don
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2019
Posts: 9
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Post by don on Jan 19, 2019 21:34:33 GMT -5
1) I am ready to purchase my first rock tumbler for myself and one grandchild. I am wanting to spend less than $250.00. I am considering: {a} the MJR Tumblers Tumbler with grit kit; OR {b} the Thumler's Tumbler Heavy Duty Rotary Rock Tumbler; OR {c} the Tru-square Metal Products Heavy Duty Rotary Tumbler. All three have a 15lb capacity. Anyone have any thoughts about which would of these would be the best?
2) Are ceramic beads as good or better than poly-plastics; or do I need both?
3) What is the best grit kit? {a} National Graphic, OR {b} Polly Plastics Rock Tumbler Tumbling Media Grit Kit & Plastic Filler in Heavy Duty Resealable Bags OR {c} Lortone Abrasive Tumbling Kit? Or do you have a better idea?
Thanks for your help.
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jimaz
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2018
Posts: 476 
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Post by jimaz on Jan 19, 2019 22:24:44 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum. I’m relatively new to tumbling but I believe you would be much better off with a Lortone instead of the others you mentioned. Also, you may want to start with something smaller than 15 pound capacity. I have a Lortone 45c (four pound capacity) that I’m very happy with. I ordered mine from The Rock Shed. You will see frequent reference to this vendor throughout the forum. They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. You should be able to get a tumbler, rocks (desert jasper is a nice material to start with), and grit well within your budget. I started out without beads or ceramics, but did decide to buy a bag of pea sized aquarium gravel when I realized I needed some additional volume for cushioning. If you haven’t looked through the forum yet, I would suggest you spend some time doing so. There is a wealth of information and I found it helped me immensely. One thread in particular you may find helpful is forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/77963/tumbling-gear-101 |
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pizzano
Cave Dweller 
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Jan 19, 2019 22:36:36 GMT -5
1) I am ready to purchase my first rock tumbler for myself and one grandchild. I am wanting to spend less than $250.00. I am considering: {a} the MJR Tumblers Tumbler with grit kit; OR {b} the Thumler's Tumbler Heavy Duty Rotary Rock Tumbler; OR {c} the Tru-square Metal Products Heavy Duty Rotary Tumbler. All three have a 15lb capacity. Anyone have any thoughts about which would of these would be the best? 2) Are ceramic beads as good or better than poly-plastics; or do I need both? 3) What is the best grit kit? {a} National Graphic, OR {b} Polly Plastics Rock Tumbler Tumbling Media Grit Kit & Plastic Filler in Heavy Duty Resealable Bags OR {c} Lortone Abrasive Tumbling Kit? Or do you have a better idea? Thanks for your help. There's a very nice feature here at RTH.......when you log onto the forum page, there is an index bar at the top of the page.....go to the portal page. Everything you need to know can be found there.........rather than wait for a couple of responses from members, do a little research. The knowledge you gain by studying a little will be more rewarding in the long run, rather than a few quickies that will ultimately end with a dozen more what if's and how's.......just an educated suggestion.............and.......Welcome to RTH.......the resources here are limitless...........!
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Post by aDave on Jan 19, 2019 23:20:50 GMT -5
OP, I've moved your thread to the Rock Tumbling section, as you'll get better exposure for your questions. I actually agree with the other posts above about spending a bit more time doing some research here in the forum and look around a bit more. I'm normally not one who is inclined to tell someone to look around more, but I'm kind of curious as to why you might not be looking at any of the Lortone line for tumblers. This particular area where your thread has been moved to will be a wealth of information, and it may help you narrow your choices a bit. You've actually asked a question about tumblers that's somewhat a Pandora's box, as folks have all kinds of favorites and opinions. I, for one, am a Lortone user, so I can't help you with your tumbler question specifically. However, you've selected some awfully large tumblers to start with. Do you have a large supply of rocks that you can use to keep them filled? If not, you might want to scale back in size. Personally, I first started with a single Lortone 45C. I then made an impulse buy and purchased another, and I also bought an additional barrel. Shortly after buying that second tumbler, I bought a Lortone QT-66 which has two 6 lb barrels. If budget wasn't an issue, I'd be tempted to suggest that double barrel unit as your starting tumbler. Lortone also makes a smaller unit with 3 lb barrels, but some find them too small. Plastic and ceramic are two different animals, and each have their own pros and cons. I've had good luck with plastic and have never used ceramic. Others like ceramic and don't like plastic. Perhaps some of that suggested reading will help. Lastly, stay away from the grit kits that Nat Geo puts out. I would recommend a place like the Rock Shed for your grit and other supplies to start. Just know, whatever you end up buying, you'll use far more coarse grit 46/70 or 60/90 than any of the others, so be prepared to buy more of that. When you get closer to actually pulling the trigger on a particularly sized tumbler, we can perhaps give you some guidance as to how much grit to start with. Good luck. ETA: Welcome to the forum. |
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cabjunky
has rocks in the head
Regency Rose Plume
Member since November 2008
Posts: 683
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Post by cabjunky on Jan 20, 2019 0:01:07 GMT -5
As an answer to your original question, I would only recommend a thumlers model B, or a lortone qt12 in a 12-15 pound barrel range. Both are below $250.00, and good quality tumblers with pros and cons to both. Grit kits and tumblers I highly recommend therockshed.com. I would recommend aquarium gravel, or ceramic media over the plastic pellets. I know numerous tumbling folks that will swear by any/or all of the above. Its a personal choice. Good luck and welcome to the forum.
