custommike
starting to shine!
Member since November 2012
Posts: 42
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Post by custommike on Dec 22, 2012 18:57:14 GMT -5
I am trying to pick up a decent tumbler from ebay and see a ton of tumblers for reloading/case polishing. Will these work with rocks as well?
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shermlock
has rocks in the head
Member since August 2011
Posts: 612
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Post by shermlock on Dec 22, 2012 19:17:27 GMT -5
Most of those are not strong enough to handle a load of rocks and will quickly burn out. Many of the people on here have tried to use them with little long term success. Scott
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 22, 2012 20:03:32 GMT -5
Depends on brand. If it says for dry polishing only it won't handle rock. The better rock vibes will handle both. Stick to Gy-Roc, Thumler's INDUSTRIAL, Mini Sonic, or Lotto. All are tried and proven. Tools/equipment are like shoes. Buy good quality and the correct one and you will be money ahead.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Dec 22, 2012 20:44:38 GMT -5
I just wanna point out something that John said, "Thumler's industrial". Be sure to get their industrial tumbler, because Thumlers make a cheaper version of this tumbler that's only good for shell casings, nuts and bolts. Your best bet is to get a nice tumbler from a reputable lapidary dealer. If you end up with a cheap tumbler, you'll be trying to make chicken salad out of chicken sh't and there will be nothing but disappointment. I've had my Thumlers UV-10 since 2005, it's in the garage running right now. I've done countless loads with awesome results. Always remember that you get what you pay for.
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custommike
starting to shine!
Member since November 2012
Posts: 42
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Post by custommike on Dec 24, 2012 16:17:04 GMT -5
I am looking for something a little more low budget than that... Has anyone used the Harbor freight vib tumbler with success?
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Tousled Owl
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2011
Posts: 130
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Post by Tousled Owl on Dec 24, 2012 23:02:31 GMT -5
Yes, but only after I rebuilt it, replacing pretty much everything involved with holding the bowl to the base with stainless steel and nylon lock-nuts (and no small amount of loc-tite as insurance). I'm using Vibra-dry grit from 600 up (the version I have - dark blue bowl, 4 or 5 pound capacity, depending on which catalog entry you run across - won't do wet, little did I know). I wouldn't have bothered retro-fitting it, but I was well into extra bowls and Vibra-dry before I came in one morning to find the beast flinging my abrasive and stones all over the workshop after the cheap threaded rod holding the lid to the bowl ground its own threads off overnight.
Still have to watch it like a hawk, and it will probably find a way to disgorge itself all over the place again. Having done all this to the 'carriage', the motor will probably retire from the pitch next. At some point I will get cheesed off enough to get a/some Mini-sonic(s).
Everyone else here likes Ultra-vibes and has good results with them, but the idea of no moving parts (if I'm understanding the principle correctly) appeals to me.
In summary, Harbor Freight vibe = continual adventures in mechanical engineering and field expedients.
Happy holidays, Jack
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Post by catmandewe on Dec 24, 2012 23:52:58 GMT -5
I have gy-roc, mini-sonic and thumlers, never have had a chance to try a lot-o. I prefer the thumlers out of all of them.
I would stay far away from the harbor freight one.
Tony
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Post by Bikerrandy on Dec 25, 2012 21:32:45 GMT -5
One of the guys that I sell cabs to had a Harbor Freight vibe (Chicago Electric), burned up the first day. Honestly, I'd rather spend $200 than throw away $60.
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