Rock Tumblers

[johnnynormal510]

I think that the next logical step is for me to purchase a rock tumbler.

I have seen them going for between $10 and $1100.
One model that looks promising at $50 is the Thumler's Tumbler Model T rock tumbler.

Does anyone have any experience with using a tumbler to polish pachi parts?

How large of a tumbler do i need, and what else do i need to know before buying?

Thanks

[DrDark]

Here is what I use:

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Its cheap and works well. If you wait for a sale you can get it for about 25 Bux.

Get a couple of extra belts, they break just when you need them.

[new in town]

I got the "two" tumbler model.

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

I purchased the extended warrante with it. The original belt broke after 2 days.

I found replacement belst on E-Bay. Have to find that vendor.

I ran the first machine 24 / 7 for two weeks polishing Sphere's and Tokens and the motor let go.

The replacement one is doing fine now for over a year since I do not run it Full Bore as I did the first one.

[johnnynormal510]

Thanks for the quick reply!
Now, i see that those models have a 3lb weight limit. About how many pachi balls is that?

I have found some DIY plans for small and large tumblers. I think the most adventurous version involved using a 33" truck tire as a drum!

Any thoughts?

[jwegger]

I use a vibratory tumbler for polishing shell casings.

Lyman 1200 Tumbler
Inexpensive and reliable, I've had mine for about 20 years and it still runs like a champ

[birdbrain]

1000 spheres = 12Lbs

[sharmoni]

Berry's Manufacturing makes a vibrating tumbler that uses crushed walnut shells or corn cobs. I've used it to clean smaller metal parts on my older vintage machines and it works very well.

http://www.berrysmfg.com/product.asp...&pp=8&sb=0&p=0

[luckydog]

that looks like it should work better than a tumbler and last longer

[JACKSJE4]

I agree with sharmoni's post above. I used the same vibrating tumbler from Barry's with a mix of corn cob pieces and walnut shells from the local pet store (bird section) and it stripped thick, solid rust from sheet metal parts and polished them in about two days, and that includes all the nooks and crannies! It also hold larger sized pachi parts than most other tumblers.

Highly recommend it!!

Jeff