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Post by Wisconsin Rocker on Dec 15, 2003 23:35:52 GMT -5
Hi,
My seven year old daughter is a rock nut and has asked Santa for a rock tumbler.
I would like some advice on purchasing a beginners rock tumbler. I would like something economical, but not cheap like the ones at Wal-Mart.
I don't know if she will have the patience to tumble rocks and how long this fascination will last, but I still want to get her something that would work well for awhile if she does stay intrigued and wants to pursue rock tumbling as a hobby.
Your help is appreciated and I enjoyed reading the message board.
Glen
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Post by docone31 on Dec 15, 2003 23:51:35 GMT -5
Glen, I would reccomend the 33-B Loretone dual bbl 3lb tumbler. They are a work horse, parts are readily available. Mine is so old and tired, I have to spin the bbls during start up and with each fresh charge. It takes a while to start up. Once it does, it runs and runs and runs. That is my reccomendation. She might tire of it now, but she might also use it to death.
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Post by Wisconsin Rocker on Dec 16, 2003 0:07:39 GMT -5
Any recommendations on where to purchase the 33-B??
I saw The Rock Shed has them for $85 and e-bay has a listing for $73
Thanks for your help. Any other thoughts or ideas would be of great help.
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Post by docone31 on Dec 16, 2003 0:34:52 GMT -5
I use Kingsleynorth.com. Not only do I have an wholesale account with them, I use their products. There would be no advantage ordering through me, if you go online and view their lapidary products, you will find what you need. Without looking, around 78$ to 89$, I looked it up. It is #1-0608, your cost would be 83.50. Well worth it. Mine is running, and running. That is the one I have experience with. I like it. It is compact, reasonably quiet, virtually maintenance free. When she gets tired with it, you can play to your hearts content. Then the ride begins! Kingsley has rough packages also. Good luck.
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James
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 876
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Post by James on Dec 16, 2003 13:45:43 GMT -5
Here is your tumbler. www.einsteins-emporium.com/earth/geology/eg933.htm"Thumbler's Tumbler famous "Model T" Especially designed for the beginner. 3 pound capacity rubber barrel. 115V continuous duty motor, impedance protected. Does a quality job of polishing stones."
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tigerlily46
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2003
Posts: 8
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Post by tigerlily46 on Dec 17, 2003 0:38:05 GMT -5
Harborfreight.com sells a Chicago Tools 3 qt tumbler for about $30.00, plus shipping.
Mine hasn't arrived yet, but my night school teacher uses the exact same model teaching 11th grade jewelry craft students. I guess if it can stand up to use by high school kids, it's good enough for me to start tumbling with.
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Noah
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2003
Posts: 102
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Post by Noah on Dec 17, 2003 12:46:09 GMT -5
I'd stick ith the 33-B...the Chicago tumblers as i noted in one of my previous posts...has a few "issues"...the belts snap like a madman. Theres a reason it cost only $30. The 33-B will last you till the end of time.
-Noah-
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jdmaney
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2003
Posts: 16
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Post by jdmaney on Dec 22, 2003 12:40:26 GMT -5
If your buying for a child, you may want to consider a Vibrating Rock Pollisher instead of a tumpler. The timing is cut by up to 75% depending on the hardness of your rock.
I use a V5 vibrator and find the 3-4 day grind, and 2-3 day polishing times are perfect for my 8 year old son. These don't make the rock perfectly round but more natural and the polish is awesome!
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