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Post by fernwood on Jan 20, 2019 6:06:23 GMT -5
Welcome. I would agree to start small at first. A duel 3 lb barrel tumbler can help with the learning curve. Purchasing a good one would limit any frustrations related to using an entry level tumbler.
The Rock Shed is a great place to purchase grits from and they have excellent customer service.
I use a variety of plastics, ceramics and pea gravel when tumbling. All depends on the hardness of the rocks and specific tumbling stage.
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don
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2019
Posts: 9
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Post by don on Jan 20, 2019 17:09:27 GMT -5
Thank you for the help. Any chance you can point me to a guide of the stages (or hardness of rocks) that one uses plastic, ceramic or aquarium rocks (or combination thereof)?
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Post by aDave on Jan 20, 2019 17:26:38 GMT -5
Thank you for the help. Any chance you can point me to a guide of the stages (or hardness of rocks) that one uses plastic, ceramic or aquarium rocks (or combination thereof)? Not sure exactly what you're looking for related to hardness of rocks, but being new, you should stick to rocks that are about 7.0 - 8.0 on the Mohs Scale which would include most agates, jaspers, quartz. It is easier to put a nice polish on the harder rocks, so start with those first. When you start getting around 6.0 and below, rocks are softer and harder to obtain a good shine. If you start off with rocks that are either difficult to polish, or they simply won't take one, you won't know if it's your technique that's the issue or the type of rock itself that's the problem. As far as plastic vs ceramic, take a look here. This is from a simple search in the box at the top of a forum page. Lots of threads on this topic, so you'll have lots of info to absorb. |
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,723
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Post by Fossilman on Jan 21, 2019 11:21:17 GMT -5
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gatorflash1
spending too much on rocks
Active in Delaware Mineralogical Society, Cabchon Grinding and Polishing, 2 Thumlers B's and a UV-18
Member since October 2018
Posts: 375
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Post by gatorflash1 on Jan 21, 2019 15:28:45 GMT -5
I'm using a Thumler Tumbler Model B and like it. It is a well built machine and I like the fact that I can run 15lb loads. I buy grit in large quantities, 40 lb sacks, and fill smaller ziplock freezer bags with 1 pound. I use the ceramic mixed media which is very hard (Mohs 9+). It is tough media and you can wash it off and reuse it again. A 15lb load sounds like a lot but I have found enough good agate rough supply that I can fill it many times over. You should Google "Rock Tumbling" and see what reading material you can find out about tumbling and various tumblers. Of course there are tons of posts on the forum to assist you when getting started. With a little homework, and a lot of patience, you will have created some beautifully tumbled rocks I'm sure.
