rocknroll
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2003
Posts: 4
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Post by rocknroll on Dec 31, 2003 1:25:58 GMT -5
I'm looking into buying a tumbler for my son. He's been collecting agates for years and has many different sizes, some as large as 2.5 inches.
I've been doing some research on the net, does anyone have any suggestions on a good ... not too expensive ... starter tumbler?
One that I was looking at is a Thumler Model T which has a 3lb barrel. Would the larger rocks fit into a barrel this size and tumble properly or should they be broken down?
Thanks, appreciate the site, been reading and learning quite a bit already.
Rosebud
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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 31, 2003 1:35:26 GMT -5
For rocks that size you'll need a 12 to 15 lb tumbler. It's a good investment however. I'd recommend Tumblers model B. It cost around $150 to $175. For the model T, 1" rocks seem to work the best. I have a model T as well and I'm quite happy with it.
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mrflake
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2003
Posts: 58
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Post by mrflake on Dec 31, 2003 12:29:44 GMT -5
One thing I wish someone had said to me was to get a machine that can hold more than one barrel. I am still running a single small barrel and it can try the patience at times waiting to get a load to put into second stage, and third and so on, with two barrels (or more) you can speed things up a bit, if you child is very patient it may not be so much of a problem. In any case always buy quality, and the best you can afford at the time. Cheers
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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 Jan 2, 2004 0:28:39 GMT -5
Yes I've notcied that multiple barrel tumblers rock!(no pun intended) I have my Qt66....and the 3lber for polishin...the 12lber is out of comission...
-Noah-
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SirRoxalot
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 790
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Post by SirRoxalot on Jan 4, 2004 13:17:26 GMT -5
Here's the thing about buying a tumbler: a well built machine, properly used and cared for, will outlast you. Lots of people pay $20,000 for a car that will not last 20 years, but can't see paying $200 for a tumbler that their grandchildren can use. When I can, I buy quality equipment; truly well made, seemingly expensive items actually end up costing about ten or twenty bucks a year, so they're in fact pretty affordable. My advice would be to buy a small or midsize Lortone from your local rockshop (NOT a Walmart special!) to see if your son likes tumbling; when he's really into it let him contribute to the cost of a bigger one. It takes a lot of patience and a fair amount of cleanup work, so it's not for every youngster.
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