Wherefore art though, Lortone? Anybody got a Rebel 17?

[docharber]

I know Covington now owns the Lortone name and has yet to resume production of equipment or to make parts available again. I was updated today by the Kingsley North rep that they don't know when to expect availability again, if ever. Anybody heard any news?

Another thing, I'm hearing good stuff about the Rebel 17/ Extreme tumblers. Anyone with first hand, longer-term experience out there?

Thanks,
Mark H.

[dontpanic]

I’ve only had mine a couple months, so no on long-term ownership.


I love it though. I have a 17, a lortone 33b, a thumlers ar-1 and an ar-2. The rebel is quieter than all 3 of the other ones combined. (Not throwing shade at the 33b tho, it’s the thumlers that are freaking loud.)


The 17 is a super nice upgrade from 4 lb tumblers. If you’re used to a model B or something, it’s still an upgrade.


I haven’t had any leaks beyond one single drop when I first put it on the rails. I follow advice I saw here and spray the interior-facing side of the gasket with water before sealing. And only finger tight on the nuts.

[rockbrain]

The new one from Highland Park looks pretty interesting too. Basically a copy of a Loretone 33b with a bunch of upgrades that I feel Loretone should have done years ago.

[pebblesky]

I have owned a high speed Rebel 17 for over 1.5 years. It works great for me.

I still have my Lortone 3A but it hasn't been used. I used to run both Rebel 17 and Lortone 3A at the same time, to have Lortone 3A only handle those delicate rocks, but it is too much work to process two stage 1 batches in a single weekends, so I feed all the rocks into Rebel 17 instead.

My Lortone 3A stopped spinning twice during my 4-month of use, and I needed to clean up the shaft etc to fix the issue. The Rebel 17 is more robust in this regard(knocking wood). I have heard that opening the lid of Lortone QT-12 could be a challenge at times. It is super easy to seal and open the lid of Rebel 17.

[docharber]

UPDATE: Covington is /has resum,ed production of the Lortone tumblers.

I saw a YouTUbe video about the Rebel 17 and the host mentioned how quiet it was compared to the smaller Thumbler Model B. He remarked that the bearings are ball bearings, not bushings, the finish is powder-coated, not painted, and I checked the cost of a new barrel liner whish was much more reasonable for the Rebel. i have heard from other sources, however, that customer service could be better.

I have never had problems getting my QT6 or QT12 barrels open. In spite of their basic design, the Lortones have held up well for years. Until recently, I could get replacements parts with ease. I only use them for step one, then the rocks go to my Raytech TV5 and more recently, my sad looking GyRoc I just cleaned up. parts for that beast are hard to come by, but I've replaced the motor and rebuilt the legs on one side, reploaced the belt, one spring hold down, and its good to go again. In reading about it, I found out it had an available flat lap attachment. At least two of their models (I have a model A) can carry mmore than one bowl on the "spider" carriage. I sure wish someone would start making these again. I assume they are out of business, but apparently some parts are still available. If anyone knows otherwise please speak up.

Mark H.

[geoff59]

Check with Minnesota Lapidary Supply for Lortone parts.

[stefan]

My Rebel 17 has been going strong since January. Not long, but so far so good. I do have a small issue with the lid gasket shedding rubber on the outside between itself and the stellar lid. Still on the original gasket but it is something of note. Motor runs cool and belt is holding up well. I did have a leaking issue at first, but some fender washers under the thumb screws solved that problem. It turns "slightly" faster than my Model B (about 1/2 a revolution per minute faster) and I have been pleased with what it has done so far (I use this and my Model B for 60/90 only). It is quieter, but it is silly as I have a Model T, 3x AR-2, an AR-12, A Model B and a mini sonic all running, so quiet is a relative term. If I have find myself in the need of another big machines I would get this again.

[mirkee]

I've had a Rebel 17 for around 4 months and all is go.  Really straight forward design.  I have had no leaks or other problems.  Lid gasket is cheap to buy as is the belt.  I'm happy with it but find it a little heavy to haul the barrel outside for cleaning but I'm old.
On another note, I bought a Lortone q66/12 cheap, with all three barrels.  Shafts were quite rusty so I ordered shafts, bushings and belt from Minnesota Lapidary and they were reasonable, courteous and fast shipping.  As it turned out I sprayed the Lortone bushings with penetrating oil and let them sit a while and it's running like a champ.  Saving my spares for when/if the old ones give out.