subject: How To Use A Rotary Rock Tumbler Kit [print this page] A rock tumbler is a tool commonly used by rock collectors and geologists to polish rocks. It is amazing to see a rough rock transformed into a beautiful gem, just be spending time in the tumbler. This article explains how to use a rock tumbler to make it perform its' magic.
For an aspiring geologist, gemologist, or mineralogist, a rock tumbler can be both a toy and an educational tool. However, there are many types suited to different purposes, and not all of them will work for an amateur.
A standard rock tumbler kit can be found at most toy stores. This rock kit usually contains the tumbler along with some rocks, grit, and a few jewelry findings. With proper care, a good rock kit can be used over and over and can last indefinitely. However, the small size and small power of the motor will limit the size of rocks that can be used. Should the tumblers break, it may be difficult to find replacement parts. More than likely you would be looking at buying a new rock kit.
The type of rock kit available from toy stores includes rotating or rotational rock tumblers. In a rotating tumbler, the rocks fall over and over, rolling around and polishing them as they collide with one another, similar to the way mountain rocks are polished by the steady collision with a mountain stream. It is advisable to choose a rock kit made by a company that has been around for a while in case you need a replacement part.
Vibration (or "agitating") tumblers are higher quality and generally more expensive form of rock tumbler. Instead of physically rotating the rock, vibration tumblers either use ultrasound or spin around the vertical axis. They work much more quickly, one to two weeks, as opposed to about a month for a rotational tumbler. They also maintain the essential shape of the rock, rather than producing a uniformly round rock. So unless you want all of your rocks to have the same basic round shape, you will need to consider a vibration rock kit. They are a bit quieter as well.
Size is extremely important. Rock tumblers are sized according to the weight of the load they can continuously bear. Since it can take a month or more for a rotary tumbler to polish a rock, it is important that the tumbler can handle the weight of the rock. The most common cause of rotor failure or broken belts is an overloaded barrel. Large barrels can hold both large and small rocks, but small barrels can only hold small rocks. This seems logical, but on the day that your tumbler breaks, you will regret purchasing a small barrel!
At the same time, large barrels generally cost more money (no surprise), and you will need to balance your budget against the size and type of rocks you hope to polish.
Once you've chosen and purchased your tumbler, you will also purchase a few accessories for your polishing. You will need Vaseline to seal the barrel against leaks- an ordinary store brand of petroleum jelly is fine. You will also need extra grit, unless of course you want to use the grit purchase as an excuse to buy a nicer tumbler! Keep in mind the time that will be required to tumble (a week or two for vibration or a month for rotational tumblers) and the noise that will be generated by the tumbler. If noise is a concern, you may want to purchase a large cooler to insulate and minimize the sound.
A basic rock tumbler can inspire a future career in the geology or gemology. It can also lead to the purchase of a larger and nicer rock kit! Some children may be satisfied with a simple rotary tumbler as a supplement to their rock collection, while others may seek better tumblers in their quest to collect amazing rocks. Regardless of what kind you get, a rock tumbler will inevitably be an educational and entertaining toy.
