New To Tumbling

[SouthJerseyRyan]

Hi,

I'm interested into getting into rock tumbling. Used one ages ago when I was a kid and had a good time with it. Would be interested in polishing up some amythests, garnet, etc. Wondering if anyone has any tips, where to start, etc.

[marinedad]

if you think your going to stick with tumbling invest in a good brand tumbler. if you decide you like doing it you'll want multiple, or larger tumblers. grit is inexpensive but some polish is getting expensive. feel free to pm me with any questions.

[1more4me]

Best piece of advice I can think of is: Don't Rush it!
If your type of stone needs 7-10 days corse grit tumbling- go with 10.
If you think the fourth stage or final polish needs 2 days- do it for 3.

Just about any stone is going to need 20-30 days of tumbling- but scan the many websites and forums to figure out your stones hardness and recomended procedures.
Good luck- and show us what you end up with.
1more

[goldinmypan]

If you need 10 days of tumbling with corse grit, you would be better off with replacing the grit after 5 days with fresh grit. Just like the stones round off, so does the grit

[oneeye]

if you think your going to stick with tumbling invest in a good brand tumbler.

Any suggestions?

[marinedad]

i have a few lortones with the 3 lb. barrels, they run 24-7 for the last 2 years, oil bearings every month and i got them used. i also have an old diamond pacific dual 6 lb. drums that i tumble course rock and grit in. as rocks are ready to move on to the next stage, they go into the smaller lortone tumblers.