fmelvis
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2010
Posts: 235
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Post by fmelvis on Dec 1, 2010 17:57:46 GMT -5
Had my mind set on the Lortone 3 lbs er, but I just got my rock shipment from the rockshed and some of these stones are 1.5 to 2 inches big. Is this tumbler gonna be able to handle rocks this big or do I need to consider the 4 or 6 lbs er?
Frank
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Post by tkrueger3 on Dec 1, 2010 18:01:49 GMT -5
I have some bigger than 2" rolling in my Thumlers AR-2 (2 of the 3-lb barrels) right now. Seems to be working ok. I'd guess the Lortone would do just as well, if not perhaps even better - the Thumler's 3-lb barrel has a round interior, but the Lortone may be octagonal inside, which would impart more action to the stones. I don't have one, so not sure.
Tom
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 1, 2010 19:26:34 GMT -5
It should handle it fine as long as there is a good mix of sizes and not all 2". . If you can afford it I would get the 33B. You will be quickly glad you have two drums turning. Unless Thumler's has changed it should have many small steps inside the barrel.
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Post by rockrookie on Dec 1, 2010 20:14:56 GMT -5
that size should be fine as long as you have some smaller mix . they will get smaller when the rough edges start wearing down . in a week or two you will probably have room to add more . other wise you will only have a 1/2 full barrell . as John said , if youcan , get a double 3lb barrel . i prefer Lortone . from my experience! in about a year , more or less , you will be ready for more and bigger . haha !! have fun !! --paul
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chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
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Post by chromenut on Dec 1, 2010 22:41:07 GMT -5
I bought my first as a double barrel 6 pounder, two three pound barrels. Wore it out in a year, and am moving up to the BR-6 now. Many people last a long time with the two three pound barrels, and using them gives you one advantage I won't have with the BR-6, which is a second barrel. I used my first barrel for the initial rough tumble and the second barrel for fine to finish polish. That way I never passed grit between the two and they lasted a good long time.
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slabcabber
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2010
Posts: 590
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Post by slabcabber on Dec 1, 2010 22:42:42 GMT -5
The tumbler I use is made by MJR tumblers and they are great. That is all they make is tumblers. They have a 15lber You should check them out before you buy... At www.mjrtumblers.com Nice people to deal with and a great product as well as great prices.
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chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
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Post by chromenut on Dec 1, 2010 22:46:05 GMT -5
Mark I truly considered one, but am concerned about the amount of noise and the time that barrel will last. I sent emails to the address posted on the site but never a response. My experience with unlined plastic barrels is that they make a lot of noise. My three pounder with rubber barrels made almost no noise, the motor made as much noise as the barrels did. And also the wear and tear on those barrels, there is no measurement of the thickness of the walls on that site - how long, in constant use, will one last??? Have to admit though, if I wasn't buying from John I'd be looking at MJR!!! The other good thing about the MJR tumbler, you can use a whole slew of barrels on that, it doesn't have to be just the MJR barrel! By the way, that link doesn't work for some reason, but this one does: www.potterymills.com/
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slabcabber
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2010
Posts: 590
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Post by slabcabber on Dec 1, 2010 22:53:29 GMT -5
Well they do make a little noise but mine is in an out building so that is not a bother to me . But if you have it in the house it is a little noisy for that. And as for the wear on the barrel well I have only had mine for a few months so I cant really answer that sorry. I just know how good it has worked for me so far.
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chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
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Post by chromenut on Dec 2, 2010 0:07:41 GMT -5
Just noticed their replacement barrels are darned inexpensive too. Good price....
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fmelvis
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2010
Posts: 235
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Post by fmelvis on Dec 2, 2010 7:44:46 GMT -5
getting the dual 3ibs model seems to make a lot of sense. Think I'm gonna go with that. Thanks all.
Frank
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drdrew
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since September 2010
Posts: 85
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Post by drdrew on Dec 2, 2010 10:08:04 GMT -5
my only regret since getting into this is that i didn't buy a larger tumbler
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 2, 2010 10:10:57 GMT -5
Even if a larger tumbler is needed later the double 3 lb. will come in handy.
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chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
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Post by chromenut on Dec 2, 2010 18:56:51 GMT -5
Years from now I'll probably find out that the BR-6 I'm getting isn't large enough ... lol... hoping I last years, I just can't pass up the sale price on that thing, almost half price!
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Dec 2, 2010 20:01:58 GMT -5
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chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
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Post by chromenut on Dec 3, 2010 9:29:12 GMT -5
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