revco
starting to spend too much on rocks
Another Victim Of The Rockcycle
Member since February 2010
Posts: 162
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Post by revco on Mar 30, 2010 23:12:58 GMT -5
Hey all,
Surprisingly, I haven't seen this subject outright discussed in this section, although many opinions do exist!
So it's getting to the time where I need to start getting in the rest of the gear for my DIY tumbler here soon. I had originally planned on using Lortone 12lb barrels, but now that it's time to spend money, I'm opening my options to the Thumler 15lb barrels.
The initial decision to go Lortone is based on the fact that I'm familiar/comfortable/confident with their barrels. I simply haven't ever used the Thumler's!
Upon consideration, the extra 3lb capacity per barrel, taking the tumbler from 36lb to 45lb, is a pretty sizable bump. The replaceable liner is also really appealing to me, despite the higher initial cost, because the ROI is considerably better. On the flip side, I've read Thumler's seals can be temperamental, which concerns me. (That may only apply to the smaller barrels - I don't know - but I haven't had a leak and I don't want a leak!) The metal construction does also bother me a bit as they could be more easily damaged if they experienced an inadvertent drop or another launched tumbler incident. I'm also aware of the fairly recent tests of various materials to "retread" the Thumler barrels.
To the point:
My pro/con list is strongly steering me towards the Thumler's, but before I pull the trigger, I'd like to seek other opinions. What do you prefer? It's seemingly a no-brainer? Anything I should be aware of, con wise, for the Thumler barrels?
Thanks again! You guys are awesome!
P.S. I'm aware of the PVC option, it's just not for me.
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Post by captbob on Mar 30, 2010 23:49:52 GMT -5
Personal opinion only...
I would go with the Thumblers (and I did) BUT... I would get the 15 pound model for rough (60/90) stage and the 12 pound for finer grits/stages.
I have never had a leak or problem with the 15 pounders (or the 12s) and find the soft rubber sides of the 12s better for latter cycles. You can buy extra parts like lid liners and pully belts at a reasonable cost from the Rock Shed. I bought all the extra supplies and have never needed any of them yet - but they are good to have on hand.
Shop around!!! The Thumblers can be found far less expensive than you may think. Google is your friend! I think I bought all 3 of my 15 pound units from a place called Buffalo Arms - a gun supply place - but they had the slow RPM units as well as the higher RPM (for cleaning shell casings). You want the slow model for rocks. The folks on the phone were very friendly and helpful...
I'd have to look back to see where I got other models, but "popular" sites and eBay aren't the way to go.
PLUS... Thumblers look way cooler! ;D
PS. If you are going big, grit can also be had at much better costs than you might be used to. You will be going through a lot of it, so buy a lot and get it cheaper. Again, I'd have to check records, but Miles Supply comes to mind on cheaper bulk coarse grit.
eBay is actually not a bad place to buy ceramic media and plastic pellets IF you take the time to watch for deals.
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 31, 2010 6:58:41 GMT -5
The Model B drum, if bought new from a distributor has a 5 year warranty (except the lid gasket). When I sold them the lid gaskets were about $7 ea. The rubber liner is very thick/durable. The 15 vs. 12 lb. may be a non-issue. Thumler's sells the same drum to Diamond Pacific for their Model 12T. They should rate drums by volume rather than weight.
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Post by rocklicker on Mar 31, 2010 15:36:39 GMT -5
I found that the only thing that wears out with the 15lb barrels is the lid gasket. I just ordered replacements from the rock shed at $5 a piece. The lids tend to warp a little due to tightening the nuts but can be bent back into shape if needed. They show up on ebay now and then. It also comes down to how much you are willing to spend. If you are like me, whatever large barrel becomes available is what works. Just make sure your RPM matches your barrel diameter. Steve
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Mar 31, 2010 19:32:09 GMT -5
I use a Star Diamond 15 lb. barrel that was the basis for the Thumler barrel. I agree with Steve on the lid gasket. I found a truck tire inner tube that I cut new liners from. I've also used vinyl carpet runner. I've never had a problem with a warped lid.
