|
Post by radio on Jun 22, 2014 14:32:24 GMT -5
After getting a dual 3# Thumlers many years ago and getting so so results, I am being bitten by the tumbling bug again thanks to Tommy and Chuck I had requested some tumbled stones to give away to the Kids who stop by and are fascinated with rocks and these guys stepped up I have a decent amount of grits and cerium oxide stashed away and a very good supply of rocks to tumble. I will most likely cut up some slabs on the trim saw, or perhaps break a few for the first tumbles. If I were to buy a new, or near new new vibe tumbler, what are the recommendations? I know Lortone is one of the priciest out there, so is there a good alternative? I won't be using it heavily and just for freebie rocks for the kiddos at the shop
|
|
|
Post by Jugglerguy on Jun 22, 2014 22:15:58 GMT -5
I don't think Lortone makes a vibe tumbler. The most popular vibes here are the Lot-O and the Thumlers UV-10 or UV-18. I have a Lot-O and I like it a lot. I like the smaller size. It holds 4.5 lbs, while the Thumlers hold 10 or 18 lbs. I have two 6 lb. rotaries and two 3 lb. rotaries that cannot keep my Lot-O supplied. The downside to the Lot-O is that it needs to be attached to a concrete block with the holes filled with concrete. The barrel also needs to have a hole in the bottom filled with epoxy or something similar. Neither of these were a big deal, but they turn some people off because you can't really use it the day you get it. If I remember correctly, the Lot-O is quieter than the Thumlers.
The nice thing about vibes in general is that they use very little grit and finish rocks very quickly.
|
|
|
Post by catmandewe on Jun 23, 2014 0:52:56 GMT -5
I have a gy-roc 18 and a thumlers UV18, they both do about the same job but the gyroc I can also add a flat lap to the top of it. It is also more expensive. If you are just getting a vibe for the kiddos I would get either the Thumlers UV-10 or 18, make sure you get the bowls for rocks and not the lighter ones for tumbling brass.
Tony
|
|
|
Post by radio on Jun 23, 2014 8:12:38 GMT -5
Thanks guys for some reason I was thinking Lortone makes the Lot-O I have read where some of you do the coarse grind in your rotary and prepolish and polish in the Vibe. any reason for not doing coarse in the Vibe other than not buying an extra barrel for it?
|
|
|
Post by Jugglerguy on Jun 23, 2014 8:51:59 GMT -5
I think you used the word "rotary" a couple times when you meant to say "vibe". I rough tumble in rotaries and do all other stages I my vibe. The vibe tumbler won't shape your rocks much. The rotary rounds everything out. If you like your rocks nicely rounded, a rotary tumbler is the way to go. I've never done a batch in just my rotary or just my vibratory. I've always used the combination. Doing batches in just one type is on my list of things to try this summer though.
|
|
|
Post by radio on Jun 23, 2014 9:54:51 GMT -5
I think you used the word "rotary" a couple times when you meant to say "vibe". I rough tumble in rotaries and do all other stages I my vibe. The vibe tumbler won't shape your rocks much. The rotary rounds everything out. If you like your rocks nicely rounded, a rotary tumbler is the way to go. I've never done a batch in just my rotary or just my vibratory. I've always used the combination. Doing batches in just one type is on my list of things to try this summer though. Thanks for the catch on that. I didn't get much sleep last night. I will edit and correct the info
|
|
tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by tkvancil on Jun 23, 2014 12:14:43 GMT -5
I own a thumlers UV18. Takes a lot of rock to fill it. Does a fine job and really fast compared to rotary. From what I've seen here the Lot-o does a fine job as well. The smaller size of the Lot-o might be good for your needs as described. Don't think you can go wrong with either brand.
|
|
The Dad_Ohs
fully equipped rock polisher
Take me to your Labradorite!!
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,860
|
Post by The Dad_Ohs on Jun 25, 2014 16:25:51 GMT -5
Thumlers, Gy-Roc, Lot-O are the 3 most popular vibes out there.
Never use anything courser than 120/220 in a vibe to start as courser grits will burn through the bowl in no time. plus the action of a vibe tumbler is faster and more intense than a rotary tumbler which is why the 120/220 start as oppossed to say 60 or 60/90 grit for a rotary tumbler.
I have done rotary course/medium and vibe to finish, and also vibe start to finish, even rotary start to finish, it depends on the amount of material you are trying to get done and the size of your machines!!
Good Luck with it all!!
|
|
|
Post by radio on Jun 25, 2014 18:37:54 GMT -5
Thanks all. I have one barrel of one inch or so broken slab pieces going in 220 grit right now. I smoothed up and rounded off the broken edges on a diamond wheel before putting them in the tumbler. when they finish the 220, I will rinse well and pour in some 600 then go to polish. The faces of the slabs were pretty smooth with no saw marks, so they should come out pretty decent.
Geez! I haven't tumbled anything for over 10 years!
|
|