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Rock Art => Tumbling => Topic started by: Enchantra on December 28, 2016, 09:19:22 PM

Title: Vibratory Tumbler
Post by: Enchantra on December 28, 2016, 09:19:22 PM
I'm looking for a decent quality vibratory tumbler.  I don't need anything huge as it would be used for cleaning metal clay pieces direct from the kiln.  5 pound capacity might actually almost be to big, but useful.  Any input on the brand of tumbler to buy is useful.  If you know of good condition used tumblers let me know.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Vibratory Tumbler
Post by: Orrum on December 29, 2016, 05:30:53 AM
Can't go wrong with a Loto.
Title: Re: Vibratory Tumbler
Post by: Slabbercabber on December 29, 2016, 05:42:20 AM
For such light work you might try looking at brass tumblers used by reloaders.
Title: Re: Vibratory Tumbler
Post by: hummingbirdstones on December 29, 2016, 06:35:22 AM
When I was looking for a vibratory tumbler many years ago, I saw a post on Orchid suggesting just that - a tumbler for reloaders.  Cheaper than buying one specifically marketed for jewelry or lapidary and works just as well.  I bought a Lyman on recommendations from the folks on that forum.  I just looked and you can get a small one new for around $60.  Here are two links with the best prices:

http://www.impactguns.com/lyman-7631306-turbo-case-tumbler-each-universal-8in-bowl-011516813060.aspx

http://grabagun.com/lyman-products-corp-7631306-600-w-media-tumbler.html

Mine is a bigger one, but I don't need one as large as mine is.  Just takes more medium to use and stainless shot is EXPENSIVE.  I bought mine over 10 years ago and it's still going without any problem in all that time.  I've used stainless steel shot in it and also Diamond Pacific's Vibra-Dry (which I love) for metal and stones.
Title: Re: Vibratory Tumbler
Post by: Slabbercabber on December 29, 2016, 11:12:21 AM
I would expect better pricing from Midway.
Title: Re: Vibratory Tumbler
Post by: hummingbirdstones on December 29, 2016, 12:03:55 PM
Midway has a larger Lyman on sale for $49.99.  They also have other brands that are less expensive, but I have no experience with them.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/158440/lyman-turbo-1200-pro-sifter-case-tumbler-110-volt
Title: Re: Vibratory Tumbler
Post by: Enchantra on December 31, 2016, 01:07:14 AM
Thank you so  much for the input!!!  You have no idea how much that helps!   :headbang:
Title: Re: Vibratory Tumbler
Post by: Enchantra on January 01, 2017, 09:42:11 PM
I found one of the Lyman tumblers on Amazon on Prime shipping, so I grabbed it up along with more stainless shot.  I'm good now.   :icon_sunny:
Title: Re: Vibratory Tumbler
Post by: hummingbirdstones on January 02, 2017, 06:49:22 AM
Awesome!  They sure do help clean up the little nooks and crannies easier than trying to do it by hand.  Have fun!
Title: Re: Vibratory Tumbler
Post by: Enchantra on January 11, 2017, 01:43:20 PM
I'm using the tumbler today!
However after two hours of usage, I turned it off, checked on a few pieces, and turned it back on.  Five minutes later it started to sound like a jet engine going off and it scared my dogs.  I turned it off.  I wonder could it have gotten to warm?
Title: Re: Vibratory Tumbler
Post by: hummingbirdstones on January 11, 2017, 03:51:17 PM
Huh, I've never had that happen and sometimes I forget about it and it runs for hours.  I would make sure there's nothing blocking any air vents.  Also, what type of medium are you using?  Maybe that might be the problem somehow. 
Title: Re: Vibratory Tumbler
Post by: Slabbercabber on January 12, 2017, 05:29:47 AM
Check for loose screws and keep your loads fairly light.  It is made to use walnut shell media with hollow brass shells.
Title: Re: Vibratory Tumbler
Post by: Rustycat on August 14, 2019, 08:20:26 AM
I would expect better pricing from Midway.
I just wanted to add to an old discussion re vibratory tumblers.  I decided to buy a  Thumbler UV-10 and found it difficult to find it in stock at lapidary shops online.  The one store that did have it still in stock wanted a price that was about $60 higher than others.  After a bit more diligent searching I located one at Cabella's for half the price, with cheaper shipping. 
Total cost with shipping and tax was $163.