johnnymac1969
starting to spend too much on rocks
I Like A Rolling Stone
Member since January 2016
Posts: 139
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Post by johnnymac1969 on Jan 5, 2016 16:02:05 GMT -5
Hello all,
My 8yo daughter has been finding and collecting rocks and fossils ever since she was 2. This Christmas I bought her a $50 "toy" tumbler and it was her favorite gift! However, I felt like we could do better. Long story short, we are now the proud owners of the Lortone 33B tumbler! We found a relatively close rock shop and have gone "all in". My wife is not very happy with all of the money I have spent on our new hobby. Here is what I have purchased so far:
- Lortone 33B… $140 - Rough rocks… $40 - Grit/Polish… $40 - Extra barrel… $40 (for Polishing stage) - Media… $35 (Ceramic pellets & plastic beads) - 2 books… $50 ("Modern Rock Tumbling" & "Gemstones of the World")
I have learned much in just the two weeks or so since we began, but I would love to learn more! Please feel free to give any advice, info, etc. on what a beginner should know. And also, thoughts onwhat other equipment, etc. I should purchase in the future.
Thank you,
John
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Jan 5, 2016 16:05:21 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum John-looks like your on the right track too....Some us run the grit stag longer than a week (as the manufacture states),it helps out on the finished product!
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Post by Pat on Jan 5, 2016 16:21:33 GMT -5
I don't know anything about tumbling rocks. However, this forum started off with being just a tumbling forum, so the first two sections are devoted to just that! Click on HOME, then check out the various sections.
Good luck and welcome!
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herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
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Post by herchenx on Jan 5, 2016 17:42:08 GMT -5
Welcome John, I link to a little info in my signature, but getting hooked is a common occurrence around here. Ask lots of questions!
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jan 5, 2016 18:04:01 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum John. I think you made some good purchases. You should check out The Rock Shed to compare prices. You'll have to pay shipping, but they have some pretty good prices on tumbling stuff.
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Post by vegasjames on Jan 5, 2016 19:07:37 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum.
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Post by Peruano on Jan 6, 2016 9:27:39 GMT -5
I'm feeling you are well within budget spending $350 for an activity that could last a lifetime, create memorable moments between family members, stimulate creativity, curiosity, learning and mental and physical dexterity. Sure beat 2 American beauty dolls, or a couple of leggo sets that only build one thing. You have opened a door into a vast and wonderful world (and a hobby that could last a lifetime (your, hers, and others you contact). Congratulations and keep asking question when you hit a tough spot. Tom
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Norman
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2016
Posts: 12
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Post by Norman on Jan 31, 2016 11:56:01 GMT -5
Just dropping in and saying hi to my neighbor johnnymac1969 from Ohio, Its good to see some people from USA
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Post by mohs on Jan 31, 2016 12:02:41 GMT -5
Welcome to RTH Guys ! roll on ! mohs
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Post by txrockhunter on Feb 15, 2016 12:20:31 GMT -5
Hey John, just noticed your post. Welcome to the forum! I lived in Northeast Ohio for 20 years before making my way to Texas. My story is very similar to yours......9 year old daughter got a 3# tumbler for Christmas and you quickly figure out that you don't have enough equipment. We picked up a Lortone 12# tumbler and I have been using an old 7" tile saw to cut and preform rocks. A friend gave me a 4# Raytech vibe tumbler that has been a fantastic addition. I will be upgrading to a Lot-O twin tumbler, so I can run a pre-polish and polish at the same time. It's a great way to spend time with the kids......until your interest exceeds their's . Jeremy
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Post by spiceman on Feb 21, 2016 23:41:57 GMT -5
Hello, I'm a Ohio guy myself, but down in Dayton Ohio. Haven't found any rock shops around here yet but I'm still looking. Although I have found lots of flint around the area. This is a great place to ask questions and learn. I'm new to the rock tumbling world also. Have a good time and never stop you can slow down but don't stop. Dale
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