jericanman
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2021
Posts: 1
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Post by jericanman on Dec 21, 2021 15:46:08 GMT -5
So ive been into geology since school and recently been on all kinds of fossil and rock hounding trips with my 5 year old daughter.
Thought as an early xmas present to myself and as an activity to do with my daughter id get a tumbler.
We now have a brand new 2lb PRO Evans (Rubber Barrel) Stone Tumbler.
A whole load of quartz that we collected in the mendip hills (the nearest location of igneous rock thats exposed from where i am in dorset uk)
And by chance i found the national geographic mega refill box at a charity shop for ยฃ3 . Think they retail at some crazy price of around ยฃ45 a nice mixture of 5lb of differnt interesting rocks and minerals. And some assortments of grits
So we excitedly put our first batch on and i was pleasently supprised how quiet the machine is. Located in the spare downstaris bathroom (its mainly a boots and jacket storage) with the door shut its barely noticable when standing outside.
Im glad i went with a rubber barrel and i also have it on some old carpet that stopped all the vibrations.
Most importantly from the lounge you cant hear it at all. So the wife is happy.
Ive watched and read a fair bit on the topic but if anyone can think of any overlooked tips or tricks for beginners any advice would be appreciated.
One thing i will get is some better final polish as from what ive read the compound supplied with the national geographic refills is sub par.
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Post by Starguy on Dec 21, 2021 15:52:01 GMT -5
jericanman Most rotary tumblers are surprisingly quiet. I like the sound of them. Mine run in the basement below our bedroom. The gentle sound of tumbling rocks helps me sleep. Itโs like one of those white noise generators. one tip for beginners is to be sure you have a range of rock sizes in the tumbler. Tumbling rocks that are all the same size will lead to disappointment. Welcome to RTH. I canโt wait to see photos of your tumbles.
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CLErocks
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2021
Posts: 342
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Post by CLErocks on Dec 21, 2021 15:54:23 GMT -5
Welcome! Such a fun hobby...i got sucked in this summer, now I'm thinking I need a cabbing machine! ๐๐ Enjoy, so many nice and helpful people here!
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Post by jasoninsd on Dec 21, 2021 17:02:45 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum from South Dakota!
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quartzilla
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2020
Posts: 1,237
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Post by quartzilla on Dec 21, 2021 17:48:28 GMT -5
The sound of the rotary is music to my ears. Sorta like a rain sounds relaxation cd. You could honestly fall asleep to it after a while.
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brybry
Cave Dweller
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Member since October 2021
Posts: 1,220
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Post by brybry on Dec 21, 2021 19:21:23 GMT -5
Howdy & welcome from Georgia.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Dec 21, 2021 19:49:29 GMT -5
Welcome from Northern Arizona!
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Wooferhound
Cave Dweller
Lortone QT66 and 3A
Member since December 2016
Posts: 1,432
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Post by Wooferhound on Dec 22, 2021 18:32:02 GMT -5
When you do your Polish Stage, make sure the barrel is filled 3/4 full with some added plastic beads to get the Mirror Finish.
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Post by As I in does tries! on Dec 22, 2021 19:32:26 GMT -5
Greetings and Welcome from Scotland here is my gear!
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Post by perkins17 on Dec 22, 2021 19:35:58 GMT -5
Welcome from the United States! I love tumbling. Watch out though, you'll get addicted fast! ๐
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