RocDog
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2020
Posts: 5
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Post by RocDog on Sept 24, 2020 7:32:54 GMT -5
I have a small intro tumbler. I want to move up and am considering the Lortone 33B and the QT-66. Two barrels difenitely seem to make sense to increase the output. It doesn't procss any quicker, you can just finish more material over a set period of time. I also would rather buy one tumbler and not have to buy another later.
What I don't have a feel for is the amount of rock in a 3 lb vs a 6 lb barrel. I may find myself not able to come up with enough rock after I get caught up on what has built up over the past few years. This is where I need some guidance to put it in perspective. And, is it better to have to big of a barrel to enable me to accomodate bigger rocks? Can I still process say 2 lbs in a 6 ob barrel effectively?
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lordsorril
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since April 2020
Posts: 866
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Post by lordsorril on Sept 24, 2020 8:15:26 GMT -5
If you are tumbling 1-2" small pieces (and not processing a large amount): 33B (2 - 3lb. barrels) If you are tumbling varying hardness materials/or different stages simultaneously: QT66 (2 - 6lb. barrels) If you are tumbling same hardness materials at same stage/and or a large piece(s): QT12 (1 -12lb. barrel)
The amount of rough you can put in the barrel can be limited by the shape of the material. Once you do a week in coarse you can fit more in because you don't have the jagged formations any more.
Note: For the 33B I can usually only fit 1.5lbs of rough material comfortably in each of the barrels at stage 1. But, easily 2-2.5lbs of partially tumbled material later on...
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,709
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Post by Fossilman on Sept 24, 2020 9:34:22 GMT -5
If you like tumbling buy them both... Lortone is the way to go...
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Post by Mel on Sept 24, 2020 12:35:49 GMT -5
I have a 3A, 2x33Bs, and a QT66. The QT is my favourite machine; wish I had two of them. Should've bought it it instead of the 33Bs because I can make quick work of a lot of rocks and I find I get a much nicer polish. However, my next tumbler will be a vibe, so I'm not too upset.
My advice (take it for what you paid for it), is to buy a bigger single barrel machine before you buy dual small barrels. You can always put small rocks in a big barrel but it doesn't go the other way. Also remember, you can fill the empty space in a larger barrel on the cheap (small agates, ceramic filler, pellets). You can't say the same about buying a bigger tumbler down the line.
Spend another $20-30 on tumbling media to fill in the gaps once you've gotten through enough of your stockpile to need it. You can always pick more rocks!
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Post by Bob on Sept 24, 2020 22:21:56 GMT -5
I agree with Mel. Get the 12 lb barrel tumbler. So glad I started that way.
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dkurtz
having dreams about rocks
Tumbling to de-stress from my work. :)
Member since February 2010
Posts: 66
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Post by dkurtz on Sept 24, 2020 22:37:03 GMT -5
Get the Lortone QT-66 or QT-12. If you get the Qt-66 you can always buy a QT-12 barrel to use on it.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Sept 25, 2020 0:38:48 GMT -5
I agree with Mel. Get the 12 lb barrel tumbler. So glad I started that way. Me, too. Got one 12 lber. Don't know why I would bother with two sixes.
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Benathema
has rocks in the head
God chased me down and made sure I knew He was real June 20, 2022. I've been on a Divine Mission.
Member since November 2019
Posts: 703
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Post by Benathema on Sept 25, 2020 2:05:52 GMT -5
I'm contemplating getting a third 12 lb.
I think back when I did the math that getting the QT66 first then a 12 lb barrel for it later was cheaper than the other way around (12 first then two 6s later). The QT66 gets recommended often, but for me personally, those 6 lb barrels haven't seen a lot of use after the first 1 or 2 runs. The 12 just won out for me.
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RocDog
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2020
Posts: 5
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Post by RocDog on Sept 25, 2020 7:21:22 GMT -5
Get the Lortone QT-66 or QT-12. If you get the Qt-66 you can always buy a QT-12 barrel to use on it. Very good point!!!
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bdport67
off to a rocking start
Are you licking that?!
Member since September 2020
Posts: 18
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Post by bdport67 on Sept 25, 2020 11:50:03 GMT -5
I say buy a Lortone of the size of batches you think you will be doing now... If you get into this hobby you will buying additional barrels and tumblers pretty soon...trust me Escalates quickly...lol
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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 Sept 27, 2020 16:27:49 GMT -5
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