huskeric
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2016
Posts: 353
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Post by huskeric on Jun 3, 2016 11:05:08 GMT -5
Thanks to everyone for their advice/counsel on my Model T. I am going to buy a second tumbler, because in doing the math on just the rocks that my boys and I have collected the past month or so, we have enough rough to keep that little guy rolling 24x7x365 for the next 20 years or so. (OK, maybe not that long, but...)
So I was looking at the Lortone A-R2, but then saw that there is a bigger version of that, the QT12/QT66. I like that one, because I could do either 12lbs or two 6lb loads, but am concerned about how that one would do with smaller batches.
I *think* that if I wanted to run smaller batches, the only thing I would need to do is add tumbling media to fill that extra void, but wanted to check with people who really know what they're doing before pulling the trigger. I wish that I had the initiative/time to build my own, because I have seen some of the really nice rigs you all have built, but I think I am better off buying a known commodity, and spending my time running batches of rocks instead of running to the hardware store for baling wire and duct tape to keep my Frankenstein Monster running. =)
I also saw this rig on eBay, and am interested to know if anyone has used the MJP Tumbler model 15P. It looks like a nice clean, simple tumbler, and looks like good quality.
Thanks for your input!!!
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rastageezer
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 169
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Post by rastageezer on Jun 3, 2016 15:30:35 GMT -5
The Lortone QT12/QT66 is a good choice. Buy it from the Rock Shed with plenty of coarse grit (at least 10 lbs) Then plan on getting a Lot-O vibe to do your finishing in.
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Post by MrP on Jun 3, 2016 16:50:01 GMT -5
huskeric I have many tumblers and think the QT 66 is a good option when buying new, then look for a used 12lb barrel as another option. That set up gives you many options on tumbling loads. As far as for finishing I have 2 Lot-O vibs that work great but I really like the UV 10 with the UV 10 MB tub, that holds 4 lbs. I know I am talking a fair amount of money but with this set up many size and types of loads can be run and both of these units run a long time. Just my opinion, others WILL vary..................MrP
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Post by orrum on Jun 3, 2016 16:54:54 GMT -5
Tumble fodder is what I call filler in a rotary tumbler. Driveway gravel, broken glass, wine stoppers, aquarium gravel, broken pieces of commode etc. Some of these even tumble out very pretty. Johnny Stone or ceramic commode chunks look good even!!! LOL. Welcome to the zany world of ROCK ADDICTION!!#
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,562
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Post by jamesp on Jun 3, 2016 17:12:42 GMT -5
I'm w/ orrum. Tumble all kinds of stuff. But tumble. Lot's of room for the imagination.
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huskeric
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2016
Posts: 353
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Post by huskeric on Jun 3, 2016 19:50:03 GMT -5
I appreciate everyone's thoughts (and sense of humor). I think my next purchase will be the QT66. Then, if I can get away with it, the Lot O vibratory tumbler. Should I hold off on final polishing until I get the Lot-O? Or would it be something that I could "enhance" what I did in the tumbler?
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Post by orrum on Jun 3, 2016 20:31:01 GMT -5
Jamesp, Chuck or Rob or others can answer that. I have seen some awesome rotary polished batches on here!
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Jun 3, 2016 20:59:05 GMT -5
Jamesp, Chuck or Rob or others can answer that. I have seen some awesome rotary polished batches on here! Rotary will put an awesome shine on agates and jaspers but you need to take time and expense into consideration. My stage one is always rotary so I do not include that in my comparisons. Fully rotary 3 pound barrel. Stage two (120/220) was one week and 3 tablespoons of grit. stage three (500 A/O) was 10 days and tablespoons of grit. Polish was 2 tablespoons of A/O for three weeks. Rotary stage one then loto for the rest. Stage two (120/220) was one day and 2 tablespoons of grit. stage three (500 A/O) was 3 days and 1/2 teaspoon of grit. Polish was 1/2 teaspoon of A/O for three days. Chuck
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Jun 3, 2016 21:05:39 GMT -5
Lortone qt66 or qt12 are both excellent choices. I like my 12 pound barrels better for stage one but two sixes are a popular here on RTH too.
Chuck
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2016 22:53:20 GMT -5
Jamesp, Chuck or Rob or others can answer that. I have seen some awesome rotary polished batches on here! Rotary will put an awesome shine on agates and jaspers but you need to take time and expense into consideration. My stage one is always rotary so I do not include that in my comparisons. Fully rotary 3 pound barrel. Stage two (120/220) was one week and 3 tablespoons of grit. stage three (500 A/O) was 10 days and tablespoons of grit. Polish was 2 tablespoons of A/O for three weeks. Rotary stage one then loto for the rest. Stage two (120/220) was one day and 2 tablespoons of grit. stage three (500 A/O) was 3 days and 1/2 teaspoon of grit. Polish was 1/2 teaspoon of A/O for three days. Chuck That is literally the perfect answer. This thread is done. The OP has enough knowledge to make the right decision. The only thing remaining is for the OP to show us pics of the purchase so we know what he did!
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huskeric
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2016
Posts: 353
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Post by huskeric on Jun 8, 2016 16:51:27 GMT -5
MAN, you gotta put the pressure on me, don't you, Chuck! =) I am still running stage 1 on my first batch. My brother in law happened to have a Thumler 33b and a PVC homemade barrel that he had used for something else a long time ago, so he hooked me up with that. I have another 6lb batch in there as we speak. Hopefully I'll get a few out of there that are worthy of posting pics.
I definitely want a Lot-O now, but they are NOT cheap, are they? I know, you get what you pay for. Thanks everyone for this!
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