|
|
Post by amygdule on Feb 18, 2021 1:29:32 GMT -5
darcyj76 , have you tried unplugging the power for a few minutes. That may reset the error code. Good luck.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jugglerguy on Feb 18, 2021 10:42:38 GMT -5
I started using my Nat Geo Professional one about 10 days ago. It went 6 days straight with no problem, I took everything out, looked at it, put it back in with a few added, and started it again. It ran for about 2 days, and now it displays an E. I read that means it is overfill, so I removed some rocks and some slurry, and put it back on. Another E! Tried again, another E. I am down to it being 1/3 full (I was keeping it 2/3 full, like it says) and still, I am getting an E. Do you have any thoughts on this, or experience with it? I bought a...I am forgetting the name. Lortone 33b? It won’t be here for a week, and I would love to get things moving again! I see you have already gotten some advice from people with actual experience. I'm not sure if you read all the other messages, but it sounds like the warranty is excellent, so if you keep having problems, I'd send them an email. |
|
darcyj76
starting to shine!
Member since February 2021
Posts: 45
|
Post by darcyj76 on Feb 20, 2021 9:26:11 GMT -5
I did lots of unplugging and replugging! I think I found the problem-I was using it on our enclosed back porch, but I live in Ohio, so it is about 30-35 degrees on the porch. It was fine when the porch was closer to 45 degrees, but when the temp dropped outside, it just kept getting colder. I brought it inside, much to my parent’s dismay (we have no basement, it is sitting in our foyer, under a box, with a blanket to dull the noise!), and it has been running just fine since. So, I think something to add to any Nat Geo review-it works well inside, does not like to be cold! Darcy darcyj76 , have you tried unplugging the power for a few minutes. That may reset the error code. Good luck. |
|
willp2003
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2021
Posts: 7
|
Post by willp2003 on Feb 23, 2021 8:25:44 GMT -5
Hi, new here (will go and introduce myself shortly). I have just bought and received the NG pro tumbler, so will be able to provide some feedback from a noob point of view. I stumbled across this thread after ordering it. I’m waiting for some more bits and bobs to arrive, but should start tumbling at the weekend. First impressions, not enough stones! I’ll just stick some photos here for now. Here
|
|
|
|
Post by Jugglerguy on Feb 23, 2021 10:45:14 GMT -5
Hi, new here (will go and introduce myself shortly). I have just bought and received the NG pro tumbler, so will be able to provide some feedback from a noob point of view. I stumbled across this thread after ordering it. I’m waiting for some more bits and bobs to arrive, but should start tumbling at the weekend. First impressions, not enough stones! I’ll just stick some photos here for now. HereWelcome to RTH! Mine is running now, so I should have an initial video out soon. From everything that I've read, the main problem with the tumbler seems to be the included grit. The Rock Shed has good grit and polish, so when you start your second batch and need more, check them out. The Rock Shed |
|
willp2003
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2021
Posts: 7
|
Post by willp2003 on Feb 23, 2021 11:31:05 GMT -5
Thanks. I’ve used the initial grit that was supplied, but I have bought some more so can swap it as I go, if I’m not happy.
|
|
electrocutus
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2020
Posts: 341 
|
Post by electrocutus on Mar 16, 2021 11:23:09 GMT -5
Thanks. I’ve used the initial grit that was supplied, but I have bought some more so can swap it as I go, if I’m not happy. I think the first 3 grits that come with the tumbler were OK , although there is probably not enough of it. The polish stage grit is likely the most problemaitic because I don't know what it is. Aside from the grit, the main problem I see with the Nat Geo Pro and Dr.Cool Pro are the instructions. They basicallly say to do each stage for one week and to forget about it in between. As I am quickly learning, some stages (especially the first one) will take a lot longer depending on the type of stones. I got some nice results from my second batch in the Dr. Cool Pro, but I realize now this was mostly luck, and I could have done a lot better with more experience and patience. I am in the middle of a batch where it is the first time I am really taking my time. Even with this one I know I should have spent another week in stage 1 :-) I think the only way I'll truly learn and practice proper patience is when I have a multi-barrel tumbler and waiting for one stage will not prevent me from working on another batch :-) Good luck, and post results ! |
|
WpgKim
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2021
Posts: 10
|
Post by WpgKim on Mar 16, 2021 14:16:30 GMT -5
I have the Nat Geo pro and it has now been running steady for about a year and a half now. The only problem I've had is that I can't run it on the fastest (#3) speed without it getting an error code and stopping but just running on the medium speed works fine as it doesn't seem much slower than the highest setting anyway and then on the lowest speed for the pre-polish, polish and burnish. When I started out with it I didn't get good results and only started getting great results when I bought new grit. I am happy with it and have been wanting to get a "professional" tumbler but I guess I'm not sure what would be the difference. What would a Lortone do that the Nat Geo doesn't? Other than being able to get a machine that can run more than one barrel which would be nice  |
