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Post by toiv0 on Mar 6, 2016 12:40:04 GMT -5
A friends son has been on the receiving end of some my polished rocks, fossils and specimens for the last few years. We are looking for a reasonable set up for a beginner that will insure this hobby will be a pleasant experience so its something he will want to stick with. I mentioned it will be something mom and dad will want to participate in to start, maybe we will have 2 or three hooked. I have never owned or used any starter set up as my tumblers are gleaned from sales and friends.
So here is the question, what would the members here recommend for a young (pre teen) beginner and his parents who know nothing about rocks. We would be looking at price obviously, durability, kits, and best bang for the buck.
I did a few searches on the forum and didn't really find what I wanted. So if anyone knows of a thread similar pleas link it for us.
I have share with them a link to this forum so hopefully they will join and share their adventures.
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,175
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Post by jamesp on Mar 6, 2016 12:42:44 GMT -5
12 pound or 6 pound Lortone is a good one.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Mar 6, 2016 12:52:25 GMT -5
I love my Lortone tumblers. I have a 33b and a QT66. I also have a small double barrel AR2 Thumlers that I don't like nearly as much. I definitely recommend a double barrel because you get more for your money. If there's enough money left, I'd get a Lot-O. It saves a ton of money on grit, takes less time, and is easy to use. Buy from The Rock Shed to save some money. Grit and rough rock is discounted when buying a tumbler.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Mar 6, 2016 13:11:32 GMT -5
Budget is key to answering your question. I prefer my lortone 12 pound barrels over my 6 pounders but for a beginner that might not always have 12 pounds of rough rock the QT66 with two six pound barrels might make more sense. When the budget allows stepping up to a loto or similar vibe will speed things up and likely improve their results. Part of the equation is also how much rock they will have to tumble on a regular basis.
Chuck
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Post by Jugglerguy on Mar 6, 2016 14:30:22 GMT -5
Drummond Island Rocks, why do you prefer the 12 lb. barrel over the six? I would have thought they'd work about the same since the diameter is the same.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Mar 6, 2016 14:37:35 GMT -5
Drummond Island Rocks, why do you prefer the 12 lb. barrel over the six? I would have thought they'd work about the same since the diameter is the same. I just think I get better action in the larger barrel especially for stage one. The proportion of size on on the 6 pounders throw me off too. Being so short but such large diameter makes it hard to judge the 75% full rule. Might just be a preference thing. Chuck
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Post by spiceman on Mar 6, 2016 21:56:49 GMT -5
Well, a newbie myself. I think harbor freight has as a 3lb. Tumbler and a to barrel tumbler that works great for me. I've had no troubles ...yet. been using it for about 8 months and it does a good job at a good price. I got the info Off of this site, so it has to be alright. Also, they sell grit but the low cost of grit( if you call it that) they have a good price. It's wroth checking it out. Make sure you enjoy it before you invest lots of money in equipment. Because I think that's a major factor in The first tumbling experience. In the end this is a good site because of all the good people that will help you. You just have to ask the questions.
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zrock1
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2016
Posts: 24
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Post by zrock1 on Mar 7, 2016 20:53:06 GMT -5
Definately start out with something within your budget. I started out my little girl with a 3lb tumbler. Just wanted to see if she liked it.. this summer I'm going to build a tumbler as she likes it and I want to run multiple barrels and she has some bigger rock that will not fit.. sorta paperweight rocks...lol
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Post by toiv0 on Mar 9, 2016 5:07:59 GMT -5
Thanks everyone, I guess it just comes down to what their budget is.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2016 14:02:19 GMT -5
Has harbor freight upped their quality?
A few years ago motors failed in weeks not months.
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Post by toiv0 on Mar 9, 2016 15:06:04 GMT -5
thanks
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