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Post by Elyse on Feb 13, 2004 10:59:02 GMT -5
;D Hi all,
My daughter and I are ready to upgrade from our "toy" rock tumbler. I have seen the Chicago brand tumbler on e-bay for around $30.00, is this any good? Or, I was thinking of just going for it and buying the Lortone 33B with two barrels. Are two barrels really necessary? It seems like it would be fun to have rocks at two different stages.
What should we do?
Thanks from a grateful novice!!
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Post by Noosh9057 on Feb 13, 2004 11:42:20 GMT -5
I think you are better off with the Lortone 33B with two barrel. The cheep tumbers seem to not last very long.
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llanago
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2004
Posts: 1,714
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Post by llanago on Feb 13, 2004 12:55:55 GMT -5
I got a Chicago Electric tumbler about a month ago - my first tumbler. It has run 24/7 since I got it and I have had no problems. There have been some bad reviews on this particular brand on this forum, but I have read other places where it is a pretty good starter tumbler. One thing I discovered right off the bat is that if you overload it, if won't turn. I got a 90 warranty with it. Thus far, I am happy with it.
You will find that once you get the tumbling bug, you won't be happy with a small tumbler! You will want either a twin tumbler or a bigger one! I had the Chicago tumbler less than a week and ordered at QT66! This is an incredibly addictive hobby!
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Feb 13, 2004 13:44:05 GMT -5
If you want to upgrade then I would suggest the lortone I like the barrel design. get the double barrel if you can afford it you won't be sorry
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llanago
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2004
Posts: 1,714
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Post by llanago on Feb 13, 2004 14:28:50 GMT -5
I agree Warren. If I had done some research, I probably would have bought a Lortone to begin with. But the bug bit me and I ordered the first tumbler I came across!
I have been pleased with the Chicago tumbler though. The barrel is very similar to the Lortone barrel and if the tumbler itself gives up the ghost, I think my girlfriend will be able to use the barrel with her 3# Lortone. It is actually quieter than my Lortone, but that is probably because the Lortone is a twin 6#.
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Pdwight
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2003
Posts: 619
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Post by Pdwight on Feb 18, 2004 23:59:43 GMT -5
I bought one of these, the bad news the motor will go out ! the motor is a piece of chinese crap with plastic retaining caps and useless bearings. the armatuer will start to rub and the bearings will sieze up. Never buy one of these. Thats the bad news , here is the good news. You can replace the motor with a Lortone 33B motor from the Rock Shed for around 15 bucks, just order the correct motor and a little time and you can change it out..the rest of the tumbler is OK. The motor even fits the same screw holes..you will need the motor and a pulley.. I think the pulley was 1 or 2 dollars. I rebuilt mine and it is running smooth and quiet now.
Dwight P
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llanago
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2004
Posts: 1,714
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Post by llanago on Feb 19, 2004 19:26:40 GMT -5
Mine just keeps chugging along, good as gold. But, I won't be surprised when it goes out. I'm glad to know a Lortone motor will work on it, so when it dies, that's what I'll do.
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shorty
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2003
Posts: 392
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Post by shorty on Feb 19, 2004 22:53:37 GMT -5
hi shorty here i have a loriton 33b and i love it i ben using it for 2 years just had to oil it once in a while ben runing all the time.. good investment.
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