|
stefan
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
|
Post by stefan on Mar 16, 2021 17:12:44 GMT -5
Here is my issue with these cheap tumbler's (never having owned a NG but having owned and run 3 different Chicago Electrics) is they don't have a great life span. Seems most people get 2 years tops. Seems like a lot until you compare it to my Thumlers Model T. That tumbler has been running for 16 YEARS now! Yes 16 years. Same motor, same shafts, same bushings, same pulleys, same guides! I did have to clean the motor (no easy task as the motor cover was riveted to the base) as it was packed with dust and overheated. I use WD-40 on the motor shaft about once a year and lube the bushings twice a year. I replaced the drive belt 1 time. My barrel is original but I have replaced the lid a couple times, and the lid tension band once or twice. 16 YEARS!!! Hell my tumbler is old enough to drive! It is probably double the cost of the cheap tumblers but did I mention it has been running for 16 YEARS! Heck I have owned 5 different cars in that time! I just hope that these cheap machines inspire rather than frustrate.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jugglerguy on Mar 17, 2021 8:36:59 GMT -5
Thanks. I’ve used the initial grit that was supplied, but I have bought some more so can swap it as I go, if I’m not happy. I think the first 3 grits that come with the tumbler were OK , although there is probably not enough of it. The polish stage grit is likely the most problemaitic because I don't know what it is. Aside from the grit, the main problem I see with the Nat Geo Pro and Dr.Cool Pro are the instructions. They basicallly say to do each stage for one week and to forget about it in between. As I am quickly learning, some stages (especially the first one) will take a lot longer depending on the type of stones. I got some nice results from my second batch in the Dr. Cool Pro, but I realize now this was mostly luck, and I could have done a lot better with more experience and patience. I am in the middle of a batch where it is the first time I am really taking my time. Even with this one I know I should have spent another week in stage 1 :-) I think the only way I'll truly learn and practice proper patience is when I have a multi-barrel tumbler and waiting for one stage will not prevent me from working on another batch :-) Good luck, and post results ! I emailed the company and was told that the grits are 60, 150, 600, 1000, all silicon carbide. So I agree that the "polish" is the problem. Even making it aluminum oxide rather than silicon carbide would help. I'm on the polish stage now, so we'll see what happens. I'm not expecting much. The other problem I have run into is the tiny amount of rock included. It only half filled the barrel for the first stage and when I started polish, the rocks didn't even cover the bottom of the barrel. The grit packs only contain a little over a tablespoon of grit, but with so Little rock I the barrel that might be enough. When I'm done failing with this batch I'm going to make a second video showing how it should be done. I see two potential problems. One is the speed of the barrel. I'm not convinced that it's not going bruise or chip the rocks. The other problem is that I've read that the tumbler stops if it's overfilled. I'm going to attempt to run it 2/3 full, but it might not let me. |
|
|
|
Post by Jugglerguy on Mar 17, 2021 8:39:56 GMT -5
I have the Nat Geo pro and it has now been running steady for about a year and a half now. The only problem I've had is that I can't run it on the fastest (#3) speed without it getting an error code and stopping but just running on the medium speed works fine as it doesn't seem much slower than the highest setting anyway and then on the lowest speed for the pre-polish, polish and burnish. When I started out with it I didn't get good results and only started getting great results when I bought new grit. I am happy with it and have been wanting to get a "professional" tumbler but I guess I'm not sure what would be the difference. What would a Lortone do that the Nat Geo doesn't? Other than being able to get a machine that can run more than one barrel which would be nice The Lortone runs at half the speed of the slowest setting of the National Geographic machine. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. It's slower, but also gentler on the rocks. I think the Lortone is just more reliable and the motor will last longer from what I've read. As you said, the biggest problem is probably the included polish. |
|
|
|
Post by Jugglerguy on Mar 17, 2021 8:41:28 GMT -5
Here is my issue with these cheap tumbler's (never having owned a NG but having owned and run 3 different Chicago Electrics) is they don't have a great life span. Seems most people get 2 years tops. Seems like a lot until you compare it to my Thumlers Model T. That tumbler has been running for 16 YEARS now! Yes 16 years. Same motor, same shfts, same bushings, same pulleys, same guides! I did have to clean the motor (no easy task as the motor cover was riveted to the base) as it was packed with dust and overheated. I use WD-40 on the motor shaft about once a year and lube the bushings South twice a year. I replace the drive belt 1 time. My barrel is original but I have replaced the lid a couple times, and the lid tension band once or twice. 16 YEARS!!! Hell my tumbler is old enough to drive! It is probably double the cost of the cheap tumblers but did I mention it has been running for 16 YEARS! Heck I have owned 5 different cars in that time! I just hope that these cheap machines inspire rather than frustrate. I think you nailed it. I'd rather buy something once that is going to last rather than struggling with something I saved some money on. |
