momof6
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2011
Posts: 2
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Post by momof6 on Oct 17, 2011 10:55:40 GMT -5
Hi! New here and am doing research to try and find a rock polisher for my 12 yr old rock hound. I've been inadvertantly washing his smaller pieces in my washing maching since he discovered he had pockets. ) I've bought him an in depth rock n mineral guide book, (adult age), and he has a few mini collections with samples. He is still collecting other rocks and stores them in a plastic bin in his room. I figure that polishing them would be the next step to his passion? In reading about the different types, it seems a vibrating kind makes more sense for 'cause he has ADHD and a tumbler seems like too long of a wait for him. Also I can see him overloading a tumbler. Any ideas or suggestions? I would rather not spend a ton as I have 5 other children for whom I need to purchase Christmas presents. Thanks! Tami
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Post by ColtChainmailJewelryDesigns on Oct 17, 2011 13:53:45 GMT -5
Hi momof6! First off, Welcome! my 2cent, here is a site where I'm thinking about buying my next tumbler~ therockshed.com/most people on the forums LOVE these guys! The problem with starting off with a vibe, is it's more advanced then a Rotary. Also there is not really any good tumblers for under $60. Just The other day, I was going to buy a tumbler from Harbor Freight that was on sale for $40, but they have a realy bad rep. Going for a Vibe tumbler will also set you back AT LEAST $100! Being your child is 12 and has ADHD, I'd advise supervising him while he is messing with the tumbler. 1 reason being so he doesn't make a mistake and ruin the tumble batch.... this can be VERY upsetting to anyone new to the hobby! ~Colt
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Post by paulshiroma on Oct 17, 2011 14:49:10 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum, Tami.
That's really cool that your son is starting his hobby!
Colt's spot on with his recommendations, so here's some other items you might want to consider:
Since cost is a consideration, you might think about posting a "Wanted" thread and see if anyone has used equipment they'd be willing to sell off. eBay, Amazon, and other sites would be helpful as well.
Before purchasing something off the latter two sites, you might want to check with the forum members and see if anyone's had experience with the brand you're about to purchase. With the number of people here, someone is bound to have some feedback.
Great idea on the Christmas present!
Thanks Paul
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Post by jakesrocks on Oct 17, 2011 14:59:52 GMT -5
Welcome aboard momof6.
Stick with one of the better known brands of tumbler, such as Thumlers or Lortone. Both of these companies have been in business for a long time, and have a good reputation. The lesser known Harbor Freight or hobby shop tumblers have a reputation for breaking down. Sometimes before you finish your first batch of rocks.
I have an old Lortone tumbler which has already been promised to another member, but I'm sure there are other members with extra tumblers that they would give you, or sell at a reasonable price.
Don
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Post by catmandewe on Oct 17, 2011 19:18:05 GMT -5
Welcome!
I am leaving in the morning and won't be able to get out to the shed until next week, so if you are not in any big hurry then I can check and see what I have in the shed, I may be able to put something together for you. Love to see kids getting into the hobby.
Tony
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Post by jakesrocks on Oct 17, 2011 19:33:22 GMT -5
There you go. If anyone has a spare tumbler in his shed, tony will.
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momof6
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2011
Posts: 2
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Post by momof6 on Oct 18, 2011 8:34:08 GMT -5
Yay! I would love to wait to see what you have in your shed!
Another question though for all of you.....I read somewhere that a tumbler takes up to a month to polish. Does that really mean it is running nonstop 24/7 for a whole month? Doesn't the engine overheat after awhile?
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Post by paulshiroma on Oct 18, 2011 8:56:09 GMT -5
Yes, the tumblers will run 24/7 and often take a minimum of four weeks or longer. The motors are properly protected and won't overheat so no worries on that part. As an aside, I clear a little area in your garage to run them, otherwise, you'll be serenaded by the sounds of tumbling, grinding rocks throughout the night. You might want to check through some of the tumbling threads on how long folks have run their rocks to get an idea of what to expect. The four week thing is from the stock directions that come with a tumbler. The agates and jasper that I've run often take longer, six to eight weeks is pretty typical but again, check in with the more senior members. I'm still figuring things out! Paul
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Post by jakesrocks on Oct 18, 2011 9:00:17 GMT -5
Yep, they run constantly. The motors run hot to the touch, but any of the good tumblers have built in thermal overload. Which mean that if the motor gets too hot, it'll shut itself down and cool off. If you live in a very hot area, it might be a good idea to put one of those little desk fans nearby, and blow cool air over the motor. ---- Don
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Post by catmandewe on Oct 29, 2011 23:50:42 GMT -5
I do have a 6 lb Lortone rotating tumbler with a metal barrel, would be a very good tumbler and the way it is constructed it would be a faster grind than any of the 3 lbers. Only problem is it has no motor. I can order a motor for it and get it working for you if you are interested in it, cost would be about $100 with the new motor. I can throw in rocks and some grit for free. I do have one 5 lb vibrating tumbler, but it is also minus the motor for it will cost more than $100 just to get a new motor for it. It also takes quite a bit of rock to keep a 5 lb vibe tumbler fed and you still need a rotary for the initial rough grind.
I have some older motors but I have not had good luck with them, and I would rather not sell you a tumbler you have to tinker with. New might be better but if you want to go this route there is the option.
Have a great day..............Tony
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slabcabber
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2010
Posts: 590
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Post by slabcabber on Nov 1, 2011 20:08:23 GMT -5
I have a tumbler for sale but it is rather a big one . But the price is right
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