Single Barrels – Maximum load in one go, but you have to wait for each stage to be completed before moving onto the next.
Double Barrels – Allows you to have two separate smaller loads tumbling in unison and at different stages of the process, making for a much faster turn around time. It also helps the barrels last longer by separating the media stages and spreading out the workload. The Double Barrel machine is our most popular line since it makes tumbling much easier and quicker. A 6lb tumbling machine can take two lots of 3lb loads at different stages running at the same time.
What is the difference between the plastic and rubber barrels?
Plastic Barrels – These are known as standard barrels. They are used in the vast majority of cases and very popular with beginners. You can hear the stones turning within the barrel, it’s not too loud but we do recommend that the running of the machine is done in a conservatory, garage or spare/back room as it is quite a constant, repetitive rumbling noise.
Rubber Barrels – These are premium barrels, run much quieter, recommended for those who have limited space. They are also designed to last much longer than the plastic barrels, and the lids are much easier to remove.
Do I need anything else?
Many people prefer to buy extra barrels to ensure that they keep the grit and polish stages separate in the different barrels to avoid contamination, as the slightest grain of silicon carbide left in a barrel can be detrimental to the polishing stage. This also avoids wear and tear on one single barrel.
With this machine option you will need to purchase the grits – we recommend F80 & F400 Grade Silicon Carbide and Pumice Powder/Cerium Oxide Polish to get you started, there are several more grade options should you desire to add extra stages. Such media as Plastic Pellets can also be purchased as a buffer agent to aid in the polishing process.
You may also wish to consider our packs of Rough Rock which are ideal for tumbling and getting the results you desire. We have also put together a Mixed Rough Rock pack which contains many different rock types and colours in one pack.
How long does it take to tumble stones or rocks?
Ceri Barry –
I think this tumbler is fantastic. The build quality is second to none. Its fairly quiet too using the rubber barrels. I would not hesitate to recommend it.you can ask about it on uk rock tumbling on Facebook. There are plenty of spares available for this machine. Simply the best tumbler that I have owned