richj
starting to shine!
Member since June 2020
Posts: 31
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Post by richj on Jun 16, 2020 13:33:59 GMT -5
Afternoon All! I did a search and didn't find a topic more recent then many years ago so please excuse me if this is one of those "not this topic again!" posts!  Been doing some research on tumblers for the past few days. I see Lortone come up a great deal. However I ran across the twin tumbler from Chicago Electric that Harbor Freight has in stock. Anyone have an experience with these units and would they be a reasonable starting unit for this old guy? I can pick one up on sale for about 42.00 right now and they are in the next town from me. My thinking being it might make an inexpensive way to learn and see if this is for me. But if they are not quality of any kind would be helpful to know. I welcome any input on other alternatives for a newbie you may have.
My other question is I'm trying to get a feel for energy cost. Near as I can figure out using my friend, Chrome, is the formula to figure out kWh used is watts * hours in use / 1000. Then multiple that by days. Then that final figure by your local energy cost.
so something like 29 watts x 24 hours / 1000 = 0.69 * 30 days = 20.88
Am I in the ball park for figuring this part out or am I in left center field?
Thanks for any help folks!
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saxplayer
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since March 2018
Posts: 1,327
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Post by saxplayer on Jun 16, 2020 13:52:09 GMT -5
I think most feel that the Chicago electric are not worth the cost. If you want a small tumbler at the cheapest cost I'd go with the Lortone 33-B to have 2 barrel options down the road should you need it. Otherwise a single lortone 33-A would be fine. ultimately, spending 1/2 the money on a CE tumbler will probably net you needing to buy another later and negating the cost savings.
I haven't tried to calculate any energy cost. I think the overall cost is probably fairly low. I run 4 tumblers 24/7 and don't notice many large variances in my bills from prior to running.
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pizzano
Cave Dweller 
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Jun 16, 2020 14:34:27 GMT -5
Afternoon All! I did a search and didn't find a topic more recent then many years ago so please excuse me if this is one of those "not this topic again!" posts! Been doing some research on tumblers for the past few days. I see Lortone come up a great deal. However I ran across the twin tumbler from Chicago Electric that Harbor Freight has in stock. Anyone have an experience with these units and would they be a reasonable starting unit for this old guy? I can pick one up on sale for about 42.00 right now and they are in the next town from me. My thinking being it might make an inexpensive way to learn and see if this is for me. But if they are not quality of any kind would be helpful to know. I welcome any input on other alternatives for a newbie you may have.
My other question is I'm trying to get a feel for energy cost. Near as I can figure out using my friend, Chrome, is the formula to figure out kWh used is watts * hours in use / 1000. Then multiple that by days. Then that final figure by your local energy cost.
so something like 29 watts x 24 hours / 1000 = 0.69 * 30 days = 20.88
Am I in the ball park for figuring this part out or am I in left center field?
Thanks for any help folks!
Quite a few of us tumblers have been down the Harbor Freight/Chicago Electric rotary tumbler road...........It's just my opinion, they are an inexpensive way to familiarize you're self with rotary tumbling. But, over time you'll get tired of the maintenance they require, if they don't first discourage you from the whole process............Since they are not really made for the long haul rotary requires.
If the Chicago Electric doesn't chase you away, like stated previously, Lortone and Thumler's are the best alternative's. They are pricier but will give you a lot longer service...........As far as energy cost's go, remember, if it's a "hobby" there will always be out-of-pocket expenses that one will not recoup. It's just part of the experience. If you're really all that concerned about raising your electric bill, just consider anything electrical (tool) that requires to be run continuously for sometimes months at a time, doesn't come without cost.........maybe basket weaving is a better hobby alternative........ |
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whyofquartz
spending too much on rocks
So, Africa is smaller than I expected...
Member since December 2019
Posts: 318
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Post by whyofquartz on Jun 16, 2020 14:35:22 GMT -5
What i have gleaned is that when you get a working CE tumbler with a good belt it is an acceptable piece of equipment but the known issues are: it is louder than most, belts are highly disposable, quality control is not a priority at Hazard Fraught's Chicago electric plant
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richj
starting to shine!
