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Post by chad on May 22, 2012 17:33:50 GMT -5
Is it actually possible to damage a minisonic by overloading the barrel? Without an actual motor to burn out, seems like the electrical pulses would just move the barrel less, but I can't think of how this would actually kill the tumbler. You know, like what happens if you actually fill a Lortone to the 2/3 mark So... Inadequate pulse to raise the barrel mount, which would cause issues with the tumbling action... But would it actually hurt the equipment itself?
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Post by johnjsgems on May 22, 2012 19:10:25 GMT -5
No, they are designed to run full.
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MrCoffee
has rocks in the head
Member since December 2005
Posts: 634
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Post by MrCoffee on Dec 24, 2013 0:24:55 GMT -5
I just got a used MiniSonic, and found that over loading the barrel will only slow the movement of material. When I took enough out where the size of the load matched the curvature of the barrel, everything started moving very quickly. You need to keep the load at least 2" from the barrel's rim, and then everything works great.
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 24, 2013 11:24:00 GMT -5
I've had several and always ran them full. But at least 30% was ceramic media to keep things separated. They work really well with the DP Vibra Dry compounds too.
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MrCoffee
has rocks in the head
Member since December 2005
Posts: 634
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Post by MrCoffee on Dec 24, 2013 11:55:41 GMT -5
I downloaded the owner's manual from Diamond Pacific, and it states that the barrel is full when the stones are just below the neck of the barrel. So yes, I also run mine with a full barrel. It's a very nice tumbler, and so far I am liking it far better than my Lot-O-Tumbler. So much, that I may even put up a review on Amazon.
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,019
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Post by gemfeller on Dec 24, 2013 15:44:08 GMT -5
I've owned and used a 2-barrel Mini-Sonic for many years. I even have an instruction book written by its inventor. He recommends loading 75 to 80% full by volume for best rotation. I've found that works best for me.
Rick
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 26, 2013 20:46:10 GMT -5
The book is from Geosonics?
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,019
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Post by gemfeller on Dec 26, 2013 21:17:04 GMT -5
Hi John,
The title is "Secrets of the Pros Revealed: How to Tumble Rocks into Gems" Volume I, Second Edition, by Edward E. Smith, inventor of the Mini-Sonic and Vibra-Sonic Tumblers.
A letter that came with the book (published in 1995) says in part: "Following 46 years of continuously manufacturing tumbling equipment and polishing compounds, the products made under the trade names of Viking Vibra-Sonic, Mini-Sonic, Micro-Sonic and Vibra-Dry have been purchased by Diamond Pacific Tool Co., of Barstow, CA. The publishing rights to our books however, are the exceptions." The "Our" is Edward E. and Jerralyn Smith, Publishers of "Secrets of the Pros" books.
I'm no longer particularly interested in tumbling stones but added the book to my library for historical reasons. I also read a great deal about lapidary, gemological and geological subjects with the rationale that there's no such thing as useless information.
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 27, 2013 12:42:54 GMT -5
I've had several "pre Diamond Pacific" Mini Sonics. All had a Geosonics label with a midwest address. Other than strange colors they were identical. Interesting concept using electromagnetic pulse to vibrate rather than an out of balance motor.
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,019
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Post by gemfeller on Dec 27, 2013 13:46:49 GMT -5
That's interesting. I just checked the label on my old machine (which is dark blue, by the way) and it's a Mini-Sonic. But the manufacturer shown is Geosonics at the New London, Iowa address of Edward Smith. I'd forgotten that trade name. Other than being a little noisier than when new, my machine works just fine after all these years. I think the barrel design is great. It combines rotary grinding with vibration and yet is very gentle on the contents. It's a great invention.
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MrCoffee
has rocks in the head
Member since December 2005
Posts: 634
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Post by MrCoffee on Dec 27, 2013 20:41:39 GMT -5
The one I have is a dark grey color, with a dark blue lid on the hopper. It is labeled as a "Creative Technologies" of New London, Iowa. Mine is a bit newer than the Geosonics, but still prior to Diamond Pacific. I did call them, and was informed that all parts are interchangeable, with nothing changed. They'll be around for a long time, and I'm happy for that.
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,019
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Post by gemfeller on Dec 27, 2013 21:42:00 GMT -5
Yeah, I recall a number of marketing changes from the New London people over the years. I'm glad to know all the parts are interchangeable with the DP machines because I bought 4 barrels, one for each of the grits I use, and if the base ever gives out I won't have to replace them all.
