Rock Tumblers and Rock Polishing
Rotating Rock Tumblers
There are several different manufacturers of rotating rock tumblers. They all work basically the same, though they come in different sizes. You get what you pay for... the rotors of the more expensive tumblers can last pretty much forever if they are given proper care. Cheap tumblers may use cheap parts, which can break and be difficult to replace.
Using a Rotating Rock Tumbler
Here are instructions I've written on how to use a rotating tumbler to polish rocks. Your tumbler should come with instructions, but if you lose them or get a used tumbler, these should get you back on track.
Vibrating Rock Tumblers
Vibrating Tumbler Instructions
The instructions for polishing rocks using a vibrating tumbler explain how much and what type of grit to use depending on the hardness of the rocks you intend to polish.
Find a Rock Tumbler
Elenco Electronics Discovery Planet Rock Tumbler
Amazon Price: $37.93 (as of 11/23/2009) 
Elenco Electronics Discovery Planet Rock Tumbler Refill Kit
Amazon Price: $18.40 (as of 11/23/2009)
Model T Kit Rock Tumbler
Amazon Price: $89.95 (as of 11/23/2009)
Rock Tumbler
Amazon Price: $39.89 (as of 11/23/2009)
Imagine Nation Rock Tumbler Refill Classic
Amazon Price: $18.45 (as of 11/23/2009)
Tips to Help You Choose a Rock Tumbler
1) How big are the rocks you want to tumble?
Tumblers are sized according to the loads that they can bear. Small tumblers tumble (you guessed it) small rocks. Large tumblers can accomodate larger rocks or lots of smaller rocks. If you are tumbling small stones to use for jewelry, you probably can use a small tumbler. If you want to tumble large specimens, then you may be happier with a larger tumbler.
Also, you need to have enough rocks to fill the barrel of the tumbler. If you expect to tumble small batches of rocks, go with a smaller size. If you have mountains of pretty rocks just waiting to be polished, go with something bigger.
2) How much do you want to spend?
Bigger tumblers cost more. Vibrating tumblers typically cost more than rotating tumblers.
3) What Shape Rocks Do You Want?
Rotating tumblers produce rounded rocks. Rocks polished by a vibrational tumbler retain more of their original size and shape.
Find Rock Tumbler Grit on eBay
You can always find rocks to tumble, but you are going to go through the grit!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Sign the Guestbook
Share your experiences with rock tumblers or describe what you do with your polished stones.
What's Hot at About Chemistry
When I'm not making lenses, I write About.com's Chemistry site.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byby Azareal
Explore related pages
Rocks, Crystals and Gems- Just sharing what I find on beautiful crystals, minerals, gems, and rocks.
Grow Your Own Crystal Geodes- Natural geodes are hollow rock formations that are filled with crystals. They oc...
The Rockhound!- If you're an avid rockhound, you know that having the right tools is important....
Rock collecting- Did you ever skip a rock across the water? Or did you ever pick up a rock and sa...
Geodes For Sale!- I've been hunting and collecting geodes for only a short time, but I've discover...
Rockhounding for Fun and Profit: Finding What You Want- A how to guide for collecting rocks used in making jewelry. This guide will tell...
