DWL787
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2017
Posts: 1
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Post by DWL787 on Apr 4, 2017 16:17:07 GMT -5
Hello Everyone, I wanted to get into polishing Rocks - did it has a kid and have a few questions. Hope posting in right place. - What is the difference between Rock Polisher and a Rock Tumbler? As starting kinda fresh, we want to down the road (maybe sooner than we think lol) start creating jewelry but for now just like to polish some rocks and have fun doing it - So what would people recommend for a starter kit? I want a fairly well build/lasting polisher and money no real object. and of we prob. only be polishing rocks up to size of an large egg for now anyway - can upgrade if get really into it
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Post by 150FromFundy on Apr 4, 2017 16:53:42 GMT -5
1) Start with a rotary tumbler, not a vibratory tumbler. You can add a vibratory tumbler after you get the basics of rotary tumbling mastered.
2) Thumler (red) and Lorotone (blue) are popular choices for tumblers. They are simple machines and easily repaired when wear parts need replacing.
3) Now you have to decide how large a machine and how many barrels you want to run at a time. Small rotary tumblers have a single 3 lb barrel, or even double or triple 3 lb barrels. Larger single barrel machines may use 6 lb, 10 lb, or 15 lb barrel. A popular choice me be a Thumler AR-2 with two 3 lb barrels. This is what I started out with, but soon needed more capacity as I got hooked.
Welcome aboard and good luck. Many opinions will be offered here.
Darryl.
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Post by aDave on Apr 4, 2017 17:01:57 GMT -5
I would agree with Darryl, but with the smaller Thumlers, I've read (no experience with them) that the lids on the smaller their smaller tumblers can be difficult to seal and can be prone to leaking. Others may jump in with their tips for working with them. I'm still relatively new (back into the hobby after a LONG break), but my rotaries are Lortone, and the barrels are very easy to seal up. Our first tumbler was a Lortone 45c which is a single 4 lb barrel. Never a leak on any of them. Good luck.
Dave
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Apr 4, 2017 17:03:01 GMT -5
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Post by accidentalrockhound on Apr 4, 2017 23:36:30 GMT -5
If you want to polish rocks vibes and tumblers, if you want to cab you need a titan with 8" wheels if you don't mind the cost?slabbing and cabbing is instant beauty, tumbling for weeks or months outsatanding beauty just the same...cabbing is hands on fun!!alot to think about?
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 5, 2017 0:01:48 GMT -5
AS for your question on terminology I think "rock polisher" is usually units geared more for children and their limited attention spans. Lortone and Thumlers are both good made in USA hobby level tumblers. Properly maintained they will outlast the user. If you want to do egg sizes better look at 6 lb. or larger. LOrtone QT66 is a good choice with two 6 lb. barrels. Dedicate one for polish. When you want a 12 lb. tumbler buy the drum and use it on the QT66, same frame ad motor. In Thumlers the model B 12-15 lb. is by far their best.
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