wizzykin
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2017
Posts: 22
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Post by wizzykin on May 4, 2017 12:10:35 GMT -5
So - the lid on my kid's tumbler is destroyed. Somehow I stripped it when tightening it, and the only way to get it off was to rip it off with pliers; so the lid is just done.
Anyway - I'm looking at either the single or double barrel Lortone and I'm wondering what people here think and would recommend. Do they last? Are they loud? Is the double worth it? Just wondering what people think - thanks!
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dalan
off to a rocking start
Rock it to me!
Member since March 2017
Posts: 8
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Post by dalan on May 4, 2017 14:22:36 GMT -5
I started off with a double barrel Lortone unit and love it. Currently running 3 Lortone tumblers. Only thing I've had to do is change the belt on one of them. I have them running in the basement and don't notice the sound upstairs in the living area.
-Another Dave
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on May 4, 2017 15:53:36 GMT -5
I have 2 QT66 and one QT12. I think the QT66 are great tumblers to start with.
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Post by Jugglerguy on May 4, 2017 16:26:52 GMT -5
I just posted this in another thread where you asked the same question. I'll copy it here too. I have both a QT66 and 33B. The QT66 is louder because the rocks tumble farther. There's more clunking from the big one. However, the big one grinds rocks a little faster because there's more weight on the rocks as they tumble. I've had my smaller tumbler running for five years nonstop. The larger one has been going for four years. Both have had some minor repairs along the way, but nothing big. I'd definitely buy another if something happened to either.
Here's my message from the other thread:
The Rock Shed is a great place to buy a tumbler. You get a discount on rough rock and grit with the purchase of a tumbler, so stock up now. I'd suggest either a Lortone 33B or a Lortone QT66 as a first tumbler. You get two barrels with each of those machines, so you can either have twice as much rough tumbling, or have two different stages going at the same time. A two barrel machine doesn't cost twice as much as two separate machines because you're only buying one motor. Consider picking up an extra barrel for the polish stage while you're at it.
As you said, the key is taking your time with the first stage. Don't be surprised if it takes a couple months for all of them to get done. Each week when you do a clean out, just remove the rocks that are done and add more rocks to the barrel. The rocks will not all be ready to move on at the same time.
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Wooferhound
Cave Dweller
Lortone QT66 and 3A
Member since December 2016
Posts: 1,426
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Post by Wooferhound on May 4, 2017 16:27:01 GMT -5
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wizzykin
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2017
Posts: 22
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Post by wizzykin on May 5, 2017 17:27:38 GMT -5
I have a Mr Cool - so I really don't know what will fit it as I can't find any replacements for the brand. I think I'm going to just take it breaking as a sign to get a double barrel one; I was going to get one anyway if my son continued to enjoy it.
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unclesoska
freely admits to licking rocks
All those jade boulders tossed in search of gold!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 934
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Post by unclesoska on May 5, 2017 20:45:06 GMT -5
QT66 for sure... I'm running one now. Easy tumbler to use, clean. Solid, durable, you may never need another, unless of course you get really obsessed, as many here will testify.
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richardh
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 391
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Post by richardh on May 5, 2017 21:58:06 GMT -5
I just posted this in another thread where you asked the same question. I'll copy it here too. I have both a QT66 and 33B. The QT66 is louder because the rocks tumble farther. There's more clunking from the big one. However, the big one grinds rocks a little faster because there's more weight on the rocks as they tumble. I've had my smaller tumbler running for five years nonstop. The larger one has been going for four years. Both have had some minor repairs along the way, but nothing big. I'd definitely buy another if something happened to either. Here's my message from the other thread: The Rock Shed is a great place to buy a tumbler. You get a discount on rough rock and grit with the purchase of a tumbler, so stock up now. I'd suggest either a Lortone 33B or a Lortone QT66 as a first tumbler. You get two barrels with each of those machines, so you can either have twice as much rough tumbling, or have two different stages going at the same time. A two barrel machine doesn't cost twice as much as two separate machines because you're only buying one motor. Consider picking up an extra barrel for the polish stage while you're at it. As you said, the key is taking your time with the first stage. Don't be surprised if it takes a couple months for all of them to get done. Each week when you do a clean out, just remove the rocks that are done and add more rocks to the barrel. The rocks will not all be ready to move on at the same time. That is a pretty glowing endorsement for the Loretone. I have been running my harbor freight for exactly a year now. I had a motor burn out, had to replace the belt several times and replace the bushings twice. I have also had to patch the boot gasket on the lid and patch a hole that wore in the bottom of the barrel. I've had to use spray adhesive on the outside of the barrel to keep it from slipping and now the barrel is worn so thin that I can barely get the lid on without the barrel totally collapsing. It has been quite a task keeping the HF rolling. I so wish I had a Loretone after reading this!
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,687
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Post by Fossilman on May 7, 2017 10:39:06 GMT -5
I have three Lortones and they run forever.... My buddy has a few Harbor Freight and they give him grief alot...(some people get lucky,with then).. As stated the Rock Shed is a great place to buy.. I just bought another Lortone from them,they were cheaper than the other companies I googled.
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wizzykin
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2017
Posts: 22
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Post by wizzykin on May 11, 2017 7:55:01 GMT -5
I forgot to say thanks - I ended up going with the double barrel one. Should be fun - curious to see how big it is. With the one now, I put it under an egg card with a towel over it and it completely kills the sound; not sure it'll still fit, depending on how big it actually is.
I'm thinking we may keep one barrel specifically for the 4th stage, and use one for the first 3 for now.
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Post by Jugglerguy on May 11, 2017 9:26:40 GMT -5
Be careful that you don't overheat the motor by covering it.
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wizzykin
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2017
Posts: 22
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Post by wizzykin on May 13, 2017 10:49:02 GMT -5
Good point - it's a pretty cool basement (unfinished, cement floor) and I prop up one edge so that there's some airflow. I'll make sure to check on how it's doing each day and make sure. Thanks!
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