bgast1
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2010
Posts: 1,076
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Hello
Jul 21, 2010 9:09:20 GMT -5
Post by bgast1 on Jul 21, 2010 9:09:20 GMT -5
Hello, I have just started collecting rocks again after 50 years when I was a kid. Then I didn't realize you need equipment.
Right now I have been going down to the beach to collect rocks. That will change, but it's a good start.
The only tool I have for polishing rocks is a dremel. I have considered going to Hobby Lobby and getting one of those little toy tumblers that they have but don't know how well it would hold up and for how long.
Since money is a bit of an object at the moment, I would like some tips on how to get this new hobby off the ground. I purchased a book on indentifying some of the rocks that I picked up.
I will be doing a lot more reading on here, but this for introductory purposes.
Regards, Bob
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Hello
Jul 21, 2010 9:44:16 GMT -5
Post by jakesrocks on Jul 21, 2010 9:44:16 GMT -5
Welcome aboard Bob. I wouldn't buy one of those kids toy tumblers. It won't last long, and you'll end up buying another. Keep an eye on ebay for good second hand equipment. Perhaps one of our members will have extra equipment that they'll be willing to sell at a reasonable cost. Also, keep an eye on yard sales and estate sales. By reading the various posts on here, you'll soon learn what the best brands of tumblers and other equipment are. Don
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Hello
Jul 21, 2010 10:41:35 GMT -5
Post by montanamuskrat on Jul 21, 2010 10:41:35 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum. Start small, Lortone 33b is what I started with. Debby & Tom
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bgast1
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2010
Posts: 1,076
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Hello
Jul 21, 2010 11:59:57 GMT -5
Post by bgast1 on Jul 21, 2010 11:59:57 GMT -5
Thanks for your replies Debby, Tom and Don.
Don- will that plastic toy tumbler do the job initially for a couple of runs just to see what it is like, or can I expect it to break down in the middle of my very first run after polishing the stones it comes with?
I don't want to throw away $30.00 but don't have the money to invest in even in the Lortone 33b right now. I have been learning to use my Dremel for one or two stones.
My son also has a variety of saws, and I am sure we could change to the appropriate blades, but I doubt they would be suitable for any long term use. Is this a correct assumption or not?
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Hello
Jul 21, 2010 12:46:28 GMT -5
Post by jakesrocks on Jul 21, 2010 12:46:28 GMT -5
You could probably get a couple of batches out of the toy tumbler before the motor or other parts give out. But why waste your money on junk ? Wait a little longer and save for a machine that will last.
Lapidary blades are made to run in water for the smaller blades, and cutting oil on the larger blades. An ordinary wet tile saw will work for cutting small stones. Don
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bgast1
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2010
Posts: 1,076
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Hello
Jul 21, 2010 13:12:16 GMT -5
Post by bgast1 on Jul 21, 2010 13:12:16 GMT -5
Thanks. I won't be wasting money on junk. 2 to 3 batches would not be reasonable for me. I would rather waste time using my Dremel on one stone than throw $30.00 away on a piece of junk.
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slabcabber
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2010
Posts: 590
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Hello
Jul 21, 2010 18:48:39 GMT -5
Post by slabcabber on Jul 21, 2010 18:48:39 GMT -5
First let me welcome you to the forum Bob. Like Debby & Tom, I too started with a Lortone 33b, they are an ok tumbler to start with. I have sence went to a 35 pounder and am loving it. I am also building one that will hold about 70lb's. So like Don said, save your money and wait a little longer and get a tumbler that will last and do you a great job. Best of luck to you. Mark
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bgast1
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2010
Posts: 1,076
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Hello
Jul 21, 2010 22:08:22 GMT -5
Post by bgast1 on Jul 21, 2010 22:08:22 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for your kind replies. I am getting more and more excited about getting a tumbler and less and less excited about trying to use my dremel. The problem with the dremel is not so much the end polishing but trying to get the rock smooth and with less scratches.
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Hello
Jul 21, 2010 22:26:48 GMT -5
Post by jakesrocks on Jul 21, 2010 22:26:48 GMT -5
Another problem with the Dremel is that rock should be ground, sanded and polished in water. Water and electricity don't get along very well, so unless you have the flex shaft and chuck for your Dremel, I wouldn't be grinding on rocks that way. Don
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Hello
Jul 23, 2010 18:39:10 GMT -5
Post by rockrookie on Jul 23, 2010 18:39:10 GMT -5
Welcome to RTH !! paul
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bgast1
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2010
Posts: 1,076
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Hello
Jul 23, 2010 21:16:09 GMT -5
Post by bgast1 on Jul 23, 2010 21:16:09 GMT -5
I have a flex shaft.
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