Chuck
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Post by sandsman1 on Mar 31, 2010 19:58:22 GMT -5
i use both and id say they both are top shelf iv never had a leak with the large lortone or the thumlers -- both seal well and ive never had to go past a lid gasket replacement on the thumlers and the lortones are still goin strong never had to replace even the gasket with the thumlers you can throw in a few larger rocks if you want and they still roll fine lortone too but maybe 1 or 2 depending on how big so it dont mess with the action-- i like to start with pretty big pieces so by the time they get right you still have a nice size stone so if i hadda pic a 60/90 barrel id pic the model b just for the extra room
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Post by sandsman1 on Mar 31, 2010 20:05:55 GMT -5
someone sent me a couple pieces of thick rubber cut to the shape of the model b lids id say 1/4 inch thick and i never had to replace one since -- its been like 6 or more years so i dont remember who sent them but they look like some sort of rubber mat or sheeting
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baojiazhi
starting to shine!
Member since October 2008
Posts: 40
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Post by baojiazhi on Apr 5, 2010 15:14:57 GMT -5
I have used both as well and have never had a problem with the thumler barrels. I am going with the thumlers when I get my 2 barrel unit fixed.
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Apr 5, 2010 16:12:27 GMT -5
I have both brands of barrels on my mega tumbler. The only complaint I have is the thumlers eat roller covers.
They both do the job and the only replacements I have had to buy was lid liners for both models. I usually reserve the bigger stuff for the thumblers barrel.
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RedwoodRocks
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2003
Posts: 762
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Post by RedwoodRocks on Apr 30, 2010 18:58:43 GMT -5
I have the Thumler B model. No problems with leaks. I don't think the rubber liner will ever wear out. But, like the others mention, the lid gasket wears pretty fast. I use a rubber gasket from the hardware store - 4 bucks each. The gasket material is about 12" by 12".
I use the lid as a template. I use a paper hole punch. I also cut the left over gasket material into a circle shape and glue to the center of the gasket. Most of the wear is in the center of the gasket, so I think I have doubled the life of the lid gasket.
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slabcabber
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2010
Posts: 590
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Post by slabcabber on Apr 30, 2010 20:10:05 GMT -5
I am building a large tumbler, but I am also making my own barrels as well. I am going to use PVC pipe to build my barrels it works great . I have some small barrels that I made from PVC and plywood. covered the plywood with 130 mils of EPDM and it works perfect..
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gypsyjr
off to a rocking start
Member since November 2022
Posts: 1
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Post by gypsyjr on Nov 29, 2022 11:42:10 GMT -5
YIKES!!! I didn't have my glasses on and I swear that it looked recent. Must be Karma making my first post a rant. I apologize for dredging up an old thread. Hi all, I'm new here and I'd like apologize to you in advance for my opinions. I'm not trying to sell magical leak free tumbler barrels. I'm not looking to be Queen of the Tumbler Ball. I like hobbies that I can put dirty crap in something I built with garbage and gets turned into some that looks like I can't afford it and probably stole it. After reading post after post asking how to postpone leaks and I didn't see any replies say how that isn't the question to be asking. You should be asking why you need a gasket in a unpressurized vessel. I'm thinking that most are too concerned with quantity, not quality when twisting dull and dirty into spectacular and vivid. If your barrel leaks, it has to do with poorly designed barrels, too much H2O and overloading period. Tumbler Barrel makers know this and keep piles of readily available over priced and complete unnecessary gaskets or gasket material. You could literally tumble rocks with screen covering the opening with very minimal spatter if designed right. Some people use tires to tumble rocks. If yours is top of the line or hand made by you, how is you barrel leaking? Putting something under a running barrel to catch a leak seems ridiculous to me when it shouldn't have leaked in the first place. Stop the, tumbler wash your pebbles and figure out what you need to do to run that barrel with no leaks, gasket or not. Hint: Higher sidewall, beveled ring so liquid can't sit around the door/cover seam and keep your running level below the seam. Don't over think rock tumbling because some twit on YT shared his/her/other incorrect OCD related beliefs, it's not rocket science, it's patience, 3 moonstones and 4 big green garnets and leak free barrels. People like that have no clue because they are just copying 5000 other incorrect beliefs to try and get views. YT is not you friend and contains very little correct and complete info on any subject. If your shaker is shaking all the liquid out gasketed bolt or screw holes.... get rid of the gaskets, get rid of the bolts you don't need bolts going through you tub, pail or whatever.. mount from outside in something like a cupholder but bigger. Maybe basketball hoop, or an old car rim. Novel idea, clean your 5 gallon bucket and drop a new bucket inside the bolted one. Leak gone.
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