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Post by toiv0 on Apr 2, 2018 17:25:48 GMT -5
Yeah, I recall a number of marketing changes from the New London people over the years. I'm glad to know all the parts are interchangeable with the DP machines because I bought 4 barrels, one for each of the grits I use, and if the base ever gives out I won't have to replace them all. Did you still use the Geo Sonic?
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,019
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Post by gemfeller on Apr 2, 2018 17:37:25 GMT -5
Hi @toivo, yes it still works very well. Noisy, as I mentioned, but it gets the job done quickly and consistently. I don't use it day in, day out, but now and then I run a batch of faceting rough so I can judge clarity, etc. It's a great machine. I also use it occasionally to process batches of give-away cabs. All my other cabs are completely hand-polished.
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Post by toiv0 on Apr 2, 2018 18:00:18 GMT -5
Hi @toivo, yes it still works very well. Noisy, as I mentioned, but it gets the job done quickly and consistently. I don't use it day in, day out, but now and then I run a batch of faceting rough so I can judge clarity, etc. It's a great machine. I also use it occasionally to process batches of give-away cabs. All my other cabs are completely hand-polished. Thanks, just bought an old one off eBay for 75 bucks with shipping. Heck a new barrel was 60. Seen it was made by same company with different name. Appreciate you input. Now if I can figure out this Lot-o.
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Post by broseph82 on Apr 2, 2018 18:42:37 GMT -5
Hi @toivo, yes it still works very well. Noisy, as I mentioned, but it gets the job done quickly and consistently. I don't use it day in, day out, but now and then I run a batch of faceting rough so I can judge clarity, etc. It's a great machine. I also use it occasionally to process batches of give-away cabs. All my other cabs are completely hand-polished. I have the older model as well. At first I didnt like it, but now that I have my recipe down pat i like it. Much more gentle than Lot-O plus I can dial down the speed for softer stuff. Takes a day longer for polish and slower, but thats not too bad. I got two hoppers with mine. One is louder than the other. I think the grinding hopper is heavier and therefore is less noisy than the lighter polishing hopper.
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Post by toiv0 on Apr 2, 2018 21:58:02 GMT -5
Hi @toivo, yes it still works very well. Noisy, as I mentioned, but it gets the job done quickly and consistently. I don't use it day in, day out, but now and then I run a batch of faceting rough so I can judge clarity, etc. It's a great machine. I also use it occasionally to process batches of give-away cabs. All my other cabs are completely hand-polished. I have the older model as well. At first I didnt like it, but now that I have my recipe down pat i like it. Much more gentle than mini-sonic plus I can dial down the speed for softer stuff. Takes a day longer for polish and slower, but thats not too bad. I got two hoppers with mine. One is louder than the other. I think the grinding hopper is heavier and therefore is less noisy than the lighter polishing hopper. Have a mini sonic and have been using it to harden and clean up jewelry. I figured for 75 bucks and if it doesn't work I will end up with another barrel.
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lanavy2307
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2021
Posts: 2
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Post by lanavy2307 on Oct 30, 2021 10:25:22 GMT -5
I am on my second mini-sonic. I love them but the first one would just stop running on me for no apparent reason. Now it seems like my second one which is a newer model is doing the same thing. If I turn it off and then back on it will start running again. Anyone have any ideas? I am in hot and humid Louisiana.
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Post by perkins17 on Oct 30, 2021 10:28:52 GMT -5
I am on my second mini-sonic. I love them but the first one would just stop running on me for no apparent reason. Now it seems like my second one which is a newer model is doing the same thing. If I turn it off and then back on it will start running again. Anyone have any ideas? I am in hot and humid Louisiana.
Welcome to the forum! I have the mt-4 model probably from the 70s that works great. I have heard they have no motor so maybe a loose wire? Does it make any noise when turned on?
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waterboysh
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2021
Posts: 386
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Post by waterboysh on Jul 27, 2022 14:56:14 GMT -5
now that I have my recipe down pat i like it. Much more gentle than Lot-O plus I can dial down the speed for softer stuff. Takes a day longer for polish and slower, but thats not too bad. The motor on my Lot-o went out after 4 months and I'm highly considering replacing it with a Mini Sonic. For now I'm just researching it and trying to figure out how it's different. Mind sharing your recipe? I know it's variable speed... how does that play into things?
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