Rock Tumbler RPM?

[cosmetal]

Greetings, all!

Two noobie questions:

1.) Is there a best RPM for a rock tumbler rotation? Slower or faster? It seems that there are two RPMs generally available - 1,500 and 3,000.

2.) Anyone using an Extreme Rebel 17 to tumble their rocks? If yes, pros and cons, please!

Peace,
James

 

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[cosmetal]

Just found the Extreme Rebel 17 info.

It uses a 1/30 HP, 3,000 RPM motor that turns their drum at 40 RPM due to the gearing.

Would using an inline variable speed controller to lower the drum RPM help with softer stones?

Thanks!
James

 

[ToddsPoint]

I'm getting ready to get out my old tumbler and give it a try. We could use a LAPIDARY Sub-Forum on here! Gary

 

[DDancer]

Rock tumbler RPM ratings dont really mean much as most tumblers are geared down. One varies the rpm of what they are tumbling at according to whats being tumbled, soft or hard material, the coursness of the grit being used and polish. Higher rpm's are good for fast grinding on hard materials and low rpm for soft materials. But depending on the grit you can loose a lot of material fast in high for any material. Inline rpm control requires some experimentation but will give one better control for materials of a given hardness. Depends on if the motor being used can be controlled, some cant due to design.

 

[cosmetal]

Good information, DD. Thanks!

James