stewdogg
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2020
Posts: 388
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Post by stewdogg on Apr 22, 2020 10:41:58 GMT -5
I have noticed a bunch of new people getting into tumbling or asking about tumblers lately. Nice to see people finding something fun to do while the world is going nuts. I have been looking for a new tumbler for myself as well and it has proven to be a difficult task to find one at a great price. It seems everyone is buying up all the tumblers out there and Lortone isn't making any new ones right now due to the virus. I called Minnesota Lapidary about his refurbished machines last week and he said that he didn't have any ready to go, but might in the next couple weeks. I called The Rock Shed today and was told that they probably wouldn't see any new machines for a month or two because Lrotone is currently shut down and not producing any more stock at the moment. It looks like Kinglsey has some in stock for a bit more of a premium compared to The Rock Shed, but if you're in need... kingsleynorth.com/lortone-model-qt-66-tumbler.htmlThis might be the route I go...? I'm not sure if this is useful or not, but figured I would put the information out that I have found from contacting suppliers about their current stock. If it's not useful someone can delete this thread. If you do order a tumbler make sure they have current stock and don't drop ship the items because Lortone isn't open to send the shipment out.
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Post by knave on Apr 22, 2020 13:12:47 GMT -5
Good info. Thanks for posting.
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Post by pauls on Apr 22, 2020 16:34:25 GMT -5
If you are looking for a "project" and are a bit mechanically minded then building your own rotary is easily done. There are plenty of excellent home made tumblers being used by people here and plenty of threads and pictures. All you need are a couple of bits of steel rod, four pillow block bearings, a couple of pulleys, and a motor. (and a bit of mechanical nouse, not much, just a bit) Plenty of Ideas for robust barrel designs made from plumbing fitting here too.
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faodail
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2018
Posts: 24
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Post by faodail on Apr 28, 2020 2:22:01 GMT -5
Exactly! I bought Lortone 33B tumblers for the grandkids and sent them to give them something great to do during lockdown (no school).
I am working, so no changes for me. BUT, I was looking to get another VIBE and they are pretty much all sold out here in Oz. Now, because I can't get one, I want one desperately lol. I can still get some Lortone rotary tumblers- but I don't need another one of those.
Also, I was looking at the Lortone tumblers from my supplier- they have gone up about $15 each since I purchased the 33Bs in early April. That can only be demand, not new stock.............................
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,709
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Post by Fossilman on Apr 28, 2020 9:34:18 GMT -5
I buy most of my Lortones off of EBay and if they need parts I order them and rebuild the tumbler.. Pretty easy task too... They run just as good as the new products, sometimes better!
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Post by rockhoundingwithkids on Apr 28, 2020 11:10:14 GMT -5
Yep I waited too long to replace ours so now it looks like we won't be doing any of that for a few months...so going to buy a tile saw for now LOL
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Post by knave on Apr 28, 2020 11:13:18 GMT -5
Fossilman I am needing a 3a rubber lid gasket, where do you get your parts?
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Post by RickB on Apr 28, 2020 14:09:36 GMT -5
knave, check on Ebay. Found some there and belts too.
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