6, 2011 16:09:19 GMT -5
Hi, My granddaughter, age 4, has taken an interest in rocks. She brings them home in buckets. I thought it might be interesting for her and educational to do a little tumbling. A neighbor boy has a rock tumbler when I was a child, a long time ago. I remember think it was interesting, but never did anything about it. So I don't know anything about it. I was wondering if I could get a little advice from people here about how to get her started. I don't need anything too elaborate for starters, but it would be good to get advice on a good starter kit and where to look for rocks. I don't suppose most of the common rocks in her yard would be good for tumbling, right? I tried to access the tutorial at skeenastormstones.com, but the site appears to be down. Does anyone have another link? Thanks
|
|
|
Post by gr on Aug 6, 2011 17:13:55 GMT -5
Jennifer, as with anything - you get what you pay for. You don't want your equiptment breaking down, (and some cheap models do) in the middle of the process. That is a quick way to loose interest in what you're doing. This is a worthy hobbie to persue and has great rewards in that, it is something that you created. Kids love shiney rocks and will teach patience. This sound like something you and your granddaughter could lesrn and do together. skeena s s is a good site - keep trying it and, all in all, this is the best place to get your questions answered. Look thru some of the archived posts; there is some great tumbling info there. I'm sure there are some good answers coming to your post.
gary
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Aug 6, 2011 20:02:45 GMT -5
I always advise adults to be sure they are interested before starting kids. At a month (very minimum) process most kids will tire quickly. As far as tumblers, start with a Lortone 3 lb. or double three lb. I really like Thumler's brand even better but the drums are hard for adults to deal with let alone kids. The Rock Shed or Kingsley North are good discount online sources. Welcome to the forum.
|
|
|
Post by Jennifer Murphy on Aug 6, 2011 20:16:31 GMT -5
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.
I was able to get the tutorial. Very nice piece of work.
I have about 2 months until the next visit. I think I'll get something that I can try out so when we go there, I'll be at least a little bit ahead of the kids.
Any recommenations for starter kits or books for beginners?
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Aug 7, 2011 12:18:57 GMT -5
I would avoid starter kits as they usually don't have much of each grit. Buy a kit with at least 1 lb. of each grit. Even better would be 5 lb. 60/90 and 1 lb. of the others. I think I've heard The Rock Shed discounts supplies with tumbler purchase and tumbling rocks as well. Tumbling books are very low cost as the actual instructions takes up about a page. You can get more info free on this site.
|
|