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Post by aDave on Jan 21, 2019 21:01:36 GMT -5
Welcome. I would agree to start small at first. A duel 3 lb barrel tumbler can help with the learning curve. Purchasing a good one would limit any frustrations related to using an entry level tumbler. I'm not so sure that anyone mentioned to "start small." If you are referring to my post, I was only indicating to start smaller than a 15 lb barrel, unless the thing can be fed with large amounts of rock routinely. Subtle distinction, but a distinction nonetheless. Sorry, but I, personally, would consider a three-pound tumbler as entry level. Anything less borders on being a toy. That's not a knock on folks who buy them, as they're marketed as the ultimate solution for newbies. And, the bad thing is, the newbie doesn't typically know about this site to know any better. Further, given the choice, I'd steer folks away from the 3 lb barrel units. Just not enough mass there to be efficient, and times for tumbling will be protracted. There are a few tumblers here who started with 3 lb barrels, and they've since moved onto larger. Not saying a batch can't be done in a 3 lb barrel, but it's an uphill battle when compared to larger units. |
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Wooferhound
Cave Dweller
Lortone QT66 and 3A
Member since December 2016
Posts: 1,434
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Post by Wooferhound on Jan 22, 2019 7:38:04 GMT -5
I started with a 3 pound barrel and after 3 months got a dual 6 pound tumbler. The 3 pound machine takes about twice as long with only a handful of rocks when finished. The small barrel works well for softer stuff like shells. I have a lot more fun with my 6 pound barrels. Fast, lots of finished stones plus a great shine. I like to buy Bulk Grit from Kingsley North www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/category.php?catID=105380 grit for the 3 pound, and 30 grit for the 6 pound barrels |
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don
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2019
Posts: 9
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Post by don on Jan 23, 2019 17:35:00 GMT -5
Re rotary tumbling:
1) I have read about the benefits of pea gravel, ceramics and plastic beads. Has anyone tried a little of all three at the same time - for the first two stages? Ceramics and plastic at stage 3?
2) Does anyone use a little mineral oil or Armor All as a finishing touch?
3) For the using tiles - do you use plastic or ceramic tiles?
Thanks for you help
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Wooferhound
Cave Dweller
Lortone QT66 and 3A
Member since December 2016
Posts: 1,434
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Post by Wooferhound on Jan 23, 2019 22:38:39 GMT -5
Don't use beads in stage 1. The grit will break down on the pellets and be less effective on your rocks.
Plus rocks will greatly reduce in size during stage 1 so you will want to fill to 3/4 full with only rocks.
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don
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2019
Posts: 9
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Post by don on Feb 1, 2019 13:52:20 GMT -5
1) I am ready to purchase my first rock tumbler for myself and one grandchild. I am wanting to spend less than $250.00. I am considering: {a} the MJR Tumblers Tumbler with grit kit; OR {b} the Thumler's Tumbler Heavy Duty Rotary Rock Tumbler; OR {c} the Tru-square Metal Products Heavy Duty Rotary Tumbler. All three have a 15lb capacity. Anyone have any thoughts about which would of these would be the best? 2) Are ceramic beads as good or better than poly-plastics; or do I need both? 3) What is the best grit kit? {a} National Graphic, OR {b} Polly Plastics Rock Tumbler Tumbling Media Grit Kit & Plastic Filler in Heavy Duty Resealable Bags OR {c} Lortone Abrasive Tumbling Kit? Or do you have a better idea? Thanks for your help. |
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Post by arghvark on Feb 4, 2019 9:36:23 GMT -5
Lots of great advice from the experts here. I'd echo some of their advice: 15 lbs sounds yuge  as a starter tumbler unless you really have lots of rocks. I too am a Lortone fan. Their products are reliable, work well, and their customer service is excellent. A QT6 (single 6lb barrel) and QT66 (double) are both within the price range you mention and are great tumblers. As mentioned, they are vastly more efficient than the smaller ones. (I have both a 33B and a QT66.) If you continue tumbling more than a few batches, grit kits will rapidly leave you dissatisfied. I typically use at least 4-5 times as much stage 1 as the others. Nothing new here, just lending emphasis to what others have said. Argh |
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storm
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2020
Posts: 18
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Post by storm on Nov 13, 2020 0:09:09 GMT -5
Welcome from Arizona.
The MJR tumblers get a bad rap on here, but I've run my dual 6lb model almost 24/7 all of 2020 and it's fine. Needs maintenance, but seems more sturdy then other models.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,723
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Post by Fossilman on Nov 13, 2020 10:44:03 GMT -5
I started small with the little Lortone, now I have 11 Lortones!! All sizes, for doing any material I feel like doing... Hooked! LOL
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as a starter tumbler unless you really have lots of rocks. I too am a Lortone fan. Their products are reliable, work well, and their customer service is excellent. A QT6 (single 6lb barrel) and QT66 (double) are both within the price range you mention and are great tumblers. As mentioned, they are vastly more efficient than the smaller ones. (I have both a 33B and a QT66.)
