dshalldms
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2008
Posts: 113
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Post by dshalldms on Sept 4, 2014 10:02:50 GMT -5
Hi,
Does anyone use a Vibro Tumbler with no moving parts.
If so, how do they compare with a normal Vibro Tumbler?
Regards,
Derek
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panamark
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,343
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Post by panamark on Sept 4, 2014 10:26:11 GMT -5
Confused. I am not sure how you have vibration and have no moving parts. By definition it moves.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Sept 4, 2014 10:33:33 GMT -5
Confused. I am not sure how you have vibration and have no moving parts. By definition it moves. www.diamondpacific.com/Tumblers/mt-4svmini-sonic.html"The MT-4 Mini-Sonic Tumbler operates without shafts belts, pulleys, eccentric weight or even a motor—no moving parts, so the MT-4 will far outlast other types of tumblers. It operates on a unique principle employing interrupted electrical current that provides vibration as the driving force powering the rotation of the load. Operating frequency is in excess of 3,500 vibrations per minute." I heard good things about them from someone that uses one but it does not seem that many folks here on the board use them. Chuck
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,546
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Post by tkvancil on Sept 4, 2014 10:44:37 GMT -5
About $180 for a 4# Lot-O or Thumlers vibe. About $250 for a 4# Ultra Sonic. Maybe why we don't have a lot of users?
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panamark
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,343
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Post by panamark on Sept 4, 2014 13:57:03 GMT -5
Confused. I am not sure how you have vibration and have no moving parts. By definition it moves. www.diamondpacific.com/Tumblers/mt-4svmini-sonic.html"The MT-4 Mini-Sonic Tumbler operates without shafts belts, pulleys, eccentric weight or even a motor—no moving parts, so the MT-4 will far outlast other types of tumblers. It operates on a unique principle employing interrupted electrical current that provides vibration as the driving force powering the rotation of the load. Operating frequency is in excess of 3,500 vibrations per minute." I heard good things about them from someone that uses one but it does not seem that many folks here on the board use them. Chuck The barrel still has to move doesn't it? The "no moving parts" is a bit misleading I think.
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,813
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Post by gemfeller on Sept 4, 2014 15:14:22 GMT -5
Derek, I've used one of the original 2-barrel Viking MiniSonics for many years now. That's the line DP acquired and it appears to me DP hasn't done much if anything to change the original design or materials. Considering the durability and long-lasting effectiveness of my machine I wouldn't consider using any other brand. The initial cost's a bit higher but I've saved that many times over by never having to replace a barrel or anything else. My only complaint is my machine's a little noisier than when I bought it and hopefully DP has addressed that issue. It's not a problem for me because I run mine in an area where the noise doesn't bother anyone.
As for the question of "no moving parts," yes, the barrels move slightly but there are no moving parts beyond the electrical contacts that create the vibration. IMO the genius of the design is the way the thick, tough neoprene barrel is shaped to create both a vibrating and tumbling action simultaneously. The contents roll around gently, rubbing against each other as in rotary tumbling but also vibrating against each other. The action can be set from low to high vibration. Like other vibes it doesn't do the best job of rounding rough stones. I think most agree that's a job best done by a rotary. But once the rough edges are ground away, it makes very short work of sanding and polishing.
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panamark
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,343
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Post by panamark on Sept 4, 2014 18:20:30 GMT -5
As for the question of "no moving parts," yes, the barrels move slightly but there are no moving parts beyond the electrical contacts that create the vibration. IMO the genius of the design is the way the thick, tough neoprene barrel is shaped to create both a vibrating and tumbling action simultaneously. The contents roll around gently, rubbing against each other as in rotary tumbling but also vibrating against each other. The action can be set from low to high vibration.
I always thought the ability to adjust the amount of agitation would be a very useful thing. Wonder why nobody else does this. So this machine uses an electromagnetic process to move the barrel? Very interesting idea. Seems like a neat idea .... if only the price were better, LOL.
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dshalldms
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2008
Posts: 113
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Post by dshalldms on Sept 5, 2014 5:09:58 GMT -5
Hi,
Thank you all for your comments.
I find concept interesting. I suppose it works on the same principle as an electric bell using a simple electro magnet. I wonder why they are so expensive?
Regards,
Derek
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