|
WpgKim
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2021
Posts: 10
|
Post by WpgKim on Mar 17, 2021 12:47:07 GMT -5
I have the Nat Geo pro and it has now been running steady for about a year and a half now. The only problem I've had is that I can't run it on the fastest (#3) speed without it getting an error code and stopping but just running on the medium speed works fine as it doesn't seem much slower than the highest setting anyway and then on the lowest speed for the pre-polish, polish and burnish. When I started out with it I didn't get good results and only started getting great results when I bought new grit. I am happy with it and have been wanting to get a "professional" tumbler but I guess I'm not sure what would be the difference. What would a Lortone do that the Nat Geo doesn't? Other than being able to get a machine that can run more than one barrel which would be nice The Lortone runs at half the speed of the slowest setting of the National Geographic machine. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. It's slower, but also gentler on the rocks. I think the Lortone is just more reliable and the motor will last longer from what I've read. As you said, the biggest problem is probably the included polish. When I first started, I had looked at Lortone and Thumblers and I think that because I was uncertain if I would enjoy the hobby and get shiny stones at all  I went with the cheaper option. Now that I can get good results with my stones and after a year and a half still enjoy the process I am willing to spend the extra and get the professional machine that will last longer as stefan mentioned. I've started many other hobbies that I thought I would be interested in and have tubs of craft supplies collecting dust  . |
|
electrocutus
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2020
Posts: 341
|
Post by electrocutus on Mar 17, 2021 15:18:13 GMT -5
I think the first 3 grits that come with the tumbler were OK , although there is probably not enough of it. The polish stage grit is likely the most problemaitic because I don't know what it is. Aside from the grit, the main problem I see with the Nat Geo Pro and Dr.Cool Pro are the instructions. They basicallly say to do each stage for one week and to forget about it in between. As I am quickly learning, some stages (especially the first one) will take a lot longer depending on the type of stones. I got some nice results from my second batch in the Dr. Cool Pro, but I realize now this was mostly luck, and I could have done a lot better with more experience and patience. I am in the middle of a batch where it is the first time I am really taking my time. Even with this one I know I should have spent another week in stage 1 :-) I think the only way I'll truly learn and practice proper patience is when I have a multi-barrel tumbler and waiting for one stage will not prevent me from working on another batch :-) Good luck, and post results ! I emailed the company and was told that the grits are 60, 150, 600, 1000, all silicon carbide. So I agree that the "polish" is the problem. Even making it aluminum oxide rather than silicon carbide would help. I'm on the polish stage now, so we'll see what happens. I'm not expecting much. The other problem I have run into is the tiny amount of rock included. It only half filled the barrel for the first stage and when I started polish, the rocks didn't even cover the bottom of the barrel. The grit packs only contain a little over a tablespoon of grit, but with so Little rock I the barrel that might be enough. When I'm done failing with this batch I'm going to make a second video showing how it should be done. I see two potential problems. One is the speed of the barrel. I'm not convinced that it's not going bruise or chip the rocks. The other problem is that I've read that the tumbler stops if it's overfilled. I'm going to attempt to run it 2/3 full, but it might not let me. Yes, I've had the tumbler stop on me with an error code a few times. It was because of overfilling most times. As I'm learning more it's not happening as much :-) The high speed might also be an issue. I am in the final stage of a batch of petrified wood, and many of the rocks broke into smaller pieces. I've never done petrified wood before, so maybe this would happen with any tumbler, and I didn't start with very high quality stones to start with. I'm just trying different types of stones to learn more. I added small ceramic media to stage 3 and polish stages so I hope they will look decent when done. I want to buy a Lortone tumbler next with multiple small barrels because I just want to do small batches for now. They are hard to find in Ontario/Canada right now. Apparently there's a Covid-related shortage. Hopefully I can find one soon. Thanks! |
|
quanterius
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2020
Posts: 7
|
Post by quanterius on Mar 18, 2021 0:45:05 GMT -5
I’ve been running the Pro model nonstop for over a year with no issues, and am happy with the final results. Most of the things I would note have been mentioned already (poor quality grit, runs fast and rollers are wearing down).
