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Post by Jfisher1111 on Aug 12, 2004 14:12:53 GMT -5
What brand tumbler has the highest recommendation?
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Mazanec
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2004
Posts: 355
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Post by Mazanec on Aug 12, 2004 14:26:21 GMT -5
Whichever brand is being featured in the advertisment ;D Seriously, both seem to have their pluses and minuses, their proponents and detractors.
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JFisher
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2004
Posts: 14
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Post by JFisher on Aug 12, 2004 15:21:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the info, but I am not sure wich tumbler to buy. I know of 3 brand name ones but not sure wich one is best or if there is one. So I guess the better question to ask would be, Out of lorton, thumblers or chicago electric which brand would you suggest? And thanks again for the help.
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Banjocreek
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since March 2003
Posts: 1,115
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Post by Banjocreek on Aug 12, 2004 16:09:23 GMT -5
I have both Lortone's and Thumblers. I like the Lortones better because the lid is easier to secure, to me, than the large 'O' ring that Thumlers uses on their 3# tumbler. I like the Large 15# Thumlers because the lid bolts on and I use it for running all my rough first stage 60/90. I think if you want something cheap, you could get a Chicago tumbler, as long as you get yourself a few belts to replace the original, but for the extra money I would get the Lortone or Thumler. If I had to pick between these two I would choose Lortone, because you can get a larger machine (33B) and add 3- 1.5# barrels or 2- 3# barrels. So I have a lot of extra 1.5 and 3 pound barrels for different polishes. I have 3- 33b machines and always have a variety of stuff running, and have 2- 15# Thumlers model B for rough, that are alway spinning. The in between steps (120/220 - 1000 grit) I use Lortone 6 and 12 pound barrels and 2- QT66's and 1 QT6. That is just my opinion and there are others who will follow suit with theirs, I am sure. Hope it helps. Welcome aboard!! Banjo
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Post by krazydiamond on Aug 12, 2004 17:02:59 GMT -5
i started out with a Chicago Electric, sometimes you can get them on sale for only $20, though they normally sell for $30. i have three running at the moment and replace belts fairly often and just ordered other parts that plain wore out. i recently aquired 2 Lortone #3 and find them to be superior so far, but have only been running them a few weeks.
they are twice what the CE models cost, but i think will prove to be a better machine.
i think that the CE units are a good starter machine if you are new and not sure if this is the right hobby for you. once you get bit by the rock bug tho, invest in good equipment.
that's my opinion, as Dennis Miller sez, i could be wrong, KD
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Post by sandsman1 on Aug 12, 2004 17:43:25 GMT -5
fast and short i have both lortone and thumler if your gonna get a small tumbler anything under 15lb get a lortone they have a way better lid design,, but i also like the big 15lb thumlers so if your gonna go that big its a good tumbler but lorton also has a 12lb tumbler too
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Post by rockyraccoon on Aug 12, 2004 21:06:48 GMT -5
i have 2 lortone qt66's and a qt12 and love them.
kim
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Post by cookie3rocks on Aug 12, 2004 22:44:03 GMT -5
I'm a vibe girl myself. Have a Raytech 5 (not sure if it's a 3# or 5# capacity, but I go with 3#) Have 2 bowls now, one for 220, one for 600- polish, and I've had great results. Works really fast, but the instructions are different, much less water so the grit makes a paste. And it helps to recharge every 12-24 hours. Also, you skip 80 grit, just won't cling to the stone, go staight to 220. By the way, anyone need about 2# of 80? I can't use it ;D
.cookie
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Post by BearCreekLapidary on Aug 13, 2004 1:33:20 GMT -5
Hello Jfisher, Not a recommendation ... Just a quick note to welcome you to the board! You came to the right place if you want advice on tumblers Enjoy, John
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Post by creativeminded on Aug 13, 2004 10:37:05 GMT -5
Everybody has their favorite and from what I have seen on this board everyone has had alot of success with the tumblers they have. I personally use a Lortone 3A three pound tumbler, and that is because I just don't have a big space to put a bigger one. Tami
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