Member since June 2020
Posts: 31
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Post by richj on Jun 16, 2020 15:33:19 GMT -5
If the Chicago Electric doesn't chase you away, like stated previously, Lortone and Thumler's are the best alternative's. They are pricier but will give you a lot longer service...........As far as energy cost's go, remember, if it's a "hobby" there will always be out-of-pocket expenses that one will not recoup. It's just part of the experience. If you're really all that concerned about raising your electric bill, just consider anything electrical (tool) that requires to be run continuously for sometimes months at a time, doesn't come without cost.........maybe basket weaving is a better hobby alternative........ Basket weaving? Seriously?  LOL No, i'm a numbers kinda guy. Figuring that out is just a side thing for me. An extra 20 or 30 a month for electricity won't make or break me on this. I've been looking to see where I can a Lortone near me, it looks pretty bleak, so looking for best online deal. thanks for the input! |
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Jun 16, 2020 17:40:39 GMT -5
Try this.....:
Or take a look at other avenues......:
It appears that many places that regularly sell these, are out of stock.........but my experience with Kingsley has been good....!
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djsparkles
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since June 2010
Posts: 79
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Post by djsparkles on Jun 17, 2020 7:29:20 GMT -5
I've been using a Chicago Electric, but only for about three weeks now. I've had no trouble so far. *shrug* If I do I'll let you know...
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kyoti
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2020
Posts: 542
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Post by kyoti on Jun 17, 2020 8:04:45 GMT -5
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JBe
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2019
Posts: 103
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Post by JBe on Jun 17, 2020 9:16:33 GMT -5
I started out with a CE tumbler. In my opinion it's just okay as a starter as long as you don't mind fiddling with it. The barrels guides are a poor design and it doesn't take long to wear through them and end up with the barrels grinding against the frame and/or walking off the rollers. I used it continuously for about a year and did not have any belt or motor issues.
If you're on a tight budget, not really sure if tumbling is a hobby you'll stick with, and don't mind tinkering go ahead and try the CE tumbler.
If you really feel like tumbling may be for you, you want something you just plug in and it works, and can spend a little more up front definitely go for a Lortone 33B to get started. Name brand tumblers like Lortone will also hold their resale value much better than the CE model so you stand a fair chance of getting most of your money back should you choose to sell it later.
Don't forget you'll also need to buy grit for any tumbler when you consider your budget.
Good luck and I hope you end up discovering a new hobby you love whichever way you decide to go!
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,718 
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Post by Fossilman on Jun 17, 2020 9:46:54 GMT -5
Basket weaving? Seriously? LOL No, i'm a numbers kinda guy. Figuring that out is just a side thing for me. An extra 20 or 30 a month for electricity won't make or break me on this. I've been looking to see where I can a Lortone near me, it looks pretty bleak, so looking for best online deal. thanks for the input! I run seven Lortones and don't even come close to an extra $20 - $30 a month from running them.... I am very surprised at the cost level of running certain tumblers... I guess that's one of the reasons I like Lortones.. |
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reeniebeany
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rotary Only
Member since January 2020
Posts: 125
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Post by reeniebeany on Jun 17, 2020 14:53:48 GMT -5
I have been using the Harbor Freight CE for a couple of months. I got the 2 year replacement plan and fully intend to swap it out before it expires. My DH took off the end caps and showed me how to put good quality grease on the bearings. Bingo, MUCH quieter. I have been happy with the results so far, failures are solely due to my learning curve. I had a little difficulty with the caps at first, as I have very little finger strength, but they have gotten easier. (Which may mean they will keep loosening and fail I agree that the CE stuff seems to range massively in quality and longevity. We tend to calculate the cost based on presumptive failure. We have had some stuff last great and be awesome, some has been insta-fail. I figured if this unit fails badly I may step up to a pro model. Alternately I am angling to have my DH help me build a unit that can take a bigger barrel. |
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richj
starting to shine!
Member since June 2020
Posts: 31
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Post by richj on Jun 19, 2020 7:23:39 GMT -5
Thanks for the input from you all. With any luck my lortone single barrel will be showing up on Sunday [if Fedex is to be believed!] so just in time for my days off on Monday to get it setup and going.
Wanted the double but they seem to be in short supply everywhere.
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