The one thing I’ll add is it’s a good deal louder than the Lortones it sits next to. When I turn off the Nat Geo to clean it out I’m always surprised by how much quieter the garage gets with the Lortones still running.
|
|
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
|
Post by Benathema on Mar 18, 2021 1:15:46 GMT -5
I'm still trying to figure how they considered 1000 SiC to be a polish...
|
|
|
|
Post by Jugglerguy on Mar 18, 2021 8:00:36 GMT -5
I’ve been running the Pro model nonstop for over a year with no issues, and am happy with the final results. Most of the things I would note have been mentioned already (poor quality grit, runs fast and rollers are wearing down). The one thing I’ll add is it’s a good deal louder than the Lortones it sits next to. When I turn off the Nat Geo to clean it out I’m always surprised by how much quieter the garage gets with the Lortones still running. I noticed the same thing. I think it’s the speed that makes it louder. The barrel seems like it’s pretty high quality and made of rubber. |
|
electrocutus
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2020
Posts: 341
|
Post by electrocutus on Mar 18, 2021 8:57:43 GMT -5
I’ve been running the Pro model nonstop for over a year with no issues, and am happy with the final results. Most of the things I would note have been mentioned already (poor quality grit, runs fast and rollers are wearing down). The one thing I’ll add is it’s a good deal louder than the Lortones it sits next to. When I turn off the Nat Geo to clean it out I’m always surprised by how much quieter the garage gets with the Lortones still running. I'm very happy to hear that the Lortone is quieter. That will make my rationale to get one with my spouse even more compelling. Thanks! |
|
Wooferhound
Cave Dweller
Lortone QT66 and 3A
Member since December 2016
Posts: 1,432
|
Post by Wooferhound on Mar 18, 2021 9:50:31 GMT -5
I’ve been running the Pro model nonstop for over a year with no issues, and am happy with the final results. Most of the things I would note have been mentioned already (poor quality grit, runs fast and rollers are wearing down). The one thing I’ll add is it’s a good deal louder than the Lortones it sits next to. When I turn off the Nat Geo to clean it out I’m always surprised by how much quieter the garage gets with the Lortones still running. I'm very happy to hear that the Lortone is quieter. That will make my rationale to get one with my spouse even more compelling. Thanks! I set my tumblers on top of Foam Carpet Pad Reduces sound and vibration by 50%
|
|
electrocutus
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2020
Posts: 341
|
Post by electrocutus on Mar 30, 2021 9:35:07 GMT -5
I just finished a batch of petrified wood in my Dr. Cool Pro tumbler (same as Nat Geo Pro). It's the first time I tried petrified wood, and it's only my 5th batch EVER, so I am definitely not experienced.
This is my best results so far and I was able to get a very nice shine on many of the stones.
I just purchased a Lortone tumbler (33B base with 3 1.5lb barrrels for small fun batches) and have started a couple of batches in it so I'll be able to compare soon. However, based on my experience so far, I think you can get some very good results with the Dr. Cool Pro or Nat Geo Pro, with some caveats.
- The Dr. cool barrel is pretty good quality. From my observations, it is on par with the Lortone in quality. The metal lid almost feels better than the Lortone. I have not had a single leak so far.
- The Dr. Cool slowest rotation speed is much faster than the Lortone. This suggests to me that it would be nore tricky to tumble softer or fragile rocks in it.
- the supplied grit is not enough to get good results. I am now using other grit I purchased separately.
- the tumbler is a bit sensitive to over-filling, and can stop wth an error code once in a while. that goes away with experience with knowing how much to fill and varying rock sizes.
- the instructions that come with the tumbler are too basic and likely aimed at children. They don't tell people that each stage could take several weeks and that people need to inspect their rocks and make decisions about when it is time to go to the next stage.
- if you follow proper instructions such as the ones I found in this forum and books, and you are patient, you can likely get results as good as with a Lortone rotary tumbler or other good brands, as long as the rocks are not fragile and can take the higher rotation speed.
I am thinking I will keep using the Dr. Cool Pro with its larger barrel to do my stage 1 coarse grind for most rocks, then use the Lortone for stages 2-polish.
|
|
I went with the cheaper option. Now that I can get good results with my stones and after a year and a half still enjoy the process I am willing to spend the extra and get the professional machine that will last longer as stefan mentioned. I've started many other hobbies that I thought I would be interested in and have tubs of craft supplies collecting dust 
. 
