osuguy0301
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 203
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Post by osuguy0301 on Dec 29, 2015 9:50:10 GMT -5
Hello all,
I am just getting into tumbling and I was wondering where are some of the best places to buy rough rock for tumbling? Unfortunately for me, I live in an area that doesn't have any rock shops close by. I live in eastern Ohio and Wheeling, Wv doesn't have any and my next closest options are in Pittsburgh, Pa and Canton, Oh, both of which are about an hour away. So it looks like I will probably be buying off the internet.
Being new to this hobby, I am not sure what is decent quality for the price and what isn't. Right now I am tumbling mixed medium rough that I got from the Rock Shed with my tumbler. All kinds of places sell rough rock for all different prices: Amazon, eBay, various online rock shops. Currently, I would like to stick with mixes of the same hardness or rocks that are easier for a beginner to work with. What are some places where you have gotten good quality rock for a good price? What are some suggestions on rocks I should stick to tumbling until I get comfortable with the process?
We also have a number of aggregate companies around that sell everything from driveway gravel to landscaping rock. Is it worth poking around those places and see what they have to sell, especially in the way of decorative/landscape rocks?
Thanks, Jake
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bsky4463
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2013
Posts: 1,696
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Post by bsky4463 on Dec 29, 2015 10:00:03 GMT -5
Jake - welcome to the forum.... I number of folks on RTH have purchase tumbling rough from the Rock Shed, in addition to supplies. Shawn, the proprietor is a great guy. Check them out: www.therockshed.com/crushedrock.html. Also keep your eye on the swap/sell board here - occasionally members sell and trade tumble stock. Cheers.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,709
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Post by Fossilman on Dec 29, 2015 10:09:45 GMT -5
Living in Ohio,you should be able to get flint by the tons...It tumbles great ...Andy did steer you the right direction too........
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Post by adam on Dec 29, 2015 10:34:17 GMT -5
Agates, jasper, chalcedony would be the best for a beginner tumbler, hard to mess up. $5.00 a pound doesn't seem too bad, wouldn't spend much more unless they were good quality agate. But since you're in Ohio with limited natural resources buying online seems your best bet, if transportation is a problem.
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osuguy0301
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 203
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Post by osuguy0301 on Dec 29, 2015 10:48:17 GMT -5
Fossilman, I plan on heading out to Flint Ridge this spring. I should have enough rough rock in my basement to get me until spring. I know how I am though, before long I will have 3+ tumblers running and be looking for 100's of lbs of rock. My wife will be cussing herself up and down for getting me started into this....lol
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Post by Jugglerguy on Dec 29, 2015 11:01:33 GMT -5
Agates and jaspers are usually recommended as the easiest rocks to start with. They're hard, so they take a long time, but the hardness also makes them easier to get a shine on.
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 29, 2015 11:05:22 GMT -5
Check with Tony at Idaho Rock Shop. He is a forum member and a good guy.
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Post by manofglass on Dec 29, 2015 11:22:05 GMT -5
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Post by paulshiroma on Dec 29, 2015 22:25:46 GMT -5
I've bought from both The Rock Shed and from Idaho Rock Shop with excellent results and service. If you need more equipment for your addiction ... I mean HOBBY ... see johnjsgems (above).
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