Rock tumbler for rocks & cleaning jewellery

[mizgeorge]

Well my Lortone doesn't have fins, and does the job perfectly

[Lindyloo]

I am actually looking to buy my first barrel polisher, and didn't realise it was so complicated.

What are the fins you are talking about?
And should it be a metal topped barrel or rubber topped barrel for most jewellery pieces?
Is the rubber top kinder to gemstones (i.e. the ones that can go in the barrel)?
The rubber topped one we used to have at college always leaked, so they replaced it with a metal topped one which was better.
They also used to say something about the minimum hardness of a stone that was okay to put in the barrel, but I can't remember what that was - is it about a 7?

[Green Monster]

The "fins" will be found in side the metal polishing barrels, just 3 or so raised lips inside the barrel that pick the shot up, a bit like the fins you see in a cement mixer.

If tumbling stones ensure they are all the same hardness in one barrel otherwise the harder ones will ruin the softer ones. Try to have the barrel about two thirds full or efficient tumbling.
To get all the info you could ever require on rock tumbling visit http://www.rocktumblinghobby.com/

cheers
G

[caroleallen]

Well my Lortone doesn't have fins, and does the job perfectly

Is the Lortone the one that's hexagonal and clear? I've heard many good reports of that one. I've just forked out for a guillotine but that tumbler is next on my list. I've got 2 tumblers already but they do leak if I'm not careful.

[bustagasket]

no that i know i am goiong to the IJL next month this is definately on my "must have" list you gotta buy at least one big item at these shows havent you? and thats mine! heehee still havent sorted out my train of porters to carry stuff but we shall see lol. So keep the comments coming on this please guys cos i shall be groping in the dark without advice from you guys

[Tags]

Can I ask a daft question on barelling? We are investing in one shortly but is it right that you use steel shot for polishing silver? I would have thought that it would scratch it.

[Lindyloo]

Yes, steel shot is correct. It's like using a burnisher on silver.

[Emerald]

i have a 'brand new tumbler' still in its s box havent made enough stuff made yet to warrent filling it up it was bought from Cooksons for 125. +vat but i have seen recently advertised a clear barrel that is supposed to do the work in half the time now if ony i had waited......... dont like waiting!

[lesley]

I got a Lortone in December and I love it.
Caroleallen, the barrel is black rubber not clear.
I've noticed that Cooksons sometimes have an offer of tumbler, shot and soap in one that seems good value.

[Suzedablooze]

I love my tumbler. I use it to polish PMC objects straight after firing. It works a treat.

I use it with metal shot but the trick is to make sure you put a decent amount (but not too much - about a tablespoon full) of detergent in with it and fill it 2/3 